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Goats have the same gaze as dogs.
Scientists have recently discovered that goats and dogs are very much alike. These horned animals have become quite popular over the past few years, but it seems that their connection with humans is deeper than everyone thought.
It is known that goats are among the animals which have been domesticated by people thousands of years ago, just like dogs, and horses.
These animals have many benefits for humans including their milk, hair, and meat. Goat’s milk is regarded as more nutritious than cow’s milk.
A team of scientists led by Christian Nawroth conducted a study during which they discovered that goats gaze at humans just like dogs do when they ask for help or a treat.
Before this research, experts thought that only horses and dogs have this kind of connection with us, but it seems that they were wrong. During the experiment, the animals were trained to take a treat from a box which they were unable to open without help.
Also, there were always humans near the boxes who were observing whether the animals would gaze at them to ask for help. As a result, goats showed the same behavior as horses and dogs seeking human assistance.
Experts stress that there is a huge difference between taming an animal and domesticating one. For instance, foxes have been regarded as pets over the past few years because a facility in Siberia has been breeding them for more than five decades.
One fox costs hundreds of dollars, and they are raised by humans to adapt to our lifestyle and behavior. However, scientists underline that foxes cannot be labeled as tamed, even if they are considered pets. In other words, they are still wild animals and their behavior is just similar to dogs.
But dogs can be tamed, while foxes are just domesticated and trained. Another study has proved that dogs and wolves are different as well. Dogs use the gaze behavior when they need human assistance, whereas wolves try to solve the problem on their own.
Researchers were surprised when they discovered that goats gaze at us when they need something. According to Alan McElligott, study author from the Queen Mary University of London, horses were always used to be ridden, dogs as guards or companions and goats were domesticated for their hair, milk, and meat.
It means that it is not unusual the fact that goats gaze at humans when they need help, as they were always regarded as domesticated animals. Scientists will continue their research hoping to find the gazing behavior in other domesticated animals as well.
Image Source:Live Animal List
