Adorable Moment Dachshund Tries to Play With ‘Little Dog’ in Mirror

The moment a dachshund started playing by herself in the reflection in the mirror has been caught on camera.

Nellie, an 8-month-old dachshund, has captured hearts after passing her favorite ball to herself. Apparently fascinated by the “little dog in the mirror,” Nellie is seen energetically interacting with her own reflection, particularly with a tennis ball in tow.

The adorable dachshund lives in County Durham, England, with owner Laurie Thynne who told said that the puppy’s interest in the mirror is nothing new.

“She often looks behind it,” Thynne told Newsweek. “It’s like she’s trying to figure out where her playmate disappears to.”

What makes Nellie’s mirror game even more precious is her generous spirit with the dog in the mirror.

“She brings it treats, too,” Thynne said, sharing her adorable antics.

It’s clear that Nellie does not see the reflection as herself. While dogs may seem interested in their reflection, studies have shown that pets cannot understand the reflection as an image of themselves in the way that humans can.

A 2011 study by Tiffani Howell and Pauleen Bennett of the Anthrozoology Research Group at La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia, examined the mirror comprehension abilities of dogs.

The study involved 40 dogs placed in a room with a covered mirror, revealing that dogs were more likely to engage with the mirror when a second owner, holding the dog’s favorite toy, was visible in the reflective surface.

While some dogs exhibited behaviors suggesting an understanding of the mirror’s reflective nature, the majority did not demonstrate a spontaneous ability to use the mirror to locate the second owner, proving that dogs lack the same concept of understanding of reflections as humans.

Nellie also lives with two other pet friends, including cat Theo and 10-year-old spaniel Brody.

Thynne shared the moment on her TikTok page @theoandnellie, where the it has warmed hearts.

“I just find her really funny and adorable,” Thynne said. “And I wanted to share the little things she does that bring joy to our lives.”

One viewer said: “Oh my gawd my heart,” while another TikToker wrote: “That’s so sweet.” “Adorable,” said another.

Admittedly not well-versed in social media, Thynne said she was pleased by the positive reaction.

“I’m not very good at this social media thing,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s heartwarming to see so many people enjoying Nellie’s playful moments.”

Nellie isn’t the only dog who has been caught spending time in front of the mirror. Angel, a 14-month-old rescue from Laredo, Texas, won this week’s Newsweek Pet of the Week with a hilarious video of her reaction to herself in the mirror.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.