Dog Side Eye Meme EXPLAINED: Meaning, Origin, and Everything About The Judgy Pup
The Dog Side Eye Meme is undoubtedly one of the most loved and relatable memes that we have seen online. Featuring dogs who convey a look of judgment or a side-eye look, these dogs perfectly encapsulate various moments of suspicion, confusion or disapproval.
The Dog Side Eye Meme has taken the internet by storm; dog owners, meme creators, and social media users alike have used this meme because of its highly effective ability to humorously convey human emotions through our furry friends’ side-eye look. In this article, we look at the meaning behind the meme, the origins of the meme, and discuss how a judgy pup has become iconic for 21st century internet culture.
#1 What Is the Dog Side Eye Meme?
The Dog Side Eye Meme, aka “Capping Dog” or “Sus Dog”, shows a dachshund giving side-eye with a judgmental expression and tasteful squinted eyes, indicating suspicion/disapproval. The image was uploaded on Reddit in April 2015 and became an instant viral reaction meme. It’s possible to relate to the expression, so it’s perfectly used to capture those times of judgment or sarcasm.
If you’re calling someone out on suspicious behavior or expressing disbelief at an absurd situation, the Dog Side Eye is a great fit. This is often used with captions like “When your friend says they don’t like pineapple on pizza but eats it anyway.” The Dog Side Eye meme is perfect for bringing some sass into any situation!
#2 What Is the Origin Of Dog Side Eye Meme?
The Dog Side Eye Meme, also known as “Capping Dog” or “Sus Dog”, originated from a photograph of a dachshund giving a suspicious side glance. On April 23, 2015, Redditor gooddboyy posted this image to the /r/aww subreddit with the caption:
“A ride in the car, huh? Are you sure it’s not a ride in the car…to the vet?”
This post garnered over 600 upvotes in seven years and was also uploaded to Imgur that same day.
The image quickly became a popular reaction image and meme, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where it is used to express suspicion or judgment. Its relatable expression and versatility have made it a staple in internet meme culture.
#3 How the Dog Side Eye Meme Spread on the Internet?
The Dog Side Eye Meme features a bewilderingly dubious looking dachshund, first popping up on Reddit’s /r/aww on April 23, 2015, via user gooddboyy. Its subtle judgments.z remained relevant and resonated with a lot of people, quickly lending itself to reaction images and meme macros.
On May 2, 2016, the image was on Imgur and received over 150 upvotes, and it was later reposted to /r/Showerthoughts, receiving over 800 upvotes. In October of 2017, the meme made its way to Nigeria’s Nairaland forum, via the Imgur link, as a meme for reactions.
In September of 2021, a Twitter user named @ayakapedia revived it in a thread about side-eye dogs, which received more than 14,000 likes. Shortly afterward, TikTok did their thing; on October 23, user @sussideeyedogcringe posted a meme video and it achieved 83,000+ views.
The momentum continued in 2022. On Instagram @kermit.duh.frog posted the image and got 80,000+ likes, and singer Halsey referenced the image in connection with her song “So Good,” on June 7, and received 23,000+ likes.
This potato-in-the-head dog is now a global signal for “I don’t believe it.” It made its way from side-eye to side-laugh, and now, the dog side eye meme is here to stay.
#4 Why Did This Judgy Pup Capture the Internet’s Heart?
There was something about that little dachshund’s side eye that really resonated with us— in a positive way. It was more than just a cute dog picture. It was a full mood. A whole vibe.
1. The Power of Side Eye: Human-like Reactions
What really makes the Dog Side Eye Meme so different is how human that look felt. It probably felt like the same look your best friend might make when the group text gets weird. Dogs side-eyeing us mimic the sort of nonverbal sarcasm and skepticism we have somehow learned to accept as human communication. It felt like the dog got it. And when animals show us back our own behavior, it makes us feel both endless amusement and imposes a reflective moment.
2. Facial Expressions that Communicate a Thousand Different Stories
No need for a caption; the angle of the eyes, the position of the head, the subtle tension in the brow of the dog, tells a story instantly: Is it suspicious? Is it judging? Or perhaps tired of your nonsense? Yes, all of the above–this expression can shift to address so many situations, it practically writes the punchline for you! Some meme templates can be planned and read diplomatically, and others have the availability of a blank slate–available for endless reinterpretation.
3. The universal “Seriously?”
We’ve all been there; that look of disbelief when it’s just much too much. Whether it’s some wild comment, an embarrassing moment, or a painfully obvious lie, the dog’s side eye is communicating what we’re all thinking—“Seriously?” This makes it the standard reaction image, especially in this time when people want to express feelings quickly without typing one word. It’s the quiet judgment we all wish we could effortlessly deliver.
#5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Dog Side Eye Meme from a real video or photoshoot?
Nope—it’s a real photo, not from a video or professional shoot. It was posted on Reddit in 2015 by user gooddboyy, showing their dachshund caught in a hilariously judgmental moment.
2. Who owns the original dog or image?
The image belongs to gooddboyy, the Reddit user who uploaded it. The dog’s identity hasn’t been widely shared, and the owner has stayed out of the spotlight despite the meme’s fame.
3. Has the meme ever been used in advertising or official media?
Not officially. While brands and users often recreate or reference it, the original photo hasn’t been licensed for commercial use. It lives on through social media posts and meme culture.
#6 Conclusion
Some memes come and go like yesterday’s trend—but this judgy dachshund? It’s forever. The Dog Side Eye Meme isn’t just an image of a judgy pup, it’s a whole mood. It’s every time you’ve silently yelled “Seriously?” without actually saying it. It’s the universal language of sass, suspicion, and secondhand embarrassment all wrapped up in one look.
From Reddit obscure to TikTok elite, this pup has massively judged us all, and somehow, we love it. Maybe it’s the timing? Maybe it’s those eyes? Or maybe, just maybe, we all secretly are this dog.
So the next time someone says “I only had one drink,” or “Let’s circle back,” don’t even bother replying. Just post the meme. Let the side eye do the work.
Because let’s face it, no emoji, no GIF, no reaction image will ever roll their eyes like this legendary little dog will.
