If you’re one of the lucky owners who own a Pitbull, or have the chance to get close to one, you might have seen the smiling face of a Pitbull. You may wonder, are they smiling at you? Or is there something else behind that smiley face?
Anyway, with all the groundless bad reputation surrounding Pitbulls,it’s easy to think of it as a fluke. The thing is, Pitbulls do smile at their owners and close companions. Now, the question is under what circumstances will Pitbulls smile.
Without further ado, let’s get into details.
Why Do Pitbulls Smile?
Most of the time, Pitbulls show their adorable smile when they’re relaxed. Which is to say, they will smile when they feel content, safe, and secure with their surroundings.
However, this is not always the case. Pitbulls will also smile for other reasons. For example, Pitbulls will have a smiling face when they’re tired from activity, or when they’re overheated. Sometimes, that smile can also be due to them feeling nervous.
Moreover, Pitbulls naturally have a wider mouth than any other dog breed. Thus, just a little upward motion on their mouth area, it will give them an overall smiley look.
All in all, this expression of emotion is somewhat similar to how we humans express ourselves. Just like how some people will laugh when they’re anxious, or cry when they’re happy, dogs will do the same too.
Hence, being a smart dog owner, understanding your dog, especially their emotions, can be very helpful in knowing your dog’s needs. By learning the type of smile they’re displaying, whether it’s a happy smile, submissive smile, or nervous smile, you can take the right action for your dog as well as taking control of the situation.
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The Different Smiles Of Pitbulls
Happy Smiles
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest reasons Pitbulls will smile is because they’re feeling happy, relaxed, and secure. This smile can happen at any time, from taking them for a walk, playing with them, cuddling them etc. Sometimes, it is simply because they can be next to you.
Positive Reaction Smiles
Dogs can read our body language, tone of voice, and other expressions to understand our emotions. So, when a dog receives a positive emotion or reaction from their human, they will smile back at us. These positive reactions include petting them, complimenting them, laughing and taking pictures of them, and more.
Smiles From Exhaustion
Pitbulls might portray a smiley face from exhaustion too. After an intense playful session, the dog will pant, which can look like a smile. As a matter of fact, panting is a natural way for dogs to cool themselves down.
Submissive Smiles
Unlike what the media always portraying — pitbulls are aggressive by nature — Pitbulls are actually very gentle and will be submissive. When a Pitbull is being submissive, they often lower their head, wag their tail, and show their front teeth by pulling back their lips, mimicking the look of a smile.
This submissive stance with humans is to indicate that they’re friendly and not a threat, and it is something that every dog does. After all, it’s just downright adorable when you look down at a dog wagging its tail and smiling at you.
How Can You Make Your Pitbull Smile?
Here are a few tips to help you get that happy grin from your furry friend:
Playtime: One of the easiest ways to get your Pitbull to smile is by playing with them. Whether it’s a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or just running around in the backyard, playtime is a surefire way to get your pup’s tail wagging and their mouth open in a big, happy smile.
Treats: Who doesn’t love treats? Your Pitbull is no exception! Try giving your pup a treat and asking them to “smile” before giving it to them. With enough practice, your dog will start associating the word “smile” with showing off their pearly whites.
Belly Rubs: Belly rubs are the perfect way to show your Pitbull some love and affection. While you’re giving your pup a good belly rub, try gently lifting their lips and saying “smile” to encourage them to show off their teeth.
Positive Reinforcement: Like any other type of training, positive reinforcement is key. Whenever your Pitbull smiles, be sure to give them lots of praise and treats. With enough encouragement, your pup will start smiling on command in no time.
Remember, not all Pitbulls are the same, and what works for one dog may not work for another. So, be patient, have fun, and keep trying different methods until you find what works best for your furry friend. With a little practice and lots of love, you’ll have your Pitbull smiling in no time!
Pitbull Smile In Photography
So, you want to capture your Pitbull’s infectious smile in a photograph? Well, you’re in luck! With the right equipment and a little bit of patience, you can snap a picture that will make everyone smile.
First things first, make sure you have the right equipment. You don’t need a fancy camera, but it helps to have a camera with a high resolution or just being good at using your phone’s one.
Once you have your camera, it’s time to focus on composition. Square photos are great for social media, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different orientations. A portrait orientation can help emphasize your Pitbull’s smile, while a landscape orientation can capture the full extent of their happiness.
When it comes to capturing your Pitbull’s smile, timing is everything. Try to take the photo when your Pitbull is in a good mood, like after a walk or during playtime. This will help ensure that their smile is genuine and not forced.
Now, let’s talk about ethnicity. Wait, what? Just kidding, that has nothing to do with capturing your Pitbull’s smile. But seriously, don’t worry about your Pitbull’s ethnicity when taking a photo of their smile.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your photos. Use props, different backgrounds, and lighting to make your Pitbull’s smile stand out. And most importantly, have fun! A happy photographer makes for a happy Pitbull.
Do Pitbulls Experience Emotions?
Of course, they do! Pitbulls are not robots, they are living beings with feelings just like you. They can experience a wide range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and even jealousy.
In fact, a 2021 study found that dogs experience positive emotions when viewing a familiar face, such as their owners. This means that your Pitbull may feel happy and excited when they see you after a long day at work.
Pitbulls are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They can form strong bonds with their humans, Pitbulls love to be close to their owners at all times.
But it’s not just their owners that Pitbulls can form emotional connections with. They can also become attached to other animals, such as cats or other dogs, and even to inanimate objects like their favorite toys.
So, the next time you see your Pitbull wagging their tail or giving you a big, slobbery kiss, remember that they are not just showing physical affection – they are also expressing their emotions and love for you.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that Pitbulls do smile, although it can be for different reasons. But do all dogs behave the same? While most dogs do display some sort of smiling behavior and bubbly personalities, not all dogs will smile when they’re relaxed or happy with their owners.
Consequently, this is a unique trait that makes Pitbulls stand out, giving people another reason to get a Pitbull for a pet. Additionally, this trait also lets Pitbulls’ owners have the chance to connect with their dog on a deeper level.
