The happiest-looking dog breeds have been revealed, with German Shepherds and Poodles ranked as the most cheerful.
A detailed analysis of video footage of 210 dogs analysed the different movements of their facial muscles while the dogs were relaxed, playful and happy. The researchers wanted to know whether dogs with very different facial structures produce expressions similar enough to understand one another.
The most expressive dogs that appear to be laughing include Basset Hounds, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, Rottweilers and Pitbulls.
On the other hand, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Newfoundlands, Bull Terriers and Akitas are among the dogs that look the 'least cheerful'.
While this is not a true indicator of how each dog is really feeling, their joyful expressions show why humans are so fond of them.
"We found breeds like the Poodle and German Shepherd have a much more exaggerated, full version of the play face, whereas breeds like the Beagle have a very subtle, minimal version," says Dr Veronica Maglieri, from the University of Pisa, who conducted the analysis.
"You could say, if you were telling a joke, the German Shepherd would look as if it were laughing out loud, while the beagle would give just the faintest hint of a smile. It is very interesting to see how the different breeds we have created have varying facial expressions, as this is such a key way in which dogs communicate with themselves and us."
Flat-faced Pugs and Bulldogs used expressions such as "mouth stretch" and "lip corner pull," giving the appearance of laughter or happy smiles.
The researchers also found that when dogs smile with an open mouth, it is not aggressive but rather a sign that they are playing together — something many carnivorous animals do.
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This best-selling yellow dog bed comes with a machine washable removable cover. It's made of high-quality furniture fabrics, which allows your pet to feel very comfortable inside. Elastic pillows provide pets safety and comfort.
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This Petface water resistant mattress is designed to help keep your dog's bed clean. It comes with a removable berber fleece top cover which you can easily take off and reattach with the poppers. The removable cover is machine washable and the wipe clean base makes cleaning super easy. The non slip backing helps to keep the bed still as your dog gets on and off.
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This dog bed is thickly padded on all sides to provide warmth and extra comfort with reversible cushions. It's also machine washable and has a non-slip base.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
