Dog Emotions and Human Emotions: Cut From The Same Cloth

Which emotions do humans recognize in animals, and which do animals recognize in humans? A study of dogs and their guardian-owners found that most humans think their canine companions have a very wide range of emotions. Moreover, the variety and depth of dogs’ emotional states are perceived to be similar to that of humans. This may have big implications for animal welfare. According to the authors, “the fact that humans represent animal emotions similarly to their own (helps us understand) why the human public may be sensitive to welfare issues that affect the emotional behavior of animals.”

The researchers acknowledge the likelihood that anthropomorphism influences the perceptions of their human subjects. But the study also finds that “qualitative assessments of animals’ emotions by lay people can be a useful tool in welfare measurement.” The authors note that even people who have had little or no interaction with dogs are very likely to acknowledge their full range of emotions. While most advocates already recognize that dogs (and other animals) have complex emotions, this evidence of a widespread positive human perception of animals is likely to help us to promote their protection even further.