The Meaning Behind Your Dog’s “Whale-Eyed” Expression
Trainers and behaviorists rely on dogs’ body language to determine their state of mind. One way they assess stress levels is by watching for “half-moon eyes” or “whale eyes.” This expression involves widened eyes with the sclera (white portion) visible at the corners or rims. A “whale-eyed” look accompanied by tense facial features and body posture indicates the dog is feeling anxious or defensive. Much like humans, dogs tense up and widen their eyes when they feel frightened or threatened. … Read more