The Sheltie Smile: "Doctor, Doctor,
I Swear My Dog is Grinning at Me!"

By Becky Turner

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Can dogs laugh? Yes they can, if the Sheltie smile is anything to go by! This endearing trait is not entirely unique to Shetland Sheepdogs - yet they are one of the dog breeds that demonstrate it particularly well.

What The Experts Say

Can dogs really smile? The experts say yes, but not for the reason we imagine. Apparently, wolves appear to smile to indicate submission to another wolf. Equally, dogs instinctively interpret this grin as sign of submission; telling them that this particular dog isn't a threat to them.

The Sheltie smile!

So it makes sense that confident, alpha dogs rarely smile - as they have no desire to show their submission to anyone. And since Shelties are usually gentle, submissive dogs, you're more likely to see them submit with a Sheltie smile.

The only exception to this rule is when dogs "laugh" with their upper teeth bared. This is not at all submissive, but is a sign of aggression. If you see a dog making this face (including dear sweet Shelties) than back off quick!

When The Sheltie Smile Becomes Real

If you think the Shetland Sheepdog smile has just lost its magic... think again. Because experts also concede that eventually a dog's laugh can actually become genuine over time, thanks to the phenomenon of classical conditioning.

Piper gets a hug for his Sheltie smile!

Remember the famous experiment known as Pavlov's Dogs? Ivan Pavlov, the Russian psychologist, repeatedly rang a bell before giving dogs their dinner. Soon, the dogs began salivating when they heard the bell but there was no food present.

Like Pavlov's Dogs, to reinforce the Sheltie smile, you need to repeatedly reward the behavior: a belly rub, a dog treat, or a nice pat on the head. In this way, we're conditioning our dog's laugh by rewarding this cute behavior every time we see it. (Which begs the question - who's training who?!)

Conditioning this kind of submissive behavior in your pet dog can only be a good thing. Your Sheltie must learn that you are the boss - it's their instinct to follow the leader - and it will lead to a much happier lifestyle all round when your dog is well behaved. So next time you see your Sheltie smile, give them a lovely reward - everyone wins!

More Sheltie Smiles...

This is such a gorgeous Sheltie trait that I decided to dedicate an excessive amount of pictures to it. Just try and stop me!!

Howard gives a Sheltie smile

Piper was all smiles that day

Howard looks very content lying on my pillow

Ears up = Piper wants to play!

Howard mastered the Sheltie smile as a puppy