Skip to main content

This is what it means when your dog tilts their head at you

Ah, the head tilt — is there anything sweeter? There’s no way to hold back a smile when your pup perks up their ears and leans their head to one side. It seems so much like they’re listening to your every word when they look at you that way, but why do dogs tilt their heads? Could it be a problem with their ear health? Or is it as quizzical and curious as it seems?

You’ll be happy to know that science, so far, says yes. There are several reasons why dogs tilt their heads, most of which have to do with the ways they see, hear, and communicate, so read on to learn how to determine what your dog’s head tilts mean. Odds are, they’re totally trying to hear you!

Here’s what you need to know.

Why do dogs tilt their heads?

So what’s behind this adorable behavior? When you’re not talking to your furry friend or squeaking a toy for their attention, these are some of the reasons why they may offer a head tilt or two:

Improved directional hearing

When considering the anatomy of dogs’ ears, it’s important to remember that canines have pinnae, or ear flaps, that partially or completely cover their ears, according to VCA Hospitals. Pups who perk their ears are lifting these flaps to let as much sound in as possible. Head tilts help accomplish the same thing by repositioning the head.

When a dog tilts their head in response to a sound, it’s likely they’re giving themselves the best chance to hear. VCA Hospitals notes that they may cock their head in the direction the sound is coming from, or they may turn their whole head (or even body) around to face the sound directly.

By optimizing their sound input, dogs can also determine how far away a sound is. They do this by noticing how long the sound takes to hit one ear, then the other.

Clearer vision

Dogs with longer snouts may tilt their heads as a way of getting a better look, notes Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD. His research found that greyhounds and other breeds with longer noses engaged in head-cocking behavior more frequently than flat-faced breeds, though canine behaviorists believe more research in the field is needed.

a Maltese dog sits on the sofa and tilts their head curiously
Alzbeta / Shutterstock

Why do dogs tilt their heads while looking at you?

When communication is considered, there can be many more factors that result in the cutest of head tilts.

Concentration and memory recall

A recent study led by the animal behavior team at Eötvös Loránd University picked up on a pattern between doggy head tilts and memory recall. They found that ‘gifted’ dogs (dogs who could learn and remember the names of toys) tilted their heads about 42% of the time when being asked to retrieve a toy they recognized. The researchers hypothesized that the head tilt is linked to mental processing, especially since all of the dogs completed the task they were asked to do.

To show you they are listening

VCA Hospitals notes that, since a dog’s ear muscles are controlled by the same part of the brain that governs facial expressions and head movements, there is likely to be some overlap. “So, when a dog cocks his head to the side, he is trying to hear your words, understand what you are saying, and let you know that he is concentrating on you.”

Because you respond to it

Didn’t think this could get any cuter? Think again! Many dogs notice how you respond to their head cocking, and this could very well encourage them to keep doing it. Think of it like positive reinforcement — if you praise your pup, or even give them attention for a sweet head tilt, they’ll be quick to repeat this behavior.

A cute red and white puppy tilts their head
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When to worry about a head tilt

While the occasional, responsive head tilt isn’t anything to worry about, a constant tilt, especially one that’s new, can be something that warrants a trip to the vet. According to VCA Hospitals, an infection of the external ear canal can cause itching, pain, and an occasional tilt, while middle ear infections may result in a more constant tilt. You may also notice pawing at the ear.

In very rare cases, a constant head tilt to one side can be a symptom of a neurological disorder. Your veterinarian will be the best person to examine and diagnose your pet if you feel like there’s an issue, and it’s worth keeping an eye out even if your pup offers a tilt or two without any sound present.

Don’t worry, though — head tilts are generally completely safe… and completely adorable! You can take comfort in knowing that your dog really is listening closely and showing you they care, and feel no guilt in enjoying the sweet, quizzical look of the canine head tilt. It’s a classic!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Hot spots on dogs: What you need to know
This is how to get rid of hot spots and keep them away
Puppy scratches his ear on the sand

Finding hot spots on dogs can lead to outright panic. These sores can look — and feel — painful, not to mention scary. They also spread frequently until the underlying condition is properly addressed, sometimes with the aid of your vet and medication.

But don't stress too much if you find itchy hot spots on your canine's skin, since they're almost always fixable. With a little help from you and the dog doc, you'll have your pup back to 100% in no time.

Read more
Why black Labrador retrievers are the perfect family dogs
This breed is one of America's favorites, but is it meant for your home?
A close-up shot of a black Lab wearing a red collar

For more than 30 years, the Labrador retriever was America's most popular dog breed, and it still remains a favorite (though the Frenchie has taken the number one slot). Playful, friendly, and affectionate, black Labs make amazing family pets. Is a black Labrador retriever the perfect pet for your family? Here's everything you need to know about this happy dog breed.

Are black Labradors good pets? 
A medium-to-large-sized breed, Labs weigh anywhere from 55 to 85 pounds, with females being smaller than males. Labs are active, sociable dogs who form lasting bonds with family members but are friendly toward strangers, too. With their double coats and webbed feet, Labs make excellent companions for water-loving families, but they're also equally at home romping through a yard with kids. 

Read more
Why do dogs get eye boogers? What you need to know about this common problem (and when you should be concerned)
Eye boogers are rarely serious but sometimes can indicate an infection
Closeup of dog eye

Eye boogers: The truth is that we all get them. At least both humans and our canine companions. Nearly everyone will experience this at some point in pet parenthood (human parenthood as well, usually), and it's certainly nothing to worry about most of the time.

Standard eye discharge doesn't mean a dog eye infection, but the two can be linked. We'll go through when this isn't an issue and what to look for to figure out if there's more going on. Here's everything you need to know about puppy eye goop.

Read more