The 5 Most Iconic 'Dog With Tongue Out' Memes And The Secrets Behind Their Viral Success

The "dog with tongue out" meme is one of the internet’s most enduring and universally beloved formats, capturing a perfect blend of goofy charm and relatable derpiness. As of December 2025, these images and GIFs continue to dominate social media feeds, evolving from simple photos into a complex lexicon of DoggoLingo that includes terms like 'Mlem' and 'Blep.' This phenomenon is more than just a cute picture; it’s a cultural touchstone that celebrates the unique, silly personalities of our canine companions.

The viral success of a dog sticking out its tongue lies in its ability to convey a wide range of human emotions—from blissful ignorance and playful defiance to confused bewilderment—all without saying a word. This article dives deep into the origins of the most famous tongue-out memes, revealing the real dogs behind the viral legends and the language they inspired.

The Hall of Fame: Iconic Dogs Behind the Tongue-Out Meme

While countless dogs have gone viral for their hilarious expressions, a few stand out as true pioneers of the tongue-out meme genre. Their unique looks and compelling backstories cemented their places in internet history, making them some of the most recognizable faces (and tongues) on the web.

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1. Marnie the Dog: The Gentle Internet Icon

• Name: Marnie
• Breed: Shih Tzu Mix
• Signature Look: Head tilted, long tongue perpetually hanging out the side of her mouth.
• Origin Story: Marnie was a rescue dog found in Connecticut in 2012. She was approximately 11 years old at the time of her adoption.
• Viral Cause: Her signature look was due to a vestibular syndrome, which left her with a permanent head tilt and a tongue that couldn't fully retract.
• Impact: She became a symbol of rescue advocacy and lived a long, happy life, passing away in 2020 at the age of 18. Her legacy continues through her massive social media following.

2. Tuna the Dog ("Phteven"): The Underbite King

• Name: Tuna (aka Tunameltsmyheart)
• Breed: Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix)
• Signature Look: Prominent overbite and underbite, causing his lower jaw and tongue to stick out in a unique, comical fashion.
• Viral Cause: Tuna’s image was first shared online with the caption "Phteven," a phonetic spelling of "Steven" meant to mimic the sound of a dog trying to speak with his mouth closed.
• Origin Story: Tuna was abandoned as a puppy and rescued at a farmer's market in Los Angeles in 2010.
• Impact: His unique features and the "Phteven" meme template made him an instant classic, often used to express confusion, disbelief, or a general state of "derp."

3. Doge (Kabosu): The Shiba Inu Who Started It All

• Name: Kabosu
• Breed: Shiba Inu
• Signature Look: A side-eye glance, often accompanied by a slight, curious tongue-out expression in some variations.
• Viral Cause: While not exclusively a "tongue out" meme, Doge is the foundational dog meme from 2013, and the tongue-out expression is a common element in the DoggoLingo universe it helped create.
• Impact: Doge is one of the most famous memes in history, inspiring cryptocurrencies and cementing the Shiba Inu as the face of internet-famous canines.

The DoggoLingo Dictionary: Mlem, Blep, and Blop Explained

The "dog with tongue out" meme has been so prolific that it inspired a new set of onomatopoeic terms known collectively as DoggoLingo. These words are now essential vocabulary for any internet-savvy pet owner, providing a specific, adorable term for every type of tongue action. These terms are a perfect example of how meme culture creates its own language.

What is a Mlem?

A Mlem is the most active form of the tongue-out action. It is defined as a quick, wet, and deliberate lick or tongue flick. If a dog is actively licking its nose, its lips, or just tasting the air, that is a Mlem. The word itself is an onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound of the wet, quick lick.

What is a Blep?

A Blep is a more subtle and accidental tongue-out moment. It occurs when a small, often pointed tip of the tongue is left sticking out of the mouth, usually after the animal has finished licking or drinking. The key characteristic of a Blep is that the animal seems unaware that its tongue is out. It is commonly associated with cats but is a favorite for small dogs and puppies.

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What is a Blop?

A Blop is the dog-specific variation of the Blep. While Blep is often used for cats, Blop is the term of choice for dogs. It describes a slightly larger, often wider, piece of the tongue hanging out, usually over the lower lip, in a relaxed, derpy manner. Think of the classic image of a dog panting slightly and forgetting to pull its tongue all the way back in—that’s a perfect Blop.

The Psychology of the Tongue-Out Meme's Enduring Appeal

Why do these goofy canine expressions continue to capture the hearts of millions? The enduring popularity of the dog with tongue out meme can be explained by several psychological and social factors that tap into our inherent need for positivity and connection.

1. The Power of Anthropomorphism and Relatability

When a dog sticks its tongue out, the expression often mirrors human emotions like silliness, joy, or mild confusion. We anthropomorphize the dog, projecting our own feelings onto its expression. The tongue-out dog is the visual equivalent of a shrug or a silly face, making it the perfect reaction image for awkward, funny, or overwhelmingly happy moments. This relatability is a core component of its shareability.

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2. The Rescue Story Narrative

Many of the most famous tongue-out dogs, such as Marnie and Tuna, are rescues. Their physical quirks—the permanent head tilt or the prominent underbite—are often the result of past trauma or congenital conditions. The narrative of a dog overcoming adversity and finding love, only to become an internet celebrity, adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences. It turns a simple funny picture into an inspirational story.

3. Positive and Low-Effort Humor

In a complex digital world, tongue-out memes offer a dose of pure, uncomplicated joy. They are inherently positive, non-controversial, and require no complex understanding of current events to appreciate. This low-effort, high-reward humor makes them an ideal tool for quick, friendly communication across all demographics and online platforms, from Reddit's r/blop to a quick text message GIF.

The Evolution of the Tongue-Out Meme in 2024 and Beyond

While the classic faces like Marnie and Tuna remain popular, the meme continues to evolve. Modern iterations focus heavily on video content and GIFs, where the "Mlem" and "Blep" actions can be seen in motion. Short-form video platforms have popularized the "Mlem ASMR" trend, where the sound of the dog's tongue flicking is emphasized for a sensory experience.

Furthermore, the topical authority around this meme has expanded to include veterinary information. Searches for "why is my dog's tongue always sticking out" have increased, demonstrating that the meme has driven genuine curiosity about canine health and behavior, including conditions like Macroglossia (an abnormally large tongue) or dental issues that prevent proper tongue retraction.

In conclusion, the dog with tongue out meme is far more than a fleeting trend. It is a fundamental element of DoggoLingo, a tribute to beloved internet celebrity pets, and a constant source of wholesome, positive humor that shows no signs of slowing down in the digital age.