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You've probably seen this a bunch of times when chatting to or near a dog: they stare at you, tilt their heads and give a charming look that says "Hey! I'm listening to you".
But there's more going on than just a dog trying to look cute. Here, we answer "why do dogs tilt their heads?", if it's normal behaviour and which breeds are best known for tilting their heads.
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The science behind why dogs tilt their heads
Surprisingly, there isn't actually much science behind head tilting, and it’s mostly anecdotal evidence. But the few studies that researchers have done focus on how it helps dogs understand stimuli in the world around them.
For example, a 2021 study by Springer Nature concluded that head-tilting "processed relevant, meaningful stimuli".
Another trend researchers found was that dogs had a favoured side for tilting, but there wasn't much weight put behind this analysis - rather it's more likely that dogs just have a preference.
What does it mean when a dog tilts its head?
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So, what does it really mean when a dog tilts its head?
Communication
As mentioned, head tilting can show that a dog is processing information, but it may also be a way of communicating either with us or with other dogs.
Our dog body language article can explain more about how dogs communicate subtly with their owners.
Concentration
The study we linked above explained the theory that dogs tilt their heads to process stimuli around them and to help with concentration.
This might apply when a dog is learning something new or playing games.
Hearing
Some people think that dogs tilt their heads to hear better, stopping their ear flaps from interfering with sound. They may also tilt their head towards or away from the sound to hear it better.
Understanding
Tilting their head can mean a dog is thinking about or processing sounds, their meaning, how they apply to them and how they should respond.
Visual reasons
Sometimes, a dog tilts their head to see better. Pretty simple!
Is head tilting always normal? When to worry
Head tilt in dogs can indicate a medical problem if it's sudden or persistent. Possible medical reasons for persistent or sudden head tilting include:
Hypothyroidism - A disorder in the thyroid gland where not enough thyroid hormone is produced. It can cause a variety of symptoms, and in some dogs can cause inner ear problems that lead to head tilting.
Neurological problems
Torticollis (wry neck) - A condition where a dog's neck twists and tilts to one side. This is a very rare condition.
Vestibular (inner ear) disorder - Vestibular disease occurs in the inner ear and can cause other symptoms like vomiting, flickering eye movement, circling or falling to one side and deafness. It is more common in older dogs.
It's important to see if head tilting is combined with other worrying symptoms, like:
Deafness
Disorientation
Excessive scratching
Flickering eye movement
Imbalance
Loss of balance
Resistance to walking or exercise
Shaking
Tiredness
Visible confusion
Vomiting
We always recommend seeing a vet for sudden, new or persistent symptoms, especially if your dog's head tilt lasts longer than 24 hours and comes with other issues.
Do certain dog breeds tilt their heads more?
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Yes. Typically, breeds with longer muzzles tilt their heads more, like German Shepherds and Greyhounds. Flatter-faced dogs, like Bulldogs and Pugs, tend to tilt their head to the side less.
Some breeds are known as ‘gifted word learners’. These breeds are very quick learners and have a great memory, and are more likely to tilt their heads than other dogs according to some studies.
Examples of GWL dog breeds include:
But, as mentioned, dog head tilting can be individual, so it isn't entirely down to the breed.
Why dogs tilt their heads when we speak
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So, given all the reasons for dog head tilting, why does it happen more when humans speak?
It's likely to be a mix of needing to hear, processing information and learning.
Engagement
A dog can tilt their head when they're concentrating on what their human is saying to them. It shows they're engaging with us.
Hearing
A dog tilting their head can mean they're trying to hear or listen.
Learning
Dogs can tilt their head when they're learning or recalling information.
Visual reasons
Dogs sometimes tilt their heads to get a better look at our faces, which they use to learn and recall information or maybe interpret what we're saying or doing.
But another part of it might be positive reinforcement. Usually, we speak to our dogs in a certain tone of voice when something good is going to happen.
The classic is "do you want to go for a walk?" - we say it in the same tone and then we reward them with a walk. If a dog tilts their head doing this, they associate head tilting with a reward.
So, head tilting in dogs is a complicated behaviour that scientists still don’t fully understand, and only a small number of studies have been done.
How dog insurance helps
While dog head tilting is usually fine, it can indicate a deeper health problem. But being proactive and watching your dog closely can help you spot things.
That's why dog insurance helps - you can see a vet to check things like this early, which is essential for preventative care.
Plus, with our dog insurance, you get up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other ManyPets Perks.
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