What Are Whiskers?
Whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are specialized hairs that grow from a dog’s muzzle, above their eyes, and on their forelegs (SOURCE: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHyxTbmHjKI/). They are typically thicker and longer than the dog’s regular hair. Whiskers are made of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up hair and nails. The follicle from which a whisker grows is packed with blood vessels and nerve endings, making whiskers highly sensitive tactile hairs (SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui9jDc05OqA).
Whisker Location
Dogs have whiskers in several key locations on their face. The most noticeable whiskers are on a dog’s muzzle. These long, thick whiskers are located above the nose and below the eyes on either side of a dog’s snout. According to one source, the whiskers on a dog’s muzzle allow them to accurately judge the width of spaces they can fit through (1).
Dogs also have shorter whiskers located above their eyes, on their cheeks, and on their chin. These whiskers on the sides of a dog’s face are less noticeable than the prominent muzzle whiskers. However, they serve an important sensory purpose. The whiskers on the sides of a dog’s face help them sense objects around their head and avoid bumping into things (1).
In particular, the whiskers on the sides of a dog’s face provide spatial awareness about their immediate surroundings. A dog relies on these side face whiskers to gauge distances. For example, these whiskers can sense if a dog is passing too close to furniture and may hit their head. The sensory input from the side face whiskers allows dogs to navigate tight spaces safely.
(1) https://www.dogsplanet.com/en/dog-facts/why-do-dogs-have-whiskers/
Whisker Length
Dog whiskers generally range from 1 inch to 6 inches long, with the longest whiskers typically being located on the muzzle and above the eyes (1). Whiskers above the eyes can grow up to 6 inches long, while whiskers on the muzzle, chin, cheeks, and eyebrows are generally 1-2 inches long. The longest whiskers are near the nose and mouth, likely because these areas require the most sensory information (2).
Whisker length varies between dog breeds. Dogs with narrow muzzles and heads, like Collies and Greyhounds, usually have longer whiskers than dogs with wider heads and muzzles like Bulldogs and Mastiffs. This helps narrow-muzzled breeds better sense objects around their noses. Dogs that hunt and work also often have longer whiskers to help them navigate terrain and capture prey more effectively.
In general, a dog’s whiskers are approximately as wide as their muzzle, with longer whiskers on narrower muzzles. Whisker length tends to scale with the size of the dog’s head and snout. Larger dogs like Great Danes have longer whiskers than smaller dogs like Chihuahuas. But relative to their muzzle size, whisker proportions stay similar across breeds.
Whisker Sensitivity
Dog whiskers serve an important sensory function. They are highly sensitive tactile hairs that help dogs better understand and navigate their surroundings. According to Dog Tricks World, whiskers contain a high concentration of nerve endings and blood vessels, making them extremely sensitive to touch.
When whiskers brush up against an object, they send sensory signals to a dog’s brain about the object’s shape, size, and proximity. This allows dogs to gauge the width of openings like tunnels or passageways to see if they can fit through. It also helps them judge the exact location of objects near their face so they don’t bump into things. Overall, a dog’s whiskers act like antennas, providing extra sensory input about their surroundings.
Whisker Movement
A dog’s whiskers are highly mobile and will move independently to sense objects in their surroundings. The whiskers connect to nerves that relay sensory information to the brain, including details about airflow and spatial awareness. When a dog sniffs around, its whiskers will automatically move and point forward to detect objects and gather information (1).
This delicate whisker movement happens unconsciously and helps dogs navigate spaces, judge distances, and react to stimuli. The sensitive nature of the whiskers allows dogs to detect even the slightest change in wind direction or air currents. As a result, whisker movement is closely linked to a canine’s sensory perception and ability to understand its environment.
Since whiskers are connected to facial muscles, they will also move in response to any motion of the face, head, nose or muzzle. For example, whiskers may quiver when a dog is showing curiosity, perking up its ears, sniffing intently or chasing prey. The highly mobile nature of dog whiskers reflects their sensory importance (1).
(1) https://www.petsmont.com/blogs/pets/dog-whiskers-everything-you-need-to-know
Whisker Trimming
Trimming a dog’s whiskers is generally not recommended. Whiskers serve important sensory functions for dogs and removing them can cause disorientation, anxiety, and behavioral issues. According to PetsMont, dogs use their whiskers similarly to how humans use their fingers and hands to touch and feel their surroundings.
Whiskers aid dogs in spatial awareness and navigation. They help dogs judge openings like doorways or tunnels to see if they can fit through without getting stuck. Whiskers also detect changes in air currents, which helps warn dogs of nearby dangers or movements. Removing the whiskers takes away these sensory abilities and can make some dogs feel insecure and stressed.
