Did you know that there is only one species of dog?
That’s right! Though there are over 199 (official) breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are all technically the same type of animal — Canis familiaris — and each different breed of dog shares a few common characteristics and behaviors.
All dogs use their bodies to communicate their feelings and emotions, but when you factor in breeds, size, shape and temperament, those feelings become either more or less subtle. Even between two dogs of the same breed, each dog may react slightly differently to different stimuli depending on how they grew up.
Here’s a pretty brief overview of some of the most common mannerisms that most dogs display, as well as what they typically mean. Remember, of course, that your own dog may differ slightly in how they display those mannerisms, especially when you are better able to understand their personalities.
That being said, let’s dive right in!
How to translate dogs’ mannerisms
Overall body posture
Relaxed: When a dog is relaxed, they will typically have a loose body and their ears will be relaxed. They may also be lying down or sitting with their legs extended. If the dog is facing you, it may be showing trust and affection. If the dog is facing away from you, it may be trying to avoid conflict or attention.
Alert: When a dog is alert, they will usually have a stiff body and their ears will be pricked up. They may also be standing with their legs slightly apart and their tail held high. If the dog is facing you, it may be interested in something or trying to communicate with you. If the dog is facing away from you, it may be trying to avoid something.
Submissive: When a dog is submissive, they will generally have a lowered body and their ears will be flattened against their head. They may also be wagging their tail slowly and licking their lips. If the dog is facing you, it may be showing submission or trying to appease you. If the dog is facing away from you, it may be trying to avoid conflict.
Aggressive: When a dog is aggressive, they will often have a stiff body and their ears will be pinned back. They may also be growling, barking, or showing their teeth. If the dog is facing you, it may be trying to intimidate you or protect itself. If the dog is facing away from you, it may be trying to escape.
Ear position
Alertness: When a dog's ears are pricked up, it means they are paying attention to something. This could be a sound, a sight, or even a smell.
Interest: When a dog's ears are cocked to one side, it means they are interested in something. This could be a person, another animal, or even a toy.
Submissiveness: When a dog's ears are flattened against their head, it means they are feeling submissive. This could be because they are afraid, or because they are trying to show respect to another dog or person.
Aggressiveness: When a dog's ears are pinned back and their head is lowered, it means they are feeling aggressive. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to intimidate another dog or person.
Tail wagging
Happy: A dog that is wagging its tail is typically happy or excited. The faster the wag, the more excited the dog is.
Submissive: A dog that is tucking its tail between its legs is usually feeling submissive or afraid. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to show respect to another dog or person.
Aggressive: A dog that is holding its tail high and stiff is generally feeling aggressive or threatened. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to intimidate another dog or person.
Anxious: A dog that is wagging its tail quickly and nervously is often feeling anxious or stressed. This could be because they are in a new or unfamiliar situation, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Displeased: A dog that is wagging its tail slowly and stiffly is generally feeling displeased or frustrated. This could be because they are not getting what they want, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Facial expressions
Eyes
Happy: A dog that is blinking slowly and softly is usually happy or content.
Submissive: A dog that is avoiding eye contact or blinking rapidly is typically feeling submissive or afraid. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to show respect to another dog or person.
Aggressive: A dog that is staring directly at you with wide eyes is often feeling aggressive or threatened. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to intimidate another dog or person.
Anxious: A dog that is squinting or blinking excessively is generally feeling anxious or stressed. This could be because they are in a new or unfamiliar situation, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Displeased: A dog that is narrowing its eyes or showing its teeth is typically feeling displeased or frustrated. This could be because they are not getting what they want, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Licking
Happy: A dog that is licking its lips or its human companion is usually happy or content. This could be because they are feeling relaxed and comfortable, or because they are trying to show affection.
Submissive: A dog that is licking the ground or another dog's face is typically feeling submissive or afraid. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to show respect.
Aggressive: A dog that is showing its teeth or growling is generally feeling aggressive or threatened. This could be because they are feeling threatened, or because they are trying to intimidate another dog or person.
Anxious: A dog that is panting heavily or licking its lips excessively is often feeling anxious or stressed. This could be because they are in a new or unfamiliar situation, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Displeased: A dog that is flicking its tongue out or licking its lips rapidly is usually feeling displeased or frustrated. This could be because they are not getting what they want, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Teeth
Baring their teeth: This can be a sign of aggression, fear, or submission. If a dog is baring their teeth at you, it is important to take a step back and give them some space.
Gnawing: This can be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or excitement.
Chewing: This is a natural behavior for dogs, and it helps them to keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. However, if your dog is chewing on something they shouldn't be, it is important to redirect their attention to something more appropriate.
Licking: This can be a sign of affection, submission or anxiety. If your dog is licking you excessively, it is important to determine the underlying cause.
Vocalization
Barking
Volume: A loud bark is typically a sign of aggression or excitement, while a soft bark is generally a sign of submission or fear.
Pitch: A high-pitched bark is generally a sign of excitement or playfulness, while a low-pitched bark is usually a sign of aggression or warning.
Rhythm: A rapid bark is often a sign of excitement or aggression, while a slow bark is typically a sign of submission or fear.
Duration: A short bark is usually a warning or attention-getter, while a long bark is typically a sign of excitement or aggression.
Growling
Aggression: A dog that is growling is generally feeling threatened or aggressive. This could be because they are feeling threatened by another dog or person, or because they are protecting their territory or possessions.
Fear: A growling dog may also be feeling fearful or anxious. This could be because they are in a new or unfamiliar situation, or because they are feeling uncomfortable.
Playfulness: In some cases, a dog may growl as a sign of playfulness. This is more likely to occur in puppies, and it is often accompanied by other signs of playfulness, such as wagging the tail and jumping up and down.
Pain: A dog that is injured or in pain may also growl. This is a way for the dog to communicate that they are not feeling well and that they need help.
Panting
Excitement: Dogs pant when they are excited, such as when they are playing or greeting their owners. The panting will be rapid and shallow, and the dog may also wag their tail and jump up and down.
Heat stress: Dogs pant when they are hot, such as when they have been exercising or are in a hot environment. The panting will be rapid and shallow, and the dog may also be drooling.
Discomfort: Dogs pant when they are uncomfortable, such as when they are in pain or are feeling sick. The panting will be rapid and shallow, and the dog may also be whining or whimpering.
Anxiety: Dogs pant when they are anxious, such as when they are in a new or unfamiliar situation. The panting will be rapid and shallow, and the dog may also be pacing or licking their lips.
Dominance: Dogs pant when they are trying to assert dominance, such as when they are interacting with another dog. The panting will be slow and deep, and the dog may also be staring at the other dog or showing their teeth.
Though this is by no means a fully-fleshed out translating tool for your dog, it’s a good start. Knowing what signs and behaviors to look for can also help in situations when you’re trying to understand unfamiliar interactions with other dogs, or in situations when your own dog is acting out of the ordinary.
Spend some time understanding these mannerisms, and you’re sure to have a deeper appreciation for your dog’s personality and will deepen your connection with them!
Have fun!
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/tortugadatacorp
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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