Do Dogs Recognise Themselves in the Mirror?

Dogs’ reactions to mirrors vary from dog to dog. Generally speaking, most dogs do not recognise themselves in the mirror.

While dogs can see their reflections in the mirror, they might not recognise themselves in the same way humans do. Which is a real shame, if only they knew how cute they really are…

What Do Dogs Think When They See Themselves in the Mirror?

When they see themselves in the mirror, their reactions vary. It might be a curious or confusing experience for them. Some dogs may even react playfully, bowing and wagging their tail as they think it's another dog, while others might ignore their reflection altogether. It's a delightful and somewhat puzzling experience for our pooches.

Do Dogs Understand Mirrors?

No, dogs don’t understand mirrors.

Dogs rely more on direct sight, scent and sound to identify objects, people and other dogs. 

However, some studies suggest that certain dogs can be trained to recognise themselves in a mirror. This recognition can be an indication of self-awareness, a trait previously thought to be exclusive to humans and a few other animals.