Trimming whiskers risks damaging the sensitive follicle from which the whiskers grow. The follicles are surrounded by blood vessels and nerves that can get cut or harmed. Damaged follicles may prevent whiskers from growing back properly. According to USA Today, plucking or trimming whiskers is equivalent to amputating a functioning sensory organ for dogs.
While some breeds like Schnauzers have their whiskers trimmed for cosmetic show purposes, pet owners are generally advised to avoid trimming their dog’s whiskers. The risks outweigh any potential benefits. Dogs rely on their whiskers for sensory information to understand their surroundings. Unless medically necessary, whiskers should be left intact to avoid disorienting dogs or impacting their spatial judgment abilities.
Whisker Damage
Whiskers can become damaged for a variety of reasons. Some potential causes of whisker damage in dogs include:
Fighting or playing roughly with other animals. The whiskers can get bent or broken during roughhousing (Source).
Foreign objects getting caught in the whiskers. Burrs, sticks, grass awns, etc. can all get trapped in a dog’s whiskers and damage them (Source).
Allergies or skin conditions. Diseases that cause itching and scratching may lead a dog to damage their own whiskers (Source).
Whisker trimming. Cutting a dog’s whiskers too short can split and fray the ends (Source).
Damaged whiskers can cause discomfort and impact a dog’s spatial awareness and sensory perception. However, as long as the follicle itself is not destroyed, whiskers can regrow when shed and replaced with new growth cycles (Source). Preventing further damage and allowing natural regrowth is the best treatment for injured whiskers.
Whisker Grooming
Proper grooming of your dog’s whiskers is important for maintaining their health and function. Here are some tips for keeping your dog’s whiskers clean and healthy:
Use a damp cloth or facial wipe to gently clean around the whiskers once a week. Avoid using soap or shampoo directly on the whiskers as this can dry them out. Make sure to fully dry the whiskers after cleaning.
Check the whiskers for any dirt, debris, or parasites and remove carefully with tweezers or a flea comb. Look for signs of damage or breakage and consult your vet if the whiskers appear unhealthy.
Never trim your dog’s whiskers. Whiskers contain sensitive nerve endings so cutting them can be painful and traumatic. Trimming whiskers also interferes with your dog’s spatial awareness and sensory abilities.
Protect whiskers from damage when grooming around the face. Use caution when clipping around the muzzle and avoid brushing forcefully against the whisker area.
Make sure your dog’s food and water bowls are whisker-friendly. Wide, shallow bowls allow your dog to eat and drink without irritating the whiskers.
Overall, gently clean your dog’s whiskers weekly and inspect for any damage or debris. Avoid trimming the whiskers and protect them during regular grooming sessions. Keeping the whiskers clean and intact will maintain their sensitivity and function.
Whisker Myths
There are many common myths and misconceptions about dog whiskers. One myth is that dog whiskers help dogs sense impending danger or changes in the environment (1). However, this is not true. Whiskers do not actually sense danger. Another myth is that cutting or trimming a dog’s whiskers can impair their abilities or cause balance issues. This is also false, as trimming whiskers does not affect a dog’s abilities (2).
The facts are that whiskers primarily provide spatial and sensory information to dogs. They do not have any supernatural “sixth sense” abilities. Whiskers also grow back normally if trimmed. There is no evidence that trimming whiskers negatively impacts dogs. While whiskers do serve important functions, many myths exaggerate their capabilities.
(1) https://mydogface.com/what-do-dogs-whiskers-do/
(2) https://pettime.net/what-is-the-purpose-of-dogs-having-whiskers/
Importance of Whiskers
Whiskers play a critical role in helping dogs navigate the world around them. Some of the key functions and importance of whiskers include:
Spatial awareness – Whiskers give dogs information about the space, objects, and openings around them. They help dogs judge distances and whether their body can fit through spaces. This helps dogs maneuver more confidently.
Hunting senses – For dogs that hunt, whiskers allow them to detect subtle changes in air currents. This helps them track prey. The whiskers also provide sensory feedback when they make contact with prey.
Expressions of emotion – The position and movement of whiskers help convey a dog’s mood and emotional state.
“A dog’s whiskers — known as vibrissae — are long, coarse hairs protruding from above its lips, cheeks and eyebrows that have an important sensory function.” (https://trainedpow.com/what-are-dog-whiskers-for/)
“Whiskers…give dogs information about their environment the same way people use the sense of touch. Whiskers sense subtle shifts in air currents, which is why dogs seem to know what’s around them even when they can’t see.” (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f5OiqIDH5CA)