Have you ever had a rough day, only to have all your stress melt away the moment you see a dog’s big, happy grin? That’s the magic of smiley dogs; they have an incredible way of warming hearts and instantly brightening any room. Their joyful expressions, playful personalities, and almost constant “smiles” make them some of the most loved companions among pet enthusiasts.
While experts still debate whether dogs truly smile the way humans do, certain breeds naturally have facial features and expressions that make them look happier than others. A wagging tail, relaxed body language, and bright eyes often give away a dog’s real emotions, even if the smile is just part of their adorable appearance.
If you’re searching for a cheerful canine with a face that radiates happiness, check out our list of dog breeds that look like they’re always smiling, because sometimes, a smiling dog is the best therapy you’ll ever need.
Dog Breeds That Love To Smile
1. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is not from Iceland, despite its name; its origins trace back to Scandinavia. It is one of the dog breeds that has a cute grin. It has an expression full of excitement and curiosity due to its bright eyes, lifted lips, and high-set ears.
Their flexible attitude helps them to fit quite different living environments, and their sweet nature makes them great friends. This breed enjoys physical stimulation and staying active with its family members because they are sweet, outgoing, curious, and playful dogs.
In the morning, they would love to learn new tricks and commands. On the other hand, in the evening, they chill out for cuddles. It’s a delightful, social, and lively companion for pet parents as it often appears with a cute smile.
2. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz breed possesses a gorgeous white, fluffy coat and unique pointy ears with a sweet and energetic nature. Their only purpose is to brighten up the day of pet parents with their cute smiles.
They make great family pets because they are loyal and affectionate towards their pet parents. They only want to be the center of the family life and seek attention and affection. If this dog is left alone for extended periods, then it can hurt themselves by chewing.
Japanese Spitz are great with children, other pets, and older people because of their loving, loyal, and affection-seeking nature.
Moreover, they are energetic and playful dogs who love to take part in outdoor activities such as walks and games. Once they are done with play time, they curl up on your lap and snooze away.
3. Lancashire Heeler
It’s a small dog breed with a big smile. As per the American Kennel Club description, they are average-sized, energetic dogs. Moreover, they are not only brilliant, good learners but also a talkative and gentle breed.
Heeler Smile is a unique characteristic attributed to Lancashire Heelers when they are content. Heelers have been known to draw back their lips in an effort that emulates a human smile.
Due to the small number of dogs composing the gene pool and the risk of several inherited diseases, in 2003, the breed was placed on the Endangered Breeds list of The Kennel Club, U.K.
Their affectionate nature, constant grin, and versatility help them to flourish in many surroundings and make them a loved member of the family. In the past, they were employed as herding and working dogs, and they love to be part of various activities along with their owner.
4. Papillon
Papillon is a small dog breed with a beautiful grin. They are intelligent, high-energy, and vigilant dogs despite their small size. They are often regarded as big dogs with small bodies.
Their name is a French word, and it means butterfly. Their ears often look similar to a butterfly, so for that reason, they got this name.
Papillons are popular for their affection-seeking nature and constant grin. They’re distributors of love and happiness and generally get along well with everyone, including children and other household pets.
Papillons are exceptionally intelligent. Sometimes it feels like some human genius is present inside furry little bodies instead of a dog. Owing to their intelligence, they are easily trainable and learn new tricks quite easily.
5. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are sometimes considered “smiling” dog breeds because of their distinctive facial features and expressive attitude. This well-behaved breed is extremely gentle, friendly, and playful, especially with children.
Alaskan Malamutes are incredibly good working dogs and playful dogs as well. They originated from the arctic region and were historically bred to haul heavy loads.
Alaskan Malamute has pretty, considerably big blue or brown eyes with wide mouths that curl upward. They typically have different eye colors, like one eye is blue and the other one of brown. Moreover, they have a heart of gold along with a grin, so they act as a smiley companion for pet parents.
6. American Eskimo Dog
They originated from German descent and after World War I renamed as American Eskimo, as per WebMD. They are high-energy, faithful, playful, quick, intelligent, and highly efficient at performing dog tricks. They require plenty of mental and physical activities, including regular exercise, as they are quite active dogs.
Their unique physical attributes include a fluffy white coat, button-like black nose, and a constant smile. Moreover, they are affection seekers and eager to please dogs, that they great family pets.
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), these great family dogs, when neglected or undertrained then may develop behavioral issues and become destructive. Moreover, their easy-going nature and constantly smiling facial expression allow them to make a strong bond with pet parents.
7. Australian Kelpie
Sometimes categorized as “smiling” dog breeds due to their pleasant and expressive looks. Their unique facial structure, such as a small upward curl of the mouth, assists in creating a happy face.
Moreover, their pretty alert eyes, along with their facial structure, help them appear like a happy and friendly dog.
In social situations, their joy is quite evident. They participate in different activities like herding or playing due to their high energy levels. Moreover, they are smart and people pleasers as well.
8. Belgian Sheepdog
With a more luxurious coat, they almost look like a larger version of the Australian Kelpie. However, Belgian Sheepdogs are way more sensitive and need more personalized interaction and quality time with a caregiver.
These dogs are popular for having a happy face along with smiling eyes. Moreover, they have a long, dense coat, making their appearance royal.
They love being close to their family and usually show a grin and an excited look. Because they have an innate grace and a sensitive nature.
9. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is popularly known as a small, cute clown. This implies that they are constantly smiling. Moreover, their fluffy fur, black nose, and expressive eyes make their smile more vibrant.
Because of its big smile, fun and flexible attitude, everyone around would find this breed to be a great friend. Their enthusiasm to do daily exercise and joyful engaging activities keeps them a vibrant and devoted breed.
They love to learn new tricks as they are easily trainable. You would be smiling all day long once you are done teaching them a new trick.
Because of their affectionate personalities and adaptability to various living conditions, those seeking a happy and interesting pet will find great love in the Bichon Frise.
Conclusion
The happy nature of any dog is clear from their body gestures and meaningful expressions, even if dogs might not “smile” in the human sense. Certain expressions, such as relaxed mouths, tails wagging, and expressive, friendly eyes, are an interpretation of dogs’ contentment.
Alongside contentment, a grin also reflects a dog’s lively and affectionate personality. In order to deepen our relationship with our dogs, we must understand and value these indicators, like a grin. Consequently, dogs might not reflect a human-like smile, but understanding such delightful gestures helps strengthen our companionship with dogs.
