For those that are saying that this is a defensive gesture.. it's not. Dogs, much like humans, have a huge variety of expressions.. some of which are similar to others. And dogs also have many expressions and behaviors that are isolated to them and are entirely related to domestication.
This dog is exhibiting the "submissive grin." Which is basically a "Hey, boss! How ya doin boss? I'm a good guy! Happy to see ya! But I'm too shy and submissive to really make a big huge fuss!"
If you'd pay attention to ALL his body language, you would see that. This is a sweet, submissive, lil guy without a mean bone in his lil body.
Yes, in the wrong hands he could become a nervous biter, but there is NOTHING in the behavior in this video that is anywhere close to defensive or aggressive behavior.
OMG thats so cute! My dog smiles like that when he is excited and I think he has learnt that when he does it, we like it and fuss him. He is the softest dog I have ever had and he is not showing aggresion. Dogs have survived with us for so long due to the fact they know that pleasing us is in their best interests.
Don't want to put a downer on your video but when a dog bares it's teeth like that he is trying to communicate a warning to a potential predator . If you reward such behaviour with affection and food you will most likely confuse it. Notice how the tail goes under his body before he makes the expression? In my opinion you are diluting it's natural defensive instincts and this will make for an unhealthier dog. I don't doubt you care for them a lot, but don't indulge them to much.
@Mrfriendlymilk actually, a lot of dogs show there teeth as a form of excitment, much like wagging there tail. He did this before we adopted him and the dog we had before him we actually taught to smile just like our current dog does so it seems you are confused about the manners of dogs. Plus, I have had dogs for my entire life and I am well aware of when they are trying to communicate a warning or vice versa. Nevertheless, this is a domesticated dog, not wild, thanks.
@gusd18 That's my point really, he's wagging his tale and snarling at the same time because he is anticipating a reward (affection or food). It's a mismatch of messages. When humans say "back off" or "go away" they mean one thing only, not "can I have some food for that?". I realise he's a domestic dog but there are some natural tendencies which should be preserved I think.
He's a fine looking beast no doubt, obviously well cared for and exercised so I'm sure he'll be fine.
@Mrfriendlymilk sorry i have to agree with gusd18. i have got a jack russel terrier too, and mine does this too. always. and always with wagging tail.. probably you do not know JRTs. these dogs are clowns..
@sslaura As you are probably aware, all dogs are descended from wolves, and over thousands of years have developed facial mannerisms to communicate with their fellow pack members and other animals they encounter in the wild. The baring of teeth should be interpreted as a warning not a sign of playfulness. If you do a google search on "how to interpret your dog's body language" you will find that I am not alone in my opinion.
my 12 year old Rosebud (Jackie too) dances for me when I go to my parents house. She sits at the front door when she hears my car - and when she can see me she wiggles and dances and when she smiles it must tickle her little nose cos she sneezes.
thankyou ... these poor little guys needed a home. we adopted them from the humane society. who would give them up.....dont know, but im happy they did cause now there in a home full of love.
For those that are saying that this is a defensive gesture.. it's not. Dogs, much like humans, have a huge variety of expressions.. some of which are similar to others. And dogs also have many expressions and behaviors that are isolated to them and are entirely related to domestication.
This dog is exhibiting the "submissive grin." Which is basically a "Hey, boss! How ya doin boss? I'm a good guy! Happy to see ya! But I'm too shy and submissive to really make a big huge fuss!"
CassielFell 6 days ago
If you'd pay attention to ALL his body language, you would see that. This is a sweet, submissive, lil guy without a mean bone in his lil body.
Yes, in the wrong hands he could become a nervous biter, but there is NOTHING in the behavior in this video that is anywhere close to defensive or aggressive behavior.
CassielFell 6 days ago
gusd18, please more videos on your cuties...
sslaura 1 week ago
to Mrfriendlymilk: I see what you're talking about, dogs' behavior, etc, BUT DO YOU HAVE A JACK RUSSEL TERRIER????
sslaura 1 week ago
Comment removed
Mrfriendlymilk 1 week ago
OMG thats so cute! My dog smiles like that when he is excited and I think he has learnt that when he does it, we like it and fuss him. He is the softest dog I have ever had and he is not showing aggresion. Dogs have survived with us for so long due to the fact they know that pleasing us is in their best interests.
