2006-11-01 13:19:32 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
There are two kinds of "smiles".
One is the mouth open, panting, eyes shining expression that just radiates happiness. It's not the same as our smile, but it's a smile nonetheless.
The other kind is the "baring the teeth" kind. Not too many dogs do this, but I've seen a few. I honestly think they're trying to imitate us. But this is not a "natural" smile for a dog.
2006-11-02 06:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check and see if their tail is wagging next time you think they're smiling. If so, I'd say they were happy. A smile is pretty limited to human interaction. In the animal world, a show of teeth means dinner's about to be served and you're the main course. With dogs, their mouths will hang open if they're happy, or their lips will curl if they're snarling. Either way, you get the message.
2006-11-01 13:23:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say you are anthropomorphizing too much. Although dogs can "smile" it's not due to them being happy. When mine start smiling I'm rushing to get them onto a lanolium (sp) floor or outside (which ever is closer) because they are about to vomit.
2006-11-01 15:03:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs definitely smile when they are happy. When you spend time with your dogs and really pay attention to what they are doing you will be amazed at how intelligent they are. Dogs have the same emotions as people. People that say dogs don't understand anything other than simple commands must not have spent much time with any dogs. Don't get me started on the subject of dogs I can go on and on, so I will stop now.
2006-11-01 13:29:51 · answer #4 · answered by papricka w 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We do tend to attribute human emotions to dogs a lot. We see the showing of teeth as a smile, whereas in some animals it's a sign of aggression.
Dog facial expressions are more difficult for us to read than human expressions.
One reason, in my opinion, that we tend to see "emotions" on a dog's face is they have expressive eyebrows.
2006-11-01 13:29:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually both of you are correct. Although most wide mouth breeds like bulldogs and pitbulls appear to be 'smiling' when actually they are trying to open their mouth wide enough to inhale enough oxygen.
My pitbull 'smiles' when she is a bit stressed, yet I have also seen this smile or grimace if she does not feel well and is about to sick up.
I am sure that dogs express emotions by smiling, as I have seen it myself. there are many others that agree and I have listed a source below.
2006-11-01 13:32:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definatley! I have a family of 9 and we all beilieve that dogs smile when they are happy. We had a dog who would only smile when we gave her enough attention and we have a dog who never stops! Our dogs would smile with their mouths closed too. Anyone who thinks dogs don't smile has never owned one that did:).(no offence intended)
2006-11-01 13:38:22 · answer #7 · answered by offlights 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't really know. But one time my dog was laughing a doggy laugh in his sleep! From that day on I always thought about what he was dreaming about... But I think its possible for a dog to smile a doggy smile but not a human smile...
2006-11-01 13:26:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs do smile! You should see this rottie I know smile...it looks like when a person rolls their lips up onto their gums, so the teeth really show...it's hilarious! Border Collies are wellknown for their smiles too.
2006-11-01 13:59:27 · answer #9 · answered by Redawg J 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs smile and laugh. It is true, in the OC register and LA times too! Discovery channel as well!
2006-11-01 13:21:28 · answer #10 · answered by miajj16 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