Dogs that 'smile'

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FestiveBoomBoom

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I recently met a lab bitch at the yard that was described by her owner as being a 'smiler' which was basically her bearing her teeth but yes I suppose it did look as if she was 'smiling'. However she seemed happy enough to come up to me for some attention. She was wagging her tail in a relaxed happy way and it really didn't seem like she was going to try and attack me or anything. She didn't growl or make me feel uncomfotable but kept on bearing her teeth. When I questioned it I was told in no uncertain terms that the dog was smiling! So my question is, what's it all about!? Why do they do it, what does it really mean?
 
My last dog did this, when he was really excited OR if he was nervous, (if someone had shouted for example and it was not even directed at him!)

He would smile and then try and lick you to death!
 
My greyhound does it ! He does it when he is saying hello to people he knows - luckily by the time he knows them well enough to do it they are expecting it as I can imagine it might look a bit intimidating !!
 
My JRT does this when he gets excited. He doesn't look at all menacing as generally he's wagging his tail so much he can't walk straight!:o:D He also snorts if he does it for too long too!:rolleyes:
 
Quite a few of my dogs do this,all the lab girls and at least four mini bull teriers ,mostly it seems to be a sort of delighted if embarrassed greeting,quite charming in my opinion.Spot the other "end" is wagging furiously ..so obviously there is no nasty thoughts going on.
Watch films of pack wolves and you will see it is a "humble" greeting to a superior.
 
I know this is cheating but this is Matty smiling.

dogsmay2007004.jpg
 
My lab bitch does this smiley baring teeth thing. It's totally, totally friendly and when she's so pleased to see someone. She hasn't a bad bone in her body and most people think it's fab! However, there is one postman who doesn't trust her!
 
We used to have a dalmatian that smiled! I remember one occasion, we had a telephone engineer come out. Cleo went out to greet him, grinning away, and the poor guy wouldn't get out of his van!

He had to wait there until my Mum realised what had happened and go and rescue him!
 
Aw sounds quite sweet then! I really had no idea about it, I was confused thinking well her body language seems happy and pleased to see me but what's with the teeth!? I shall embrace it next time then!
 
H does this :D. He is a Red Setter and when he yawns or barks, his lips get caught in his teeth so they're pulled up and look like he's 'smiling'. His mum also does it :D.

I have a picture somewhere so will put it on here tomorrow :D.
 
Mouse smiles when she's really excited, top lip comes right up but so do the corners of her mouth, Bridget smiles but it's just the corners, her teeth stayed covered and Pea (Bridget's sister) does it the same as Mouse
 
My terrier smiles as she runs - if we recall her, she comes galloping back with a huge grin, her little teeth showing, then she bounces up to you, sits, has her treat and runs off again lol.
 
marlyclay said:
It is a submissive greeting,the dog will also show a lowered head and ears back and down with a sort of squinty eye look.It is so cute.
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Mine doesn't. The corners of her mouth raise and widen and she keeps her teeth covered. Head high, eyes wide and happy and she wags her tail. She always does it when she's happy or having her ears rubbed.
 
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