Dachshund's Permanent Smile Caused By Missing Tooth Will Make You Melt Instantly
Who could have predicted that a photo of a dog with missing teeth would make an appearance on the news? A Tampa woman named Melanie certainly didn't. Her miniature dachshund, Bella, has been causing millions of smiles all over the world, thanks to her own "smile." Melanie has been sharing pics of her pup's unique appearance on social media for years, never expecting Bella's smile to gain nationwide attention, but in October 2025, it did.
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Melanie said her 14-year-old dog lost one of her top teeth — likely a canine — causing her lip to rest and fold inwardly in the empty space. The lip folding has given her the appearance of a one-sided grin. "For as long as I can remember, she's had this little smirk," Melanie told ABC News. She added that her smile has actually become more pronounced over the years as she's lost more teeth.
Melanie, just as with so many others who have seen Bella's adorable grin, melts when she looks at her. "Every time I look at her face, I'm like, 'You can't be real. You're a stuffed animal,'" she said. She affectionately refers to Bella on Instagram as "the most adorable snaggletooth face." Unaware of her fame, Bella has spent the last couple of years doing what any other senior dachshund would be doing: getting pushed around in a stroller, showing off her holiday costumes, and, of course, lounging around. It's hard to determine which one is cuter: the miniature dachshund proudly showing off his fall sweater or the one with her crooked smile.
Do dogs actually smile?
After taking one look at Bella, you might answer that question with a "yes, obviously." But remember, her smile isn't dictated by her emotions. Really, it's no "smile" at all. It's just the way her mouth looks as a result of missing teeth. So do dogs smile when they're happy the way that humans do? Somewhat, but it's not the same as it is for humans.
Dogs express happiness in several ways. They wag their tails (or their entire bodies), jump up and down, spin in circles, whine, and pant. Because panting requires a dog to open its mouth and let its tongue hang loosely, this would be the closest equivalent to a human smile. So, if you see a dog's tail wagging and its tongue sticking out, you're likely seeing it "smiling" while experiencing some level of excitement or contentment.
A closed mouth, on the other hand, usually signals a different emotional state. It doesn't automatically mean the dog feels unhappy, but it can suggest a shift in focus or mood. A closed mouth might indicate curiosity or alertness. In moments of tension, it could even hint at discomfort or stress, even for a dog with a permanent smile like Bella. Interested in other mini dachshund stories? Check out a man who leaves to go on a bike ride, but his sneaky dachshund has other plans.