A NEW study claiming to use mathematics to identify the most beautiful dogs has put Scottish breeds at the top of the list.
In order to identify the most proportionally perfect dogs, the study used the Golden Ratio and images of the 138 most popular dog breeds in the UK.
Images of the dog’s faces were used to analyse measurements such as the snout length, the space between the eyes, the length of the dog’s head, the space between the top of the head and the eyes, and the space between the ears.
The similarity of each dog breed’s proportions to the Golden Ratio was then calculated as a percentage out of 100, where 100% represented the perfect Golden Ratio proportions and therefore the most statistically beautiful dog breed, according to the study.
With a score of 88.7%, the results revealed that the “most beautiful” dog is the Cairn Terrier. The breed, recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs, originated in the Highlands.
The second most beautiful dog, with a score of 87.5%, was the West Highland White Terrier, known as a Westie.
The third most beautiful dog, with a score of 86.7%, was the Border Collie, which originates in the border counties of Scotland and England.
At the other end of the scale, the study labelled the Shih Tzu the least beautiful dog, with a score of 41.0%. Bullmastiffs came second last on 48.7%, and French Bulldogs next with a score of 54.3%.
The data was compiled for price comparison and finance advice website money.co.uk.
A pet insurance expert for the website, Salman Haqqi, said: “Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and regardless of the ranking position of a dog’s breed, every dog no matter its shape or size should be appreciated.
“One of the most important ways to care for any dog is to make sure it is fully insured so that any unforeseen expenses can be easily taken care of, allowing you and your pets to enjoy your time together without worry.”
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