Smiling human faces are attractive to dogs -- thanks to oxytocin

(University of Helsinki) Researchers in the University of Helsinki's Canine Mind research project found that oxytocin made dogs interested in smiling human faces. It also made them see angry faces as less threatening. Associated with affection and trust, the hormone oxytocin is probably a key factor in the interaction between dogs and humans.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news