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Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers? Facts & FAQ

Ed Malaker

By Ed Malaker

close up dog whiskers

Most of us are familiar with a cat’s whiskers but less so with the whiskers of a dog. While dog whiskers are not as critical as those of their feline friends, they still serve several important functions. Canines have several sets of whiskers, and here, we take a look at each, so you can learn more about your pet and how they navigate the world around them. We discuss the different types of whiskers that your dog has, where they are on the body, and how your dog uses them.

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What Are Dog Whiskers?

Whiskers are distinct types of hair called vibrissae. They have special nerves that send messages directly to the brain so your dog can react faster. A dog’s whiskers grow out of special nerve pads positioned over the face and are so sensitive, they don’t need to come into contact with a surface for the dog to know that it is there. These sensitive hairs can also detect a difference in air currents present near the surface. The ability to detect changing air currents is how sleeping dogs can sometimes sense when you are moving toward them.

dog's nose
Image Credit: PICNIC-Foto-Soest, Pixabay

Divider 1The 4 Types of Dog Whiskers

1. Mystacial Whiskers

The mystacial whiskers are the most prominent whiskers on a dog’s face. They extend outward from the dog’s nose to the left and right sides. These whiskers help detect objects close to the dog’s nose and are especially useful when navigating the dinner bowl. Your dog will also use them to navigate tight spaces like holes in the ground or fences.


2. Genal Whiskers

The genal whiskers are set farther back on the face and extend from the cheeks. They alert the dog to objects near the head and help them avoid bumping their head. These whiskers also help protect the dog from getting stuck in holes or fencing.

dog looking at the window
Image Credit: Pixabay

3. Supraorbital Whiskers

Supraorbital whiskers extend from the head above the eyes. These whiskers protect the eyes and top of the head from incoming objects and alert the dog of potential dangers in tight spaces.


4. Interramal Tufts

Interramal tufts extend below the chin. These whiskers vary in size depending on the dog breed and are important for supplying your dog with information about what’s below this area. They are especially important for dogs that go into the water because they inform the dog how close the water is to their mouth.

close up brown dog whiskers
Image Credit: Doucefleur, Shutterstock

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What Are Whiskers For on Dogs?

Whiskers are extremely sensitive hairs that can inform your dog of nearby objects. Their whiskers work to give your dog a better sense of the environment around them. Dogs often move at high speed, and these whiskers are essential to help them react to their surroundings accordingly. Whiskers can also help your dog navigate the environment if they begin to lose their sight later in life.

What If a Dog’s Whiskers Are Cut Off?

Unlike cats, dog whiskers generally grow back quickly, in about 2 weeks, so it’s not a major concern if something happens to them, though you should never intentionally cut a dog’s whiskers.

Your dog may seem disoriented without whiskers, and you might also notice them bumping into objects or walls. There are several nerve bunches at the hair base, so plucking a whisker can be extremely painful for your pet. Plucked whiskers might not grow back, and your pet will permanently lose access to the sense.

Can I Trim My Dog’s Whiskers?

Whiskers can make a freshly groomed dog look shaggy, and many owners want to neaten them up by cutting or trimming them. However, you should resist all temptation to cut your dog’s whiskers. Some experts say that if you must trim them, remove no more than a quarter-inch so the whiskers can retain their functionality.

Sleeping-Husky-Open-eyes_Wichatsurin_shutterstock
Image Credit: Wichatsurin, Shutterstock

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Summary

Whiskers act like another sense that dogs use to navigate their environment. The nerve pads send messages directly to the brain so your pet can react instantly. Your dog uses their whiskers to sneak under the kitchen table or move through a hole in a fence. They also help your dog swim better and move close to the ground. Many dogs chase game into holes or under thick brush, and the whiskers are important tools to protect the eyes and keep the dog from getting stuck.

A dog’s whiskers grow back quickly, so you don’t need to worry if a child accidentally cuts them, but it can be disorienting for your pup. You should never pluck your dog’s whiskers because it is extremely painful, and the whiskers might not grow back. However, some dogs like it when you gently massage and pull on their whiskers.

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Featured Image: Robert Avgustin, Shutterstock

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