Dalmatians have taken the top spot in a ranking of the most beautiful dogs in the world.
The black and white spotted breed has been ranked according to an ancient Greek formula used to identify ‘physical perfection’.
Knonw as the Golden Ratio the formula compares the measurements, ratios and symmetry of facial features.
The mathematical equation 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 actor George Clooney and supermodel Bella Hadid scoring high according to the formula.
The 23-year-old model was found to be 94.35% ‘accurate’ to the Golden Ratio while the 56-year-old actor’s features were found to be 91.86 per cent accurate.
Now the equation, which for thousands of years has was thought to hold the secret formula of perfection, has been used to determine the cutest dog breeds around the world.
Dalmatians came out as top dog, with family favourites including the Golden Retriever, Jack Russell and the Irish Water Spaniel, the largest of the spaniel breed with brown curly fur, also appearing on the list.
US website Money Beach, which compares pet insurance, looked at face-on photos of each canine and calculated their level of attractiveness based on the distance of the breed’s eyes, ears, nostrils and tongue.
Analysts were then able to come up with a percentage that showed how much or how little each dog adhered to the Golden Ratio.
Of the top 100 dog breeds, only 10 received a percentage that was higher than 62.5%.
Here are the most beautiful dog breeds, and their scores according to the Golden Ratio. Does your pet make the list?
1. Dalmatian – 67.03%
The Dalmatian dog breed took the top spot as the most beautiful dog breed, according to the study
So named because of its liked to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, this breed of dog originated as a hunting dog in Eastern Europe.
The large-sized dog has a white coat covered black or liver-colored spots and they are active, muscular, strong dogs that require a lot of exercise.
2. Irish Water Spaniel – 66.26%
The Irish Water Spaniel was also considered to score high on the Golden Ratio standards of perfection
The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds and can often be mistaken for a brown poodle because of its top knot and the tight curls that covers its body.
The dogs of this breed typically have high intelligence and learn easily, but experts warn they also have a stubborn side that do not make them ideal pets for first time dog owners.
3. Wire Fox Terrier – 65.53%
According to the formula, the symmetry of the Wire Fox Terrier’s facial features is also considered beautiful
The Wire Fox breed was part of a much wider breed of terriers, which were bred to chase small game from their dens.
Once a mainstay of traditional British foxhunts, this type of terrier was taught to chase foxes.
The breed was made popular when Wire Fox Terrier Caesar was revealed as the favorite dog of King Edward VII.
4. Labrador Retreiver – 64.67%
The popular Labrador Retriever breed featured at number four on the list of rankings
The Labrador Retriever, often abbreviated to Labrador, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the western world.
The breed originated from ‘fishing dogs’ imported from Canada, where they take their name from a region in the country, where they would help fishermen haul nets, fetch ropes, and retrieve fish.
It was then bred into a retriever-gun dog by pet owners in the UK. Their friendly nature means Labrador’s now have lots of different roles, including assistance and search and rescue dogs.
5. Basset Hound – 64.43%
Experts looked at face-on photos of each canine and calculated their level of attractiveness
The Basset Hound has an excellent sense of smell and so was bred for hunting small game such as rabbit.
The short-legged breed of dog has loose face skin and large drooping ears like other hounds, which gives the breed a sad look.
6. Samoyed – 63.86%
They based the scores on the distance of the breed’s eyes, ears, nostrils and tongue. Pictured: A Samoyed
7. Jack Russell Terrier – 63.86%
Analysts were then able to come up with a percentage that showed how much or how little each dog adhered to the Golden Ratio
8. Rottweiler – 63.65%
Of the top 100 dog breeds, only 10 received a percentage that was higher than 62.5%. Pictured: A Rottweiler
9. St. Bernard – 62.94%
The St Bernard dog breed (pictured) also scored in the top 10 in the unusual study
10. Golden Retriever – 62.52%
Golden Retrievers were also featured on the list, which was compiled by