Interpreting Your Dog's Body Language

When dogs misunderstand each other, trouble can occur. The breeds who most distinctly look like wolves are those with the clearest body language (such German Shepherd Dogs). Those with peculiar anatomical features are most far-removed from the wolverine shape and so may be misunderstood. For example, spaniels have floppy ears which don't erect when acting confidently.

Other dogs can't display their teeth because of the hair on their face. Dogs with very long hair can not raise their hackles and dogs like the pug can not raise, wag or lower their tails. Black dogs may appear featureless to the eyes of other dogs and so subtle facial expressions are not understood.