From smiling to frowning, we use all kinds of facial expressions to express our thoughts and feelings. It’s no different for our dogs! Our dogs can’t talk (as much as we want them to), so their facial expressions help us understand what they’re ‘saying’. Some common dog facial expressions include smiling, yawning, staring, and growling.
“Dogs vocalise, but their first communication is through their body language and facial expressions,” says Jo Sellers, accredited dog trainer and founder of Pippin Pets Dog Training.
Some facial expressions are harmless and mean your dog is happy. However, others—such as nose wrinkling—can act as warning signs or precursors to aggression. Occasionally, a facial expression (such as continued squinting) may indicate the dog is in pain or requires medical attention.
So, what exactly do your dog’s various facial expressions mean? We asked the experts for their insights around the 15 most common dog facial expressions.
1. Smiling
You’d be forgiven for thinking that dogs only smile when they’re happy. But this appearance might be their natural ‘look’. Sellers says many dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Bulldogs, have a wider mouth. So, when they open their mouths, they look like they’re smiling.
Sometimes, Sellers says a closed-mouth smile with dimples in the corners can indicate anxiety, especially if it’s paired with other symptoms like:
- a tense body
- staring eyes
- unrelaxed ears
Want to know if your pup is loving life? Look for other body language cues. Sellers says happy body language signs include a soft, fluid body and a wagging tail in circles.
2. Nose Wrinkling
This expression is also known as lip lifting, says Emily Birch, a clinical animal behaviourist. “It is a strong sign that a dog needs space, and they’re escalating up the ladder of aggression,” she reveals. Birch says if this expression is ignored, a dog might move to biting.
However, Birch says that this look isn’t *always* negative. It can be recognised as a “submissive grin” when not accompanied by other aggressive body language cues. Dogs sometimes even wrinkle their nose when they’re happy to see you!
3. Head Tilting
Notice your dog titling their head? They’re not trying to figure out a game show teaser. Instead, they’re likely moving their head to better listen to sounds around them, says dog behaviourist Zoe Willingham.
Dogs also tilt their heads to appeal to us. “You often find dogs do it because they have been reinforced by their humans with lots of fuss, which makes them offer it,” she explains.
Thankfully, Willingham says there’s usually no need to worry about head tilting. However, if your dog tilts their head constantly, you might want to schedule a vet visit.
4. Staring
Eye contact is essential in establishing connections between people. However, eye contact—particularly staring—is less comfortable for our dogs.
“Prolonged eye contact between dogs is considered swearing at each other,” Sellers says. She explains that most dog’s eyes are almond-shaped. But, if you see that they are round and staring (called ‘hard eyes’), they are likely seconds from biting.
That said, staring between dogs and humans isn’t always hostile. “Many dogs learn who is safe to look at, and some are very confident in gazing into a human’s eyes,” Sellers adds.
iStock/Goroda
5. Squinting
Nope, your dog isn’t trying to read something in the distance. Instead, squinting can be a sign of love! “If they look at you and squint their eyes, coupled with a soft, relaxed face, then this is a sign of affection,” Birch says.
However, dogs can also squint if they have sunlight in their eyes. Squinting can also be a symptom of eye ulcers and entropion (where the eyelid turns inwards). Birch adds that if the squinting happens frequently, see a vet.
6. Whale Eye
Whale eye is when your dog moves its eyes to the side, showing more of the white area. Willingham explains this motion is usually accompanied by body stiffness and is a way for the dog to say: “Don’t come near me”. She adds that dogs often have a whale eye when resource guarding; this is a natural behaviour and should NOT be punished.
However, the behaviour can be dangerous if it continues and is frequent. Pet parents should speak with a dog behaviourist if this is the case.
7. Avoiding Eye Contact
Sellers explains that dogs generally avoid direct eye contact with other dogs to reduce conflict and keep themselves safe.
However, dogs are typically more comfortable making eye contact with people. So, what does it mean if your dog is currently avoiding your gaze? Sellers says they’re trying to prevent conflict if they’re scared of or frustrated with you.
8. Flattened Ears
No matter what size or shape your dog’s ears, when they’re flattened close to the head, it’s a sign your dog feels a bit worried. However, Birch says this may be harder to see in floppy-eared breeds, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. Instead, in these dogs, their ears will shift back against their head and possibly a bit inside.
Birch says the best thing pet parents can do in this situation is give their dog space or help them with their anxiety.
9. Eyebrow Raising
While raised eyebrows in humans often indicate surprise, this look signals joy among our pups! Willingham says dogs raise their eyebrows when they’re excited and to make their eyes look bigger.
With bigger puppy dog eyes, your pup knows they’re more inviting to humans and other dogs.
iStock/debibishop
10. Lip Licking/Smacking
Given your dog their favourite food? Chances are they’re licking their lips to ensure they’ve gotten every last crumb. But, Sellers notes that dogs engage in this behaviour for other reasons, too. For instance, when sniffing or scent tracking, they may use their tongue to push scent particles into their nostrils or to ‘clean the palate’ for new scents.
Lip licking can also signal mild stress and discomfort. If your dog is licking their lips during training it may be time to end the session.
11. Yawning
When your pup wakes up from a good sleep—or needs one—they’re likely to belt out a yawn or two.
However, Birch says yawning can also indicate your dog is stressed out. They might yawn when anxious in anticipation of, during, or after a stressful event to self-soothe.
12. Growling/Snarling
Willingham explains that growling and snarling can begin differently depending on the breed. For some, it starts with a lip curl, and others escalate quickly to a snarl.
No matter how it starts, Willingham says growling or snarling is a threatening and warning behaviour, so back away, keep your distance, and avoid eye contact.
If your dog repeatedly growls or snarls, Willingham recommends getting help from a vet or dog behaviourist.
13. Tongue Out
When your dog lets their tongue hang free, it can indicate they’re happy or busy sniffing. But, Birch says a lolling tongue, especially for extended periods, can mean they’re stressed and need space.
But there’s a caveat, she adds. Not all dog tongues lick the same way. Look at other elements of your dog’s body language to get a better idea of what their tongue action might be indicating.
Lastly, medical concerns, such as dental disease or hanging tongue syndrome, can cause a dog’s tongue to hang out permanently.
14. Pronounced Blinking
Exaggerated or rapid blinking helps dogs clear dust or dirt from their eyes. But in the absence of eye disease or foreign bodies, dogs use this blinking as another way to avoid conflict.
“If you see lots of blinking, look at the situation and the rest of their body to find out if your dog is relaxed or showing anxiety to the triggers around them,” Sellers advises.
15. Closed Mouth
This look can be trickier to decipher. Willingham says dogs can have closed mouths for lots of reasons. For example, they might have a closed mouth simply because they’re relaxed and happy. On other occasions, a closed mouth could appear stiffer and indicate stress.
Look at their overall body language for clues to help decode what your dog is feeling. A wagging tail would confirm your dog is in the chill zone, while a stiffer pose may suggest anxiety.
iStock/dtephoto
How To Strengthen Your Bond by Reading Facial Expressions
Good communication is essential in any dog-parent-pup relationship. When you recognise and respond to subtle communication cues, your dog will deepen their trust and bond with you.
If your dog feels ‘unheard’, this can encourage negative behaviours. “Not being understood leads to frustration, annoyance, and can put you and your dog in very challenging situations and danger,” Sellers says.
When reading a dog’s facial expressions, it’s vital to consider the broader context: who or what is around that could be triggering a certain reaction? And don’t forget to look at your pup’s entire body, not just their face.
