Just like people, dogs are mammals that are covered with hair. But there are definite differences in the hair that covers human bodies! First, most humans (except those that are going bald) have more hair on their heads than their arms and legs while dogs have a pretty even distribution of hair over most of the body. Also, human hair grows longer on the head than other areas while certain dog breeds, like Collies or Yorkies, have hair of consistent length overall. And finally, while humans may have whiskers on their faces, they are nothing in comparison to dog whiskers!
What are whiskers?
Even though whiskers erupt from hair follicles like other hairs, they really stand out on a dog’s body. Whiskers are coarser and thicker than regular hair and have roots that are three times deeper. Unlike regular hairs, whiskers do not cover the entire body. They are strategically located above the eyes, on the chin, and above the upper lip. The exact pattern and location of whiskers varies with breed. Unlike humans, dogs of all ages have whiskers. Newborn pups do not need to reach puberty before growing whiskers, which are among the first hairs to develop and are present at birth.
Whiskers are more sensitive than regular hairs because the follicles from which they originate are packed with blood vessels and nerves. In fact, a dog’s whiskers are as sensitive as a human’s fingertips. So, while human’s sense of touch is in the fingers, a dog touches the world with his face.
What are whiskers for?
A dog’s face is accentuated by his whiskers. They frame the eyes, comparable to eyebrows on humans, and emphasize the muzzle when a dog “smiles.” But whiskers are more than just facial enhancements; they serve an important function. Whiskers are specifically tuned sensory equipment that guide a dog through daily activities. These specialized hairs aid vision and help a dog navigate his environment by providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.
Although whiskers are called “tactile hairs,” they do not actually feel anything. They simply transmit information to sensory cells when they detect objects or movement. Detecting subtle changes in air currents, dog whiskers transmit information about the size, shape, and speed of nearby objects. Whiskers help dogs navigate the world.
Whiskers are radar sensors
Dogs are known for their great senses of smell and hearing, but canine vision is not so wonderful. Dogs see better at a distance but have difficulty focusing on objects up close. Whiskers help dogs “see” things that lie right under their noses by constantly sending information to the canine brain. As a dog approaches something in his path, he stirs up air currents that bounce back when they hit solid objects. Whiskers detect very faint vibrations caused by these changes in air currents and act like radar detectors.
"Whiskers detect very faint vibrations caused by changes in air currents and act like radar detectors."
In the wild, whiskers can alert a dog to the presence of prey, potential enemies, or the location of his pack. At home, whiskers, help domestic dogs locate their food bowls or favorite toys at night. In other words, whisker radar can help a dog hunt at night as well as prevent him from bumping into walls in the dark.
Whiskers communicate emotions
When a dog is resting, the whiskers take a break. But when a dog is active, so are they! A happy or curious dog will elevate the whiskers above his eyes giving him that cute, wide-eyed appearance his owner loves. If a dog feels threatened, he will flair the whiskers on his muzzle and direct them forward toward the threat.
Whiskers are protectors
These sensitive hairs respond when touched by the smallest particles. When a tiny speck of dust falls on a whisker above his eye, a dog will blink or shake his head and fling it off. This reaction protects the eye which can be injured by even a tiny dust particle. When walking outside, if the whiskers on a dog’s muzzle encounter a tall blade of grass or a thorny bush, they prompt the dog to back up to avoid being scratched or poked in the eye.
Whiskers also prevent dogs from getting into jams. As a dog approaches a narrow spot in the fence, a slender space between rocks, or a small area between the living room chairs, whiskers can help dogs determine if they can fit through a passage without getting stuck or turning over the furniture. This keeps the dog out of trouble in more ways than one!
Whiskers need protection
A good portion of a dog’s brain is devoted to processing data from touch sensors. Whiskers are very reliable touch sensors. Almost 40% of the brain’s sensory area aligns with parts of the body that have whiskers. Each individual whisker can be traced back to a specific spot in the brain which means that whiskers occupy valuable neurological real estate in a dog’s body.
Because whiskers are so important in a dog’s ability to safely function inside and outside of his home, whiskers help protect them. When petting your dog, touch the whiskers very gently along the grain. Don’t pluck or pull on the whiskers which will be painful for your pup. When grooming your dog, avoid cutting the whiskers, because this may decrease a dog's special awareness and confuse him.
