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You know that look dogs give when you move their favorite toy or say ‘bath time'? Yep. The classic dog side eye, part sass, part suspicion.
If there's someone all pet owners can tolerate getting a judgmental look from, it's from our dogs.
And while this often seems funny to humans, the dog's side-eye can actually reveal a lot about their emotions and instincts!
In this article, we'll discuss the science behind the side eye, its behavioral implications, and why it has become such a viral online trend.
RELATED: 13 Common “Why Does My Dog” Questions Answered
What Is “Dog Side Eye” and Why Do They Do It?
A dog side eye is exactly what it sounds like: a dog with its head slightly turned away while keeping their eyes fixed on you and showing more of the whites of their eyes (called the sclera).
Some people can get it confused with another dog expression called “whale eyes”, but they actually have slight differences in appearance and meaning.
Dog Side Eye vs. Whale Eye
|
Feature |
Dog Side Eye |
Whale Eye |
|
General Appearance |
The dog glances to the side, keeping its head still or slightly turned; the whites of their eyes are partly visible. |
The whites of the eyes are prominently visible, often with a wide stare and tense facial expression. |
|
Facial Expression |
Usually more relaxed or expressive, they can look humorous or sassy depending on the context. |
Tense or stiff face; may look startled, fearful, or defensive. |
|
Body Language Context |
Typically playful, curious, or mildly annoyed; often paired with a relaxed posture. |
Often paired with tense posture, stiff body, or lip curling, indicating discomfort, fear, or guarding. |
|
Emotional Meaning |
Communicative or expressive; can mean suspicion, curiosity, or “judgy” behavior. |
Defensive or warning behavior; may feel threatened or anxious. |
|
Common Triggers |
When the dog reacts to the owner's behavior, hears something unusual, or is being watched while eating or resting. |
When a dog is uncomfortable with handling, guarding a toy or food, or feels trapped. |
|
Behavioral Implication |
Usually harmless and expressive; often anthropomorphized as “attitude.” |
A subtle warning sign of stress or possible aggression; requires owner awareness. |
|
Emotional Intensity |
Mild to moderate expression; not necessarily negative. |
High emotional tension often signals the need for space or calm. |
In short, while the dog's side eye is often playful or expressive, the whale's eye usually signals stress or discomfort.
Both show the whites of the eyes, but the context, tension, and body language determine whether it’s funny or a warning sign.
What a Dog Side Eye Means
Dogs evolved from wolves and developed facial muscles that allow them to raise their eyebrows, which makes them look more expressive.
They rely mostly on body language, including facial expressions, to communicate with humans and fellow dogs. A dog's sideways glance can mean several things, depending on the context.
1. A Sign of Caution or Guarding Behavior
Dogs are naturally protective of what they consider their own, including food, toys, space, and even humans.
They may naturally show the whites of their eyes to let an “intruder” know that they're watching.
RELATED: 17 Best Mixed Breed Guard Dogs
2. Communication and Emotion
Because dogs use body language to communicate, a side eye may signal confusion, annoyance, or uncertainty.
There's only so much our dogs can convey when they try to express what they truly think or feel, so even a slight shift in their eyes can mean complex emotions.
RELATED: Dog Facial Expressions & Body Language, Explained by Science
3. Mimicking Human Expressions
Decades of domestication alongside humans have allowed dogs to develop facial muscles that can mimic our expressions (this is also how they can do puppy eyes!)
This means their side-eye may be how they respond and copy our reactions when we roll our eyes or give skeptical looks.
Yes, our dogs are certainly sassy too!
4. Learned Behavior from Humans
Dogs pick up on human reactions. If you laugh or react to their side-eye, chances are your dog will repeat this behavior to get attention.
Eventually, it becomes an integral part of their personality, especially in breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Huskies, which are known for being expressive.
When the Dog Side Eye Might Indicate a Problem
Sometimes, your dog's side-eye might not be side-eye at all. It might be whale eyes, which can signal fear, discomfort, or a sense of guarding.
Some warning signs to watch out for, along with the side or whale eyes, are:
- Tense body
- Stiff posture
- Ears pinned back
- Lip curling or low growling
The most important way to deal with this is to respond calmly rather than scold. Giving them space or redirecting their attention with treats or a toy will help to prevent this behavior from escalating further.
If your dog consistently exhibits this behavior and is also showing aggression, it's advisable to consult a certified dog behaviorist.
They will not only help your dog outgrow this behavior, but they will also guide you on how to deal with it on your own.
RELATED: 15 Facts About Fear Aggression in Dogs
More Funny Photos & Videos of Dog Side Eye
If you need a pick-me-up today, here are some dog side eye pictures guaranteed to make you laugh!
1. The most perfect mood board
View this post on Instagram
2. 10/10 for Everyone!
@petmoments09 Top 10 Side-Eye King Dogs!Who Wins the Sassy Crown?🐾🤣🤣#tiktok #foryou #dog #funny #usa
3. Who's judging?!
4. Not only is he judging, but he's also eavesdropping!
5. “So, are we going or what?”
FAQs About the Dog Side Eye
Why does my dog side-eye me when I eat?
Your dog is likely giving you the side-eye because they’re curious, hoping for a treat, or trying to watch without staring directly (which can be seen as rude in dog body language).
It’s your dog's subtle way of showing interest while respecting your space!
Do certain breeds give side eye more than others?
Yes, breeds with expressive eyes, such as Shiba Inus, Huskies, and Bulldogs, are more likely to exhibit noticeable side-eye.
However, any dog can do it! It’s more about personality and body language than breed alone.
Is it normal for my dog to side-eye other dogs or strangers?
Yes, it’s normal. Dogs may side-eye unfamiliar people or animals to assess the situation without confrontation.
It usually signals caution, curiosity, or mild discomfort.
Dog Side Eye: Before You Go…
As amusing and entertaining as it may look, dog side-eye is part of how our furry buddies communicate with us. Sometimes, it can be quite silly and hilarious. Othertimes, it can be serious.
Before assuming “it's just attitude”, it's best to pay attention to the context. Look for other signs, such as body posture and facial expression, to determine if your dog's side eye is something to take seriously.
But whether it's shade, sass, or suspicion, this behavior reminds us just how colorful and full our dogs' personalities are!
Do you want to read more about other quirky behaviors that canines do? Check out our recommended articles below!
