An ancient Greek formula of ‘physical perfection’ has revealed the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
Experts have used the Golden Ratio of Beauty – a mathematical calculation which was devised by the Greeks but has proven accurate for centuries – to calculate which are the most attractive dogs on Earth.
According to their analysis, Scotland’s Cairn Terrier is the most beautiful breed, with an impressive golden ratio score of 88.7 per cent.
The closer to 100 per cent, the more a breed represents a ‘mathematical distillation of beauty’ with its ‘statistically perfect proportions’.
Next on the list is another terrier – the ‘Westie’ also from Scotland – followed by the Border Collie and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
At the other end of the scale, the least attractive dog breeds are the Shih Tzu, the French Bulldog and the Rottweiler, according to the Golden Ratio.
So how does your pooch rank?
Dating back more than 2,000 years, the Golden Ratio – roughly 1:1.618 – compares the measurements, ratios and symmetry of facial features.
The mathematical principle was used by Leonardo Da Vinci for the perfect human male body in his famous work, the Vitruvian Man.
It has since been adapted by scientists to determine the Greek definition of perfect beauty – with celebrities like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Paul Mescal scoring highly.
Applying the Golden Ratio to dogs, experts at Money.co.uk found some surprising results.
1. CAIRN TERRIER – 88.7%
According to their analysis, Scotland’s Cairn Terrier is the most beautiful breed, with an impressive golden ratio score of 88.7 per cent. Pictured, Toto the Cairn Terrier
With a Golden Ratio score of 88.7 per cent, the Cairn Terrier has the face most naturally pleasing to the eye.
This breed, originating in the Scottish Highlands, has a foxy expression, small, pointy ears and a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat.
The best-known Cairn was a movie star, playing the heroic canine sidekick Toto in 1939 blockbuster film ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
2. WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER – 87.5%
Another Scottish terrier breed, the West Highland White Terrier, ranks just lower – with a still impressive rating of 87.5 per cent.
Slightly shorter but heavier than its Cairn Terrier counterpart, the energetic ‘Westie’ has been historically bred to hunt rodents.
Immediately identifiable by its dense, white coat, the Westie is confident, independent, inquisitive and a little stubborn, making training often a challenge.
3. BORDER COLLIE – 86.7%
Originally bred as working dogs, the Border Collie is known for herding livestock, especially sheep.
Compared with terriers, Border Collies have a more pronounced snout, with floppy triangular ears and oval eyes.
Border Collies are also known for their intelligence, capable of learning a remarkable number of words and commands.
Originally bred as working dogs, the Border Collie is known for herding livestock, especially sheep
The West Highland White Terrier – ranking second with a score of 87.5 per cent – is inquisitive, independent and a little bit stubborn
One Border Collie called Chaser in South Carolina managed to memorise the names of over 1,000 objects after three years of training.
4. RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK – 86.0%
A much larger breed is the Rhodesian Ridgeback, originating from southern Africa to hunt large game, including lions.
Handsome, strong and muscular, this highly active breed has a symmetrical outline, right down to its perfectly proportioned floppy ears.
Rhodesian Ridgeback has a muzzle that’s long and pronounced, with deep eyes with arched brows and a face free from wrinkles.
5. WELSH TERRIER – 85.9%
Next up is the Welsh Terrier, one of the most distinctive dogs on the list with a beauty rating of 85.9 per cent.
This alert, workmanlike breed from Wales has a compact, sturdy build with a rectangular head, erect ears, bushy eyebrows and a bushy beard.
The Welsh Terrier, also known as the Welshie, is an alert, workmanlike dog with a compact, sturdy build and wiry protective coat, according to Purina
Handsome, strong and muscular, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a symmetrical outline, right down to its perfectly proportioned floppy ears
6. WEIMARANER – 85.6%
Next on the list is the Weimaraner, which is instantly recognized by a distinctive silvery-grey coat, big velvety ears and thin build.
Nicknamed the ‘grey ghost’, the Weimaraner, historically linked with Germany’s nobility is strong, muscular and athletic with an earnest expression.
A well-conditioned Weimaraner on point is ‘a breathtaking sight’, according to the American Kennel Club
7. TOLLING RETRIEVER – 85.0%
Originating in Canada, the Tolling Retriever is the smallest of all the retriever breeds.
‘Tollers’ have a fox-like head shape and an attractive rich orange or red fur colour, often with white markings on the feet and face.
Despite having often a sad or worried look on their face, their almond-shaped eyes project an alert expression.
The Toller is a medium-sized retriever with a light orange to a deep red and moderately ‘feathered’ around the ears
The Weimaraner originated in the early 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game in Germany’s dense forests
8. ITALIAN GREYHOUND – 84.9%
Perhaps a more surprising addition to the list is the Italian Greyhound, which has almost comically large eyes and long neck.
The small, elongated and narrow head features softly folded ears, while the long, thin legs give it a fancy, high stepping gait.
Italian Greyhound comes originally from ancient Egypt, where their mummified remains could be found entombed with pharaohs.
9. NORFOLK TERRIER – 84.3%
Despite being small, cute and compact, the Norfolk Terrier is feisty and fearless with a substantial and hardy face.
This British breed is the the smallest of the working terriers – meaning those historically trained to hunt small rodents and other vermin.
Only recognized as an independent breed in 1964, the Norfolk Terrier has a wedge-shaped muzzle and strong jaw, dark eyes and a rough coat that benefits from regular grooming.
The Norfolk Terrier has a broad skull, strong jaw, oval-shaped eyes and a rough coat that benefits from regular grooming
Perhaps a more surprising addition to the list is the Italian Greyhound, which has almost comically large eyes and long neck (stock image)
10. PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI – 83.9%
Lastly, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a testament to the wide variety of physical features on display on the Golden Ratio list.
Made famous by Queen Elizabeth II, this cute little breed has an alert, intelligent expression, fairly wide skull and erect ears that taper to a rounded point.
But due to its elongated body, it is one breeds that often has what’s considered ‘extreme conformation’ that negatively affects their health and welfare.
Over hundreds of years, canines have been bred to accentuate ‘cute’ features that fuel sales, including long bodies and flat faces.
How is the Golden Ratio measured?
Pictured: an expression of the golden ratio
The ‘golden ratio’ is a mathematical formula devised in ancient Greece to determine ‘physical perfection’ by comparing measurements, ratios and symmetry.
During the Renaissance, artists and Architects used the equation, also known as Phi, as an aid during the creation of their masterpieces.
Scientists have since adapted the mathematical formula, which equates to 1/1.618, to explain what makes a person beautiful.
The length and the width of someone’s face is measured and then the results are divided.
Measurements are then taken from the forehead hairline to the spot between the eyes, from the spot between the eyes and the bottom of the nose and from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin.
A person is considered to be more beautiful if the numbers are equal. Attention is then given to the symmetry and proportion of the face.
George Clooney and supermodel Bella Hadid score highly using the formula.
