A relaxed and smiling dog is a happy and content dog, at least that’s the viewpoint most people have in regards to their pets upturned facial expressions. While that could very well be the case for many animals, when it comes to dogs a smile is not as simple and straight-forward as we often assume it to be.
Dogs have their own special way of showing happiness that doesn’t always include smiling with their mouths. Instead, many dogs express emotions of joy and contentment through their overall body language. When a dog appears completely loose and at ease, with their mouth parted and tongue hanging slightly out, then they are well and truly happy.
In regards to a human looking smile on a dog’s face that could be an indication of a number of things that include anxiety, aggression, subordination, nervousness, or even fear. It differs from dog to dog and the key to deciphering whether or not it’s a genuine smile lies in both the context of the situation and the at rest of their body language.
In the case of the dog featured in this video, his smile is as real as can be! The handsome yellow lab knows how to turn the charm on and gives the camera his best goofy-looking grin, all on command. When his mom tells him to smile he instantly raises the corners of his mouth, it’s so darn cute! As you can see, his body language tells us that he’s relaxed as can be. In fact, he’s so relaxed that he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. And while his tongue doesn’t loll out of his mouth, it likely would have, had he been fully awake and alert.
This is one intelligent and adorable dog, be sure to check out his awesome smile and pass it on because it’ll instantly brighten anyone’s day!
Please Share This With Family and Friends Who Need a Smile Today 🙂
