How Dogs Show Emotion Through Their Faces: What the Research Says

Can your dog’s face tell you how they’re feeling? A 2023 study says yes – and understanding those expressions could help you spot the difference between a happy dog and a frustrated one.

Why Facial Expressions Matter in Dogs

Most people recognize the obvious signs of a dog’s mood. A wagging tail usually means happiness. Growling suggests discomfort. But facial expressions are often overlooked—even though they can offer subtle but powerful clues about how a dog feels inside.

Understanding those expressions could help dog owners, trainers, and veterinarians respond more thoughtfully to a dog’s emotional needs.

What the Study Looked At

In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers led by Annika Bremhorst set out to explore how dogs express emotions using their faces. They focused on two emotional states: positive anticipation (waiting for a reward) and frustration (expecting a reward but not receiving it).

Twenty-nine pet dogs were observed in two situations. In the first, the dogs saw a signal that meant they were about to get a treat. In the second, the signal was similar—but the treat didn’t come. Both situations created emotional tension, but in very different ways.

How Researchers Measured Dog Facial Expressions

To study the dogs’ expressions, researchers recorded each session on video and analyzed the footage using DogFACS, short for Dog Facial Action Coding System. This is a scientific tool that breaks facial movements into small, trackable units—similar to how facial expressions are studied in humans.

Instead of guessing what a certain look “means,” DogFACS lets researchers objectively measure things like blinking, head movements, and changes in mouth position.

What the Dogs’ Faces Revealed

The dogs displayed noticeably different expressions depending on how they felt. During positive anticipation, they showed signs of excitement and eagerness. Their ears were often raised, their mouths were slightly open, and their tongues were visible. These features pointed to a relaxed, happy state.

In the frustration condition, things changed. The dogs blinked more, closed their mouths, and turned their heads away from the reward area. They also showed more frequent mouth licking, which experts believe could signal emotional discomfort. While some might see this as a sign of hunger or expectation, the researchers suggest it may actually reflect stress.

Why This Research Is Important

This study matters because it shows that dogs express emotions in subtle, readable ways—even when they’re not barking, whining, or wagging their tails. Both excitement and frustration are high-energy states, so the body language can look similar at first. But by watching the face, especially smaller movements, we can better understand what a dog is truly feeling.

For dog owners, this means you might be able to spot frustration or confusion early—before it turns into barking, whining, or withdrawal. For trainers, it could help improve timing and reduce miscommunication. In shelters or veterinary settings, noticing these expressions might even help improve animal welfare by reducing stress and improving care.

How to Apply This at Home

Paying attention to your dog’s face doesn’t require fancy equipment. You can start simply by observing:

• Is your dog licking their mouth repeatedly when you delay a treat?
• Do they blink more than usual when you give a command they don’t understand

• Are they turning their head or closing their mouth in moments of uncertainty?

These could all be signs that your dog is feeling something more complex than excitement. The more you watch for these patterns, the easier it becomes to tell when your dog is comfortable—and when they might need a little help or patience.

Final Thoughts: Your Dog’s Face Speaks Volumes

This research highlights just how much dogs communicate through their facial expressions. The face is not just about cuteness or personality—it’s a window into your dog’s emotions. By learning to recognize small but important changes in their expressions, we can become more in tune with our pets, better support their emotional needs, and build stronger, more trusting relationships.

Dogs may not speak our language, but if we learn to watch and listen with care, their faces can tell us exactly what they’re feeling.

Reference: Bremhorst, A., Sutter, N. A. M., Brandner, C., & Riemer, S. (2023). Differences in facial expressions during positive anticipation and frustration in dogs awaiting a reward. Scientific Reports, 13, 20934.