It's good they're cute because dogs are natural troublemakers. From muddy footprints to chewing a door in half (yes, really), puppy dog eyes exist for a reason.
One unlucky dog's bad behavior was caught on camera, making their attempt at being nonchalant even more hilarious. Captioned "so this happened today," the video has so far received over 64,000 views.
In a clip shared by TikTok user @hannahfearn on 28 July, a German shepherd-Labradoodle mix called Spyro had an unfortunate accident with a flat-screen TV.
@hannahfearn So this happened today....🤦♀️ #funnyvideos #dogfalls #youvebeenframed #falling #smashedtv #funnypets #funnydogs #caughtoncamera
♬ original sound - Hannah Fearn
Lazing in a windowsill, not-so-small Spyro slips while trying to change position, knocking the TV flying. Not realizing he's been caught on pet cam, Spyro hops back on the windowsill, looks around for a second, and goes back to enjoying the view.
Puppy Eyes Explained
A recent study by the Duquesne University in Pittsburgh suggests that dogs evolved the famous "puppy dog eyes" to manipulate human emotions. Researchers proposed that our canine companions grew extra facial muscles to beguile their owners, as well as to better communicate.
Humans have tiny muscles around our eyes and mouths that are used to create small, speedy facial expressions, known as "fast twitch fibers." Domesticated dogs have evolved similar facial muscles, allowing them to create more human-like expressions— which is why "puppy dog eyes" are so effective.
For the study, scientists counted the number of fast and slow twitch fibers in the orbicularis oris muscle (which can be found around the eye), and the zygomaticus major muscle (around the mouth) of seven dog breeds and compared them to wolves. They discovered that 66 to 95 percent of modern canines' facial muscles were classed as "fast twitch" fibers, depending on the breed. Comparatively, for wolves, that figure was 25 percent, which is why domesticated dogs are "cuter." Another benefit of having more fast twitch fibers is the ability to create short, loud barks, which allows dogs to "speak" to their owners.
TikToker Reactions
TikTok users found Spyro's reaction to the falling TV hilarious.
"Oops," said sammy35 simply.
"'I'm in trouble,'" said Matthewdavidj of Spyro.
"Jumped back on the windowsill like the floor was lava," wrote Alf.
Imy013 enjoyed "the way he looks around like 'good, nobody saw that.'"
Other users wondered if Spyro was actually a cat, rather than a dog, as Hannah claimed.
"That's why windowsills are for cats," said BashBash.
"That is a big cat to be fair," wrote user770320779565.
Looking on the bright side of the situation, user SteviveMc70 said, "At least your insurance company gonna believe you now."
Newsweek has reached out to @hannahfearn for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more
