What is it about this dog?

Why does this look like our friend ____?A friend of mine posted a link to an adoption page for a dog from a shelter. It’s not that she wants the dog, as far as I can tell, I think she just found it appealing. When I looked at it, however, I immediately noticed a similarity to a friend of mine from STL. Sam agrees, after examining the photo that the likeness is uncanny. I have a feeling if you know this friend you would agree immediately, but that’s not what I’m curious about. I want to know WHY THE HELL A RANDOM DOG CAN LOOK LIKE SOMEONE I KNOW. I can’t pick out a particular feature that nails it for me, but if you do figure it out, post in the comments below, and I’ll try to get a prize of some kind to you. And, importantly, there is no insult intended – I think it’s a nice looking dog, for its breed combination, and the friend isn’t bad looking either. It’s just weird.

4 comments Sunday 15 Feb 2009 | | Announcements

4 Responses to “What is it about this dog?”

  1. on 21 Feb 2009 at 9:35 am   Mike Hill

    I think the keys here are the dark markings above the eyes that resemble eyebrows as well as the crease between the eyes that resembles a furrowed brow. With many primates (including humans) eyebrows or eyebrow markings are a key indicator of mood (surprise, anger, etc). I would argue that the eyebrow markings as well as the furrowed brow resemble a facial expression that reminds you of the facial expression most commonly made by your friend. I have a background in Anthropology so I find this sort of thing fascinating. What is also interesting to me is that these particular traits in this dog are no accident. Dog breeders naturally select features in dogs that make them appear more human. For example, shorter snouts, round faces, small ears, and in this case……….eyebrow markings!

  2. on 24 Feb 2009 at 8:53 pm   m.

    Hmmm…I have to admit, my friend has blonde eyebrows most of the time, and that makes the comparison hard to picture. But the eyes seem to bear a strong resemblance, so you still deserve a prize. Are you still in town? If so, let me know, that will make it easier.

  3. on 26 Feb 2009 at 9:51 pm   Mike Hill

    I’m long gone, back to the grind. No prize needed. I just thought I would take a stab at it. See ya in March (spring skiing and all)!

  4. on 16 Mar 2009 at 10:18 pm   Flexistentialism » This economy calls for strange gifts

    [...] the art show, I had the opportunity to present Mike (winner of the prize for “why does this dog look like my friend”) with his prize: 1 quart of my latest batch of homemade root beer. I have to applaud Mike for [...]