In a relaxed state, how should a dog's eyes typically appear?

In a relaxed state, a dog's eyes should typically appear with the whole eye visible and show no signs of stress. This means that the eyes are soft and calm, reflecting the dog's overall demeanor. A relaxed dog will likely have a gentle expression with a natural gaze, and there should be no signs of tension or discomfort present in their body language.

When assessing a dog's emotional state, looking at the eyes can provide significant insight. The whole eye being visible indicates that the dog feels safe and comfortable in its environment. Other options, such as dilated pupils or visibility of the white part of the eyes, can often indicate stress or agitation, while closed eyes may suggest that the dog is attempting to escape from overstimulation or anxiety. Thus, observing the eyes in this context is a valuable tool for understanding canine behavior and emotional health.