Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – Eyes

Learning about your dog’s body language can better help you understand their behaviour, when they are happy or anxious, and how to better care for them. In this article from the Body Language Series we look at Dog’s eyes.

Eye shapes and colours can vary a lot in dogs. Brachycephalic dogs (short nosed dogs) often have very wide eyes – e.g. pugs. Some dogs can have different coloured eyes (heterochromia) or both eyes that are blue. This can often be of putting for some dogs as it can look like dogs are staring.

Neutral

Neutral (relaxed or happy): Iris (coloured tissue) should be clearly visible, soft almond like shape to eyes.

Blinking

Blinking can indicate non-threatening intentions and can be used to avoid eye contact.

Squinting

Squinty eyes can be a sign of avoidance, or appeasement to indicate peaceful intentions. Often seen in videos on social media of a dog who is ‘in trouble’. Contrary to popular belief, the dog does NOT know what they have done wrong and is only trying to appease the cranky/intimidating human.

Dilated

Aroused/stressed/fearful: Pupils will be dilated and eyes more round in shape.

Wide Eyes

‘Whale eye’ – during stress, fear and arousal: Whites of the eyes are clearly visible, sometimes only for short periods.

Eye Contact

Direct eye contact: The dog may be alerting to something or fixated on an object/person/dog, or scared and uncertain.

Fixed or Glassy

‘Hard eye’ is a fixed, glassy stare and is a threat to get something to move away.

It’s important to read the dog’s whole body and not just one part, plus take into consideration the context in which the behaviour is happening.

Learn more about your dog’s body language with our other articles in the body language series.
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – Ears
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – Tail
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – The Mouth
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language – Body Positions