The dog’s whiskers
There is a similar phrase to the cat’s whiskers referencing a part of the dog’s anatomy. It has the same meaning but is somewhat redundant, since dogs not required for breeding are usually neutered, so the expression is meaningless. If you are unaware of the phrase, please ask.😊
Dogs’ whiskers serve much the same purpose as those of cats. In addition to eyebrows and muzzle whiskers, dogs also have whiskers on their chins and cheeks.
Cheek and under chin whiskers, as worn by the late Bertie
The muzzle whiskers are not symmetrically placed like a cat’s and do not grow in proportion to the size of the dog. This is fortunate since, although a chihuahua would have quite short whiskers, a Pyrenean Mountain dog’s whiskers would be long and strong enough to slice its owner’s legs. I exaggerate, of course, but only slightly. Dogs’ whiskers are very coarse.
The cheek whiskers are few in number and are used in the same way as the muzzle and chin whiskers, enabling the dog to understand its environment. The eyebrow whiskers serve to protect the dog’s eyes, acting as a warning that something is in the immediate vicinity.
Although a dog is perhaps less acutely dependent on its whiskers, it is still rather unfeeling to trim its muzzle whiskers. It will affect the dog’s confidence. I believe it is sometimes done to ‘enhance’ the dog’s appearance, probably for the dreaded show ring.
So interesting. One of my daughter's dogs have eyebrow whiskers that are different colours on either side.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's interesting. I wonder how common that is.
DeleteI never noticed cheek and chin whiskers on my dogs, only the brow ones.
ReplyDeleteOnce you see them, you can't unsee them;-)
DeleteI didn't know that although I did know how important cat's whiskers are for balance and safety. xx
ReplyDeleteWe don't usually consider a dog's whiskers as being as essential as a cat's. x x x
DeleteInteresting. I'd never before thought about the comparison between cat and dog whiskers. Nobby does have a very small number of whiskers, although of course in his case these are well hidden in his WFT beard! Now I am worried that when I give his beard a necessary trim I might inadvertently affect his confidence. But there is absolutely no sign of that to date!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
I doubt that anything could dent Nobby's confidence ;-)
DeleteThere was a boat in our marina called Les boules de chien. I do think les moustaches de chat would have been more sophisticated. Surprised that dogs get facial whisker trims for showing - would have expected that a good display of facial features would have been part of the spec.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the breed. Some dogs are made to look like a travesty of dogdom.
DeleteI liked your post on cat whiskers and now the dogs. I have to say our white tail deer have the whiskers and eye lashes and beard too. They are fun to see even the new born with the sun shining on them and all shows up. I even find a few in the bird baths over the year.
ReplyDeleteLiving so close to wild animals is such a privilege, though I suppose it has drawbacks, too.
DeleteWhy would anyone trim their whiskers?!
ReplyDeleteIt's part and parcel of the 'beauty pageant' aspect of dog showing for some breeds.
DeleteI think I know the phrase :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't quite understand why anyone would be inclined to trim a dog's muzzle whiskers ... xxx
It seems ridiculous - it is ridiculous - but owners/exhibitors will do anything to try and get first prize for their pooches. x x x
DeleteThe various whiskers were so nicely shown on your beautiful late dogs Cariadd and Bertie.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, Jan.
DeleteYou made very nice pictures of the whiskers ! To me they seem less visible then those of cats. Some have long whiskers, some short, there are also different colors. I just wanted to check Rosie's whiskers but she sleeps (as usual) and I can't see them but they are white. My black cat Kim had black whiskers ! (and men ?)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, dogs' whiskers are less obvious than cats'. Men's whiskers are a different matter altogether. I like my men clean shaven.
DeleteJust as interesting as your post on cat's whiskers. It's all in the detail.
ReplyDeleteThank you for drawing attention to both animals whiskers.