We should smile at our dogs - a new scientific study reveals why
Scientists have worked out what is going on inside a dog's brain when it sees a human smiling or scowling.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"So this finding suggests that happy faces, even those of strangers have a positive value for dogs."
— Laura Cuaya , Academic
"Dogs can distinguish between positive emotions and all the others, but they don't seem to be able to distinguish between the different negative emotions."
— Raúl Hernández-Pérez , Academic
"They are really good at understanding emotions in humans - a species that is completely different from them."
— Laura Cuaya , Academic
"We can reward our dogs with treats, but also reward them with happiness."
— Laura Cuaya , Academic
Key People
Locations
All Coverage
Scientists have worked out what is going on inside a dog's brain when it sees a human smiling or scowling.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
How US military funding propelled China’s robot dogs - Reuters
How US military funding propelled China’s robot dogs Reuters
August 18, 2026 at 04:13 PMWorld's Ugliest Dog contest crowns 2026 winner
The annual contest has been taking place in Santa Rosa, California.
August 15, 2026 at 01:41 PMNEWSLETTER: American AI model makers smell an opportunity - Reuters
NEWSLETTER: American AI model makers smell an opportunity Reuters
August 12, 2026 at 07:15 PMBBC Inside Science
Researchers have announced synthetic viruses designed by artificial intelligence.
August 13, 2026 at 08:00 PMNEWSLETTER: AI firms can't yet contain what they've built, study finds - Reuters
NEWSLETTER: AI firms can't yet contain what they've built, study finds Reuters
August 19, 2026 at 09:25 PMBBC Inside Science
How do you research the impacts of social media on young people?
June 18, 2026 at 04:00 PM