Dogs do a lot of cute things. But cocking their head to one side when they hear certain sounds or voices is near the top of the adorable behavior list. Pet parents love to see this behavior, but may not know the reason behind the endearing move. So in this blog post, we’ll dig into the science to answer a common question: why do dogs tilt their heads?
The science behind head tilting
There are a few possible explanations for why dogs tilt their heads (and yes, one of them has to do with making their humans smile). Let’s take a look at some of the factors that may play a role in this behavior.
Hearing abilities
Dogs can hear a much wider range of frequencies than humans. While we can hear sounds in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, dogs can detect high-pitched frequencies up to 65,000 Hz. However, their ear flaps may impact their ability to locate the direction a sound is coming from. Tilting their head adjusts the position of their ears, which in turn could help them determine where a sound is originating.
Facial structure and vision
Another possible explanation for head tilting relates to the shape of a dog’s face. Dogs have a longer snout than humans, which can sometimes obstruct their field of vision—especially when trying to focus on something directly in front of them. By tilting their heads, some researchers believe the dog may be trying to get a better look at an object or visual cue.
Cognitive processing
In a 2021 study published in Animal Cognition, researchers found that some dogs, particularly those considered gifted word learners, tilted their heads more often when responding to specific spoken words, suggesting a potential link between head tilting and concentration as they work to recognize and process words they know.
Positive reinforcement
Dogs love to know that they’re good pups. If dogs notice that tilting their heads gets a positive reaction—like a laugh, a treat, or extra attention—they may be more likely to repeat the behavior.
Does breed play a role in why dogs tilt their head?
A dog’s physical characteristics and temperament can play a role in head tilting behavior. As mentioned, a pup’s facial structure can have an impact due to how it affects their vision. Dogs with longer muzzles, like Greyhounds, Collies, and Dachshunds may tilt their head more than short-snouted breeds like Pugs and Boston Terriers.
Dog breeds that are intelligent and eager to please may also cock their heads more often if they’ve made the connection that head tilts result in praise or rewards. Breeds that fall into this category include Poodles, Papillons, Border Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
When to be concerned about head tilting
Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal head tilting is important for pet parents. A typical head tilt often occurs in response to sounds or during playful interactions, while abnormal tilting may be accompanied by other symptoms such as disorientation, balance issues, or changes in appetite and behavior. If you notice your dog tilting their head frequently, especially if the behavior doesn’t appear to be in response to a sound, it may be cause for concern. Some potential medical causes for head tilting include:
- Ear infections: Infections in the outer or inner ear can cause discomfort and balance issues, leading a dog to tilt their head. Other symptoms may include scratching at the ears, redness, discharge, or an unpleasant odor.
- Vestibular disease: This condition affects a dog’s balance and coordination, often leading to a head tilt, dizziness, or trouble walking. Vestibular disease can be caused by an inner ear infection, injury, hypothyroidism, or tumors.
- Neurological concerns: Serious conditions, such as brain tumors or head trauma, can sometimes cause a dog to develop an unintentional head tilt.
If you suspect any of the above conditions are impacting your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian. They can examine your dog and determine what, if any, treatment is needed.
Final thoughts
So, why do dogs tilt their heads? The answer isn’t clear cut, but their hearing abilities, physiology, and breed characteristics all may play a role in the adorable head tilt that pet parents love. However, if head tilting is excessive or accompanied by other signs or changes in behavior, your veterinarian can partner with you on a healthcare plan that’s right for your pup.
