The Reason Why Shiba Inus Smile Unlike Other Dogs (Solved)


smiling shiba inu

A happy dog is a healthy one and my shiba inu, Faith, never seemed to stop smiling. But I never understood why she always had a big grin while other family pets I’ve been around didn’t.

Shiba inus smile due to their uncommonly wide cheek bones. When a shiba goes to breath or pant their lips are pulled up and to the sides, leaving a natural smile on their face. Most people assume shiba inus are generally happy dogs, but a shiba’s smile can be caused by a number of different things.

The first thing I wanted to understand was how she smiled so perfectly every time something happened, then what the meaning was behind it.

How Shiba Inus Smile

The main reason shiba inus have large “happy” smiles is due to their facial structure.

Shiba inus have wider cheek bones than other dog breeds. So when they open their mouths to breath or pant their lips pull back and to the side, resting in a way that looks like a natural smile.

Most dogs that have a longer nose or snout have a narrow shoe like head. So almost every other breed has normal, narrower, cheek bones.

Leading shiba inus to be the old one out, with their fantastic grins.

But just because a shiba inu is smiling doesn’t mean they are happy. Dogs show happiness in other ways, and it doesn’t always involve a smile.

What Your Shiba’s Smile Means

A Happy dog is a healthy dog, and shiba’s love to smile. But does that mean they are always happy?

Not quite.

While yes, dogs will smile when they are happy because it gets a positive reaction out of us. Rewarding the behavior, leading to them repeating it.

Since shiba’s smile basically anytime they open their mouths they come across as smiling for, again, basically anything. What will really tell you what they are thinking or feeling is their overall body language.

Ears, eyes, teeth, sound, paws and tail all play a role in understanding what they are thinking or feeling.

Aggression

Teeth, growling, grumbling, or any other low noises are a sign of aggression. Between the noises or displays of teeth it’s not uncommon for shiba’s to pant, which to us looks like a smile, meaning they’re happy. But that’s the wrong impression they are trying to giving you.

Anxious

Anxiety, fear, and general discomfort for the situation generally shows in two ways. Low flat ears that are pinned to their head along with a shrunken posture. As in they are trying to make themselves smaller to be avoided.

Comfortable / Relaxed

Their head is held high with their ears sticking straight up. Sometimes they’re tails will be wagging or wiggling, some shiba inus have a hard time moving their tails.

Happy / Playful

Very similar to “Comfortable / Relaxed” but they are a bit more on edge. You’ll notice their ready to move at a moments notice and their eyes, pupils, are larger, dilated. Usually their front half is lower to the ground than their back half.

Taking a step back and paying attention to other aspects of your dog’s body language can help you better understand what they are trying to say, preventing potential problems and misunderstandings.


Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know If A Shiba Is Happy?

Shiba Inus show happiness by pinning their ears down, smiling with squinty eyes, wagging their curly tail, panting, and sometimes smiling submissively to show respect.

Why Do Shiba Inus Squint Their Eyes?

Shiba Inus use eye squinting as a way to express themselves. This behavior indicates that they are feeling calm and happy, and may mean they feel at ease around you. To better understand their emotions, it’s important to observe their entire body language, including the position of their tail and ears.

Why Are Shiba Inus So Adorable?

You may have come across the Shiba Inu breed while scrolling through internet memes and pop culture. These small, distinctive dogs have fox-like features and are often seen playing in parks. Their unique appearance, with pointed ears and a curved tail, is complemented by their sweet and charming personality. It’s no surprise that they have become a popular breed among dog enthusiasts.

Why Are Shiba Inus So Dramatic?

Shiba Inus are commonly recognized for their expressive behavior, notably the well-known “Shiba scream.” If they are dissatisfied or displeased, they may emit a piercing vocalization to convey their sentiments. Furthermore, Shiba Inus tend to be independent and occasionally obstinate, which can result in them being viewed as dramatic.

Why Do Shiba Inus Flatten Their Ears?

Shiba Inus communicate by flattening their ears. If their ears are laid back or flat against their head, it could mean they feel threatened or nervous. However, they may also flatten their ears when feeling playful or submissive. It’s important to observe your Shiba Inu’s overall body language to accurately understand what their ear positions mean.

Colby Adkins

I am a proud Shiba Inu owner who is just looking to share any tips, tricks, or advice I have to help others.

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