06/17/2025
Have you ever heard of a submissive grin? ๐
This dog behavior is often misunderstood by people who aren't familiar with it, but once you know what it is, it will warm your heart when you see it!
Although the submissive grin shares some similarities with a snarl, there are important differences, most of all, the function of each behavior!
Submissive grin (pictured):
- Function: Friendly greeting, appeasement (i.e., "I mean no harm!").
- Lips pulled back with teeth exposed, corners of the mouth may be upturned like a smile.
- Often seen with other signals like a lowered wiggly body, loose muscles, soft or squinty eyes, ears pulled back and a generally relaxed demeanor.
VERSUS
Snarl:
- Function: "I need space!"
- Lips pulled back with teeth exposed.
- Often seen with other signals like muscle tension, intense staring, forward ears, weight shift and/or movement forward. You may also observe behaviors like growling, lunging, snapping or attempting to bite.
If you adopt Cubby (pictured), he would be delighted to share his happy smile with you every day! ๐