Have you ever suspected that your dog may indeed be laughing or pulling a prank? And if they are, is this just stock-standard canine conduct, or do dogs have a sense of humour?
We thought we’d decode your doggo’s behaviour to find out whether they truly find something hilarious, or if it’s just another curious thing that dogs do?
Do dogs have a sense of humour?
There’s no definitive proof that dogs have a sense of humour (even though finding out sounds like the funnest study ever). But, many animal experts still believe they do. These experts define playfulness as a sense of humour, meaning most dogs certainly have a funny side.
Us Dog Owners would probably agree. Have you ever experienced your dog pulling what looks like a practical joke? They might have a ball in their mouth, which they then drop to the ground. When you come nearer try to grab it, they swiftly pick it up and run off. Even Charles Darwin himself observed that this kind of behaviour is distinct from normal play!
It’s also worth noting that dogs react very well to positive reinforcement. If something they do gets a laugh or pat from you, they’re more likely to want to do it again. In this instance, some experts believe that what we perceive as humour may simply be attention-grabbing behaviour.
But do dogs have a sense of humour in the same way humans do?
So, if dogs can have a sense of humour, do they display it in the same way humans do? Well, unlike humans, you probably won’t find a dog chortling at a witty one-liner or a well-placed pun. Instead, dogs with a sense of humour usually exhibit playful behaviour – which is definitely much like some humans, especially young kiddos.
Wondering how you can tell if your dog is showing off their humorous side? There are a few tell-tale signs:
- Smiling. In other words, your doggo has an easygoing, open-mouthed expression in response to something like play. A big smile also shows that your furry friend is happy and enjoying your company. If they’re doing this around your new neighbourhood Dog Sitter, that’s proof that your pupper approves!
- Laughing. Yep, you read that right! Dog laughing is a bit like panting. However, experts have conducted studies that distinguish it from regular rapid breathing. When they’re playing, dogs have a very particular pant – which experts have put down to a kind of laugh. In fact, studies have shown that dogs laugh at the same things young kids do
- Playing. If your dog is rolling around on the ground or leaping about, they’re likely in a state of play
- Wagging their tail. While not always the case (some dogs will wag their tail when they’re anxious or feeling threatened), a wagging tail can indicate an excited dog. If their tail is wagging very rapidly, it’s a sign they’re elated and eager to play
- Hiding things. Often, dogs will hide things like shoes, jewellery, or other objects because they’re trying to get your attention. This is a clear sign that they want you to play with them!
- Pinching things. They might even take their hiding behaviour one step further by taking something as their own. If a dog steals your shoes and chews them to bits, or swipes food off the counter, they could be after a reaction!
Dogs are also highly sensitive creatures who love to please their humans. Research even shows that dogs can display empathic behaviour if they think their Owner is upset. If they notice you’re in a bad mood, your doggo might try to engage in behaviour that makes you smile. And we reckon most humans would do the same!
What are the most playful dog breeds?
First, a disclaimer: every dog has the capacity to be hilarious to us humans, whether it’s intentional or not. Ever seen a dog sneezing? That stuff is downright hysterical.
However, there are a few breeds that are more likely to engage in humorous or playful behaviour. The most playful dog breeds include Miniature and Standard Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Airedale Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers. West Highland White Terriers, Welsh Corgis, Shih Tzus, German Shepherds, and Labradors also tend to be pretty playful.
Curious if there are breeds that don’t have a sense of humour? We can’t necessarily say this is true for all dogs, but there are a few breeds that are less prone to mischief. These include Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards, Chihuahuas, Rottweilers, and Bulldogs. After all, you probably only need to take one look at their serious faces to realise these breeds are not the biggest jokers around…
