The smile of a dog can light up a room, warm the hearts of its owners, and even become an iconic trait of the breed. Dogs, with their diverse appearances and personalities, exhibit a range of smiles that are as unique as their characteristics. While every dog can bring joy to its human family, certain breeds stand out for their distinctive grins. These smiles can be due to the shape of their mouths, the way their lips curl, or even their overall facial expressions. In this article, we will explore seven dog breeds with the most unique smiles, counting down to the breed with the most distinctive grin of all.

7. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier, with its lamb-like appearance, is known for its arched back and distinctive topknot of hair. But what truly sets this breed apart is its unique smile. The Bedlington Terrier’s mouth forms a natural curve, creating a perpetual grin that can range from a subtle smirk to a broad, beaming smile. This expression is accentuated by their almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with intelligence and playfulness. Historically bred for hunting, Bedlington Terriers are agile and energetic, traits that are often reflected in their expressive faces. Their smiles often emerge during playtime or when they are with their beloved human companions. The combination of their playful nature and their distinctive facial features makes the Bedlington Terrier’s smile one of the most unique in the canine world.

6. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a majestic and powerful breed, originally bred for pulling heavy sleds in harsh Arctic conditions. Despite their formidable strength, Malamutes are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, often expressed through their remarkable smiles. Their mouths curve upwards naturally, giving them a happy and approachable appearance even when they are at rest. Malamutes are highly social animals, and their smiles are most evident when they are interacting with people or other dogs. Their thick fur, erect ears, and bright eyes further enhance the effect of their smile, making them look perpetually cheerful. This breed’s expressive face and loving demeanor have earned them a special place in the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

5. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed known for its fox-like appearance and spirited personality. One of the most distinctive features of the Shiba Inu is its smile, often referred to as the “Shiba Smile.” This breed has a unique way of curling its lips upwards, creating an expression that is both charming and mischievous. The Shiba Smile is often accompanied by a sparkle in their almond-shaped eyes, making it impossible to resist their charm. Shiba Inus are independent and confident, often exhibiting a bold and curious demeanor. Their smiles are most apparent when they are exploring their surroundings or engaging in activities they enjoy. The combination of their striking appearance and their endearing smiles makes the Shiba Inu a standout breed.

4. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a breed known for its distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build. But beyond its unique appearance, the Bull Terrier is also famous for its playful and clownish personality, often showcased through its grin. The breed’s mouth is naturally curved, giving them a perpetual smile that can range from a cheeky smirk to a wide, toothy grin. Bull Terriers are known for their boundless energy and love of fun, traits that are often reflected in their expressions. Their smiles are most evident during playtime or when they are engaging in their favorite activities. The combination of their distinctive head shape and their joyful demeanor makes the Bull Terrier’s smile truly one of a kind.

3. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller, is a lesser-known breed that stands out for its cheerful and enthusiastic personality. Bred for hunting and retrieving, Tollers are highly active and intelligent dogs that love to engage with their human companions. Their smiles are characterized by a slight upward curve of the lips and a twinkle in their expressive eyes. Tollers are known for their playful and energetic nature, often showing their smiles during moments of excitement or affection. Their reddish-gold fur and bushy tails add to their overall charm, making their smiles even more captivating. The Toller’s unique grin, combined with their friendly and outgoing personality, makes them a delight to be around..

2. Dalmatian

The Dalmatian, famous for its distinctive black or liver spots, is also known for its expressive and often humorous smile. Dalmatians have a natural curve to their mouths that gives them a happy and contented appearance. Their smiles are most noticeable when they are engaging in activities they love, such as running, playing, or spending time with their families. Dalmatians are active and social dogs, known for their intelligence and sometimes quirky personalities. Their smiles are often accompanied by a playful glint in their eyes, making them even more endearing. The combination of their striking appearance and their joyful expressions has made Dalmatians beloved by many.

1. Keeshond

Topping the list is the Keeshond, a breed known for its “smiling” face. The Keeshond has a unique facial structure that naturally gives it a smiling expression, often described as a “smiling Dutchman.” This smile is characterized by a pronounced curve of the lips and a distinct twinkle in their dark, expressive eyes. Their dense double coat and fox-like face add to the overall effect, making their smiles truly unforgettable. Keeshonds are affectionate and friendly dogs, often forming strong bonds with their human families. Their smiles are most evident when they are interacting with people or other dogs, showing their happiness and contentment. The Keeshond’s unique grin, combined with their loving and playful nature, makes them the breed with the most unique smile.

Dog breeds with unique smiles bring a special kind of joy to their owners, each in their own distinct way. From the playful Bedlington Terrier to the perpetually cheerful Keeshond, these breeds show that a dog’s smile is a reflection of their personality and their bond with their human companions. Whether well-known or lesser-known, each of these breeds has a smile that can brighten anyone’s day.