Do people really look like their dogs? According to Japanese psychologist Sadahiko Nakajima, the answer is yes. As reported by The Huffington Post, in a 2009 study, Nakajima found that people were able to match humans and their dogs simply by looking at pictures of their faces.
The resemblance is caused by “mere-exposure effect,” or familiarity. We humans tend to stick to what we know, and when it’s time to choose a canine life partner, we gravitate towards dogs who remind us of, well, ourselves. It’s a subtle, subconscious phenomenon that results in lots of people choosing pets who have similar facial characteristics.
But enough about science, let’s see some mere-exposure effect in action among some of our favorite celebrities! These notable people are total twinsies with their pampered pooches, living proof that even the rich and famous are susceptible to mere-exposure effect. After all, stars and their dogs…they’re just like us and our dogs!
Dax Shepherd and Lola
Dax Shepard and rescue mutt Lola share an affinity for the theatric! This photo was taken shortly after Lola fought off a coyote. Learn more about the coyote encounter from Lola’s other celebrity parent, Kristin Bell, in an interview with Ellen Degeneres earlier this year.
Lady Gaga and Asia…
Lady Gaga’s French bulldog Asia is an Instragram superstar, and for good reason. You can’t read the poker faces on this perfectly-matched pair!
…and Koji
That’s right, there’s another Frenchie in the Gaga family, and he fits right in with his downturned mouth and adorable nostrils. Koji makes regular appearances on both Gaga’s and Asia’s Instagram feeds. Now that’s one adorable family.
Harry Styles and Bear
Okay, technically the One Direction heartthrob only met Bear the puppy shortly before this photo was taken, so they’re not a lifelong pair. But like attracts like, and these two have a lot in common: their lovely curls, their youthful good looks, and over a million “likes” on Instagram. Harry’s own dog Colin is a similarly cute-and-curly cockapoo.
Amanda Seyfried and Finn
Finn is almost as big a celebrity as his movie star mom, and it’s easy to see why: this lovely, down-to-earth pair are like siblings from another species. Amanda even sometimes refers to herself as Finn’s twin. You can see the two of them in action in a short film produced for Vogue.
Marc and Neville Jacobs
Legendary fashion designer Marc Jacobs has an equally stylish canine companion in Finn, a striking bull terrier who patiently models for his daddy’s camera. See lots more of Finn and friends on his popular Instagram account.
Andy Cohen and Wacha
Andy Cohen, the dynamic host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, had never even had a pet before adopting beagle mix Wacha. Now, the two are totally inseparable….Andy even captioned the above photo on Wacha’s official Instagram page, “I fear that we’re starting to look alike.”
Zooey Deschanel, Dot, and Zelda
These wide-eyed beauties fit right in with their adoptive mama Zooey Deschanel, who told the story of their adoption on the Ellen Show in 2013.
Denise Richards and Scooter (and friends)
Actress Denise Richards is a serious animal lover and dog rescuer, with several dogs of her own plus a rotating cast of fosters. But Scooter is her closest lookalike. Just look at the smiles on this pair! Richards’ blended family also has horses and pet pigs. In fact, check out this picture of another pair of Richards family lookalikes: Lily and Freddie.
Kate Bosworth and Happy
Happy is a French Spaniel with a name to suit his—and his famous mom’s—sunny personality. The two of them have been inseparable since Happy joined the family in late 2014.
Lena Dunham and Lamby
Lamby and Girls creator/star Lena are two unique, adorable peas in a pod—and check out those matching pajamas! I know what my dog’s getting for her birthday this year.
Zoe Saldana and Mugsy
Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Zoe Saldana has a pint-sized twin in her rescue dog Mugsy, whose smile is as infectious as his famous mom’s. Here, this dynamic duo get their fitness on together. There’s nothing like a best friend who enjoys the same activities as you.
Do you and your dog look alike? Do you have a favorite celebrity-dog couple? Let us know in the comments!