TheGeduramah 3 weeks ago
@TheGeduramah " he has learnt that when he does it, we like it and fuss him" THAT MUST BE THE TRUTH!!!! LOVE JRTs!!
sslaura 1 week ago
Basil is such a good name! =D
aymyeyehurts 1 month ago
single
robotrobotrabbit 1 month ago
Don't want to put a downer on your video but when a dog bares it's teeth like that he is trying to communicate a warning to a potential predator . If you reward such behaviour with affection and food you will most likely confuse it. Notice how the tail goes under his body before he makes the expression? In my opinion you are diluting it's natural defensive instincts and this will make for an unhealthier dog. I don't doubt you care for them a lot, but don't indulge them to much.
Mrfriendlymilk 1 month ago
@Mrfriendlymilk actually, a lot of dogs show there teeth as a form of excitment, much like wagging there tail. He did this before we adopted him and the dog we had before him we actually taught to smile just like our current dog does so it seems you are confused about the manners of dogs. Plus, I have had dogs for my entire life and I am well aware of when they are trying to communicate a warning or vice versa. Nevertheless, this is a domesticated dog, not wild, thanks.
gusd18 1 month ago
@gusd18 That's my point really, he's wagging his tale and snarling at the same time because he is anticipating a reward (affection or food). It's a mismatch of messages. When humans say "back off" or "go away" they mean one thing only, not "can I have some food for that?". I realise he's a domestic dog but there are some natural tendencies which should be preserved I think.
He's a fine looking beast no doubt, obviously well cared for and exercised so I'm sure he'll be fine.
Mrfriendlymilk 1 month ago
@Mrfriendlymilk And by the way, he is wagging his tail, did you notice, thanks.
gusd18 1 month ago
@gusd18 please more...!!!
sslaura 1 week ago
@Mrfriendlymilk Oh no not another dog expert!!!! My JRT smiles like this at everyone she likes when she gets excited at seeing them come home.
mrssyringa 1 month ago
@Mrfriendlymilk sorry i have to agree with gusd18. i have got a jack russel terrier too, and mine does this too. always. and always with wagging tail.. probably you do not know JRTs. these dogs are clowns..
gusd18, your dogs are precious and lovely :)
sslaura 2 weeks ago
@sslaura As you are probably aware, all dogs are descended from wolves, and over thousands of years have developed facial mannerisms to communicate with their fellow pack members and other animals they encounter in the wild. The baring of teeth should be interpreted as a warning not a sign of playfulness. If you do a google search on "how to interpret your dog's body language" you will find that I am not alone in my opinion.
Mrfriendlymilk 1 week ago
dogs are unclean and forbidden,
aadeeza 2 months ago
mine does that too,nice dogs!!
fucci98 2 months ago
my jack russell does the same :D
SJBruun 2 months ago
this sounds like wee man...
ravage53 2 months ago
Glad you all found each other ;)
beyoucu 2 months ago
so sweet,esp the puppy
MsAngie213 3 months ago
dogs are God's gift to mankind
jpwhrbrown 3 months ago 3
TOOOOOO CUTE ~.~
happyface262 4 months ago
my 12 year old Rosebud (Jackie too) dances for me when I go to my parents house. She sits at the front door when she hears my car - and when she can see me she wiggles and dances and when she smiles it must tickle her little nose cos she sneezes.
Its beautiful. Just like ur little men!
juliaiglesias79 6 months ago 2
my dog does the same thing when we come into the drive way! He would wag his tail uncontrollably and smile at us. :D
missartist123 7 months ago
Haha I've watched this about 5 times now, it gets funnier every time.
"Ooohhh here comes another one!"
LaurenCrerand 8 months ago 2
Hi, i see that you love jsou babies so much. God bless you dog lover.
Fiacolata 1 year ago 5
@Fiacolata
thankyou ... these poor little guys needed a home. we adopted them from the humane society. who would give them up.....dont know, but im happy they did cause now there in a home full of love.
gusd18 1 year ago 9
@Fiacolata
MsAngie213 3 months ago
Hey dude my dog smiles the same way
Gagare1952 1 year ago 2
What a cutie, both of them!
rollingold1 1 year ago