smarl

A smarl is a dog's smile that looks like a snarl. Dalmatians are famous for smarling, but other dogs, such as Jack Russell Terriers, sometimes do it too. The smarling dog lifts his or her top lip up and shows the fangs, but the teeth are closed. The eyes look kind and the ears are generally down in a submissive position. A lot of smarling dogs bob or twist their heads about so it is difficult to photograph.

The dog gave a delightful smarl.