In a recent study, researchers have discovered that dogs use their eyes as a way to communicate with both their canine friends and their human owners. The coloring, shape, and position of a dog's eyes can all play a role in this eye-based communication system. Interestingly, the study found that certain canines, like gray wolves and domestic dogs, live in groups and have clear pupil and eye positioning. On the other hand, species with camouflaged eyes and pupils tend to be more solitary. The researchers also suggest that lighter iris coloring in some dog species is primarily used to facilitate eye communication. So, the next time your dog looks directly into your eyes, remember that they may be trying to send you a message.
Gray Wolves Adapted Gaze Signals to Help Them Hunt in Packs
Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology at Kyoto University in Japan conducted a study comparing different types of canines and discovered that gray wolves and other canines in Group A have clear pupil and eye positioning. They tend to live in groups and have adapted “gaze signals” to aid in hunting cooperatively. On the other hand, canines in Groups B and C, such as fennec foxes and bush dogs, have camouflaged pupils or fully camouflaged eyes, and they tend to be more solitary or live in pairs. The researchers theorize that the adaptation of gaze signals in Group A canines helps them hunt in packs and live cooperatively in groups. This adaptation improves their hunting prowess and ability to catch prey.
