What Does Greyhound Teeth Chattering Look Like?
Your greyhound teeth chattering will look like a typical human shiver. You’ll be able to see their bottom jaw moving up and down rapidly physically, and you’ll hear the click of their teeth. You can also feel the chatter of their teeth when you’re patting their head.
Because a greyhound’s teeth look similar to human bottom teeth, except for their canines, it can even look quite amusing.
Diagnosing exactly why your greyhound’s teeth are chattering can be a challenge, so here’s every possibility and what to look out for.
Greyhounds might chatter their teeth as a way to show you that they’re happy or content. It’s just like a cat when they’re purring.
You’ll notice this when they’re sleepy or chilled out at home, and it’ll most likely be when they’re cuddled up to you. It’s a massive compliment, as your greyhound is enjoying the bond you have.
If your greyhound is laid out in a relaxed position, their chattering may be accompanied by a tail wag. It might be that they’re just settling down to sleep with you or that you’re petting them in just the right place.
You might also notice this if you have multiple dogs. They’ll use this behavior as a signal that they’re happy with each other too and that there’s no danger around.
If this happens when your greyhound is just meeting a new dog or other pet, it could be a good thing, showing that they’re happy with the stranger and feel comfortable with them around.
The ‘contented chatter’ should always be accompanied by tail wagging and open, inviting body language.
Do Greyhounds Chatter Teeth Out of Excitement or Happiness?
Greyhound teeth chatter can be one of the strongest signs that your dog is excited.
If it’s playtime, you’ve just gotten home, or you’re getting ready for a walk, chattering is a way these dogs show their pleasure.
If your dog is rolling around, taking a play-bowing position, or wagging his tail, he is probably very excited.
Although there’s nothing wrong with your dog being excited in and of itself, you might need to rein in some of the behavior that comes with it.
For example, if your dog is getting too excited and jumping, walking away from her and ignoring her until she calms down is in order.
A large dog like a Greyhound can injure someone while jumping, especially children and elderly or disabled relatives.
In many cases, Greyhounds chatter their teeth as a sign of contentment. A comparison that dog owners often make is that this behavior is similar to when a cat purrs.
The body language will be positive when your Greyhound has teeth chatter from contentment. A wagging tail is one example of positive body language. Your dog may choose to show their happiness through a relaxed posture.
If your dog is calmly resting at home, perhaps snuggling with you at the time, she is more likely to chatter her teeth. Greyhounds will do this as a sign of happiness with their owner and shared bond.
Greyhound’s Teeth Chattering from Cold
When a person who is unfamiliar with greyhounds sees one chattering, he will often ask if the dog is cold. Although this is not usually the case, it does happen. This is not how any of my greyhounds ever expressed feeling chilly, but it does happen sometimes.
The more common sign that a greyhound is cold is that he will “snowball:” lay down and curl up into a perfect, tight, little circle. The long legs are drawn up and the paws get tucked into his tummy. He will thread his long tail through all this, and bring the end around so he can drape it over his nose. It’s amazing how small he can make himself. If you see your greyhound shivering (or chattering from the cold), that means he is very cold. Although this can happen with any greyhound, it’s more likely to begin as they age. That’s the time to drape a blanket or shawl over your old friend. Make sure it’s light in weight; you don’t want to aggrevate any arthritis he might have.
Greyhounds chatter their teeth when happy
Teeth chattering: This is a very unique trait for greyhounds which is usually a sign of anticipation and excitement. So it’s quite common to see your greyhound chattering before their brekkie or dinner.
Chattering (chittering or knitting) is one trait that makes greyhounds special. Unlike humans, where teeth chattering is an involuntary form of shivering, greyhound teeth chattering is usually a sign of happiness or contentment, similar to a cat’s purr.
It completes a repertoire of peculiar barks, grunts, groans and whines. People will tell you that greyhounds don’t bark a lot. Well, except for the ones who do. Also known as: a-roo, singing, siren.