Researchers at an Australian university said they are starting a study designed to determine whether a dog can recognize itself in the mirror.

The Monash University Anthrozoology Research Group in Melbourne said it is beginning two canine-focused studies Monday, one designed to test whether a canine knows its own reflection and the second to test whether dogs are able to pick up on human feelings and attempt to comfort sad owners, the New Zealand Herald Sun reported Friday.

The team said only humans, bottlenose dolphins, great apes, Asian elephants and European magpies have so far been proven to have the capacity to recognize themselves in mirrors.

"A lot of dogs, when they first see themselves in the mirror, they bark at it or try to play with it," said Pauleen Bennett, a senior psychology lecturer and head of the research group. "What we don't know is if they eventually recognize themselves."

The second study, led by Vivian Ewe, will take note of canine reactions when their owners watch sad films.

"Dog owners always say their dogs can tell when they're happy or sad. We're trying to show whether it actually exists," she said.