To know a dog is to recognize all of their facial expressions and body language. There are several ways that we can gauge the comfort and happiness of dogs. Obviously, a wagging tail is the clearest sign, as is a relaxed facial expression and body language. Most people who love dogs will also attest to the fact that they do, indeed, smile. A wide, open-mouth smile, coupled with happy eyes is the hallmark of a well-adjusted, joyful pooch–the very best kind of doggo, if you ask me. But, researchers tend to butt heads when it comes to talk of dogs laughing. So, this begs the question: do dogs laugh?
Something Similar to Laughing
Researchers have discovered that some dogs do make sounds that are similar to laughter and they tend to mirror the emotions of their humans. The late canine researcher, Patricia Simonet, made it her life’s work to translate the various sounds that dogs make. She indicated that the sound most closely related to laughter is actually more similar to panting. If you know your dog very well and can decipher subtle differences in his vocalizations, you might notice this type of “laughter panting.”
Simonet found that when she played back this laughter panting sound to other dogs, it often calmed anxiety and made puppies jump for joy as well.
Do all Breeds Laugh?
Some breeds are more susceptible to laughter than others, it turns out. Breeds such as the Springer Spaniel and Irish Terrier are more likely to “laugh,” whereas more serious breeds, such as the Rottweiler, Chihuahua and Pekinese are less likely to exhibit this behavior.
How to Make Your Dog Laugh
If you’d like to try and tickle your doggo’s funny bone, here are some ways that might have him in stitches. Create a fun play area for him that includes lots of interaction from you. Get down on his level and join in on the fun. If you have more than one dog, you might experience laughter when they’re playing with each other. You can also try tickling your dog to see if this makes him laugh. When stroked on the belly, you might find your dog rolling around, sticking out his tongue and begging for more if you stop. This is also a primo time to see if you can catch that elusive “dog laugh” in progress!
Want to learn more about what’s going on in your doggo’s head? Check out these posts:
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