Did you know that, just like cats, dogs have a moustache? These little hairs are usually located near the dog's snout, and are scientifically called vibrissae. Although it may not seem to have much use, it must be borne in mind that everything that exists in the animal's body has a function, and with the dog's moustache this is no different. But then what is the dog's moustache for? Can itWhat care is essential for a dog with a moustache? We'll answer all these questions below so you don't have any doubts!

What is the dog moustache?

A dog's moustache is a set of thick hairs known as vibrissae. They originate from the hair follicle and have several nerve endings that help the puppy perceive the world around him. What not everyone knows is that vibrissae go far beyond the dog's moustache. In fact, every puppy has other tactile hairs scattered across his face that also help detect the world around him.See below where the other canine vibrissae are located:

• labial vibrissae: located in the region of the lips;
• supraciliary vibrissae: located above the eyes, like eyebrows;
• interramal vibrissae: located below the chin, similar to a "beard";
• mandibular vibrissae: located in the dog's mandible;
• zygomatic vibrissae: located on the cheek of puppies.

What is the dog's mustache for?

Both the dog's whiskers and the other vibrissae function as tactile receptors and fulfill a sensory function in the pet's body. At the tip of each vibrissa there are follicles full of nerve endings that help detect vibrations in the environment, making the puppy have a broad spatial notion. In practice, what happens is that when the vibrissae present in the dog's whiskers are damaged.If a dog receives external stimuli - such as when the whiskers touch somewhere - the sensory nerves detect this vibration and send the information to the brain, which is responsible for decoding and generating a response.

Because of this mechanism, vibrissae are like "antennae" that help the dog to better locate itself. By detecting the vibrations of the environment, the dog's whiskers can perceive the size of the space and even the location of nearby objects. This also allows the animal to measure distances and perceive air currents. In addition, some vibrissae fulfill specific functions, such as it'sthe case of the supraciliary vibrissae, which are responsible for protecting the dog's eyes, and the chin vibrissae, which act in the pet's "blind spot".

This "blind spot", in turn, is just below the animal's head. A situation in which it is possible to notice this is when we put a treat right in front of the dog, and he does not seem to notice. Well, the truth is that he did not even see the treat, so he did not approach to take it! So that this blind spot does not become a disadvantage, the vibrissae located on the chin help to improve the quality of the treat.perception.

Dog with a mustache: when do vibrissae appear on the animal's body?

Unlike humans who only acquire this facial hair when they reach puberty, the dog's moustache appears when he is still a puppy. In fact, this is one of the first hairs to be developed. The reason for this is simple: as canine vision is a more limited sense, the tactile receptors present in the vibrissae are essential for the dog to be able to explore the environment without the need for a moustache.So, it makes perfect sense to develop whiskers in the first few weeks of your friend's life, doesn't it? After all, to be able to "get to know" the world safely, puppies need vibrissae as soon as possible.

Can you cut the dog's mustache?

As many people do not understand the usefulness behind the dog's mustache, some owners have the habit of cutting this region to make the animal aesthetically more beautiful - especially to participate in competitions and exhibitions. However, this is a big mistake. You cannot cut a dog's mustache, because it is something that can end up inhibiting the dog's perception of things, leaving himAs already mentioned, the dog's whiskers are an important organ for the canine's spatial notion. When cutting them, the animal loses this perception for a while, until the whiskers grow back. In addition, cutting is often an uncomfortable process for dogs, who are frightened by having their senses diminished.

The dog mustache undergoes a natural change process

Just as dogs shed their hair, a dog's moustache can also fall out as part of the process. It's something that often goes unnoticed by owners, not least because facial hair grows quickly after it falls out. It's often a natural situation for the dog's body, but it's important to keep an eye out for any changes in your four-legged friend's behaviour. When the moustache falls outis accompanied by other symptoms, such as apathy and loss of appetite, it may be a sign that there is something wrong with the dog's health. In this case, do not hesitate to make an appointment for a veterinary consultation as soon as possible.

Dog breed with mustache: which dogs have the most apparent facial hair?

Not everyone notices when they see a dog with a moustache. Breed, in these cases, is something that can influence the appearance of the vibrissae, and in some dogs these hairs are more apparent, and in others they go unnoticed. For this reason, it is common for some people to associate the idea of "dog with a moustache" only with some puppies (although all animals have vibrissae). The most mustachioed breedspopular are:

• Border Collie;
• Schnauzer;
• Pekingese;
• Maltese;
• Yorkshire Terrier;
• Shih Tzu;
• Fox Terrier;
• Lhasa Apso;

Important care for the dog's mustache

One of the main recommendations is that you cannot cut the dog's moustache, let alone try to remove it with tweezers and other similar tools. When trying to do this, the hair is removed from the root and causes immense pain to the canines, making them nervous and irritated by the situation. Nobody likes to see their own pet suffering, so the best thing to do is to leave the hairs alone.

In some more specific situations - such as when the dog has a very long mustache - it is possible to talk to the veterinarian about the possibility of trimming the vibrissae in a way that does not harm the dog. But beware: never take this action on your own. The advice of a professional should never be ignored.

Another important precaution is not to pet near the vibrissae. The dog's whiskers are extremely sensitive to touch, so if you try to stroke the area, the dog will most likely move away to avoid discomfort.

5 curiosities about the dog mustache

1) About 40% of the dog's brain that is responsible for processing the tactile sense is focused exclusively on the sensitivity of the whiskers.

2) The vibrissae are proportional to the size of the dog. This is what lets the animal know if a space is big enough for it to fit.

3) The correct term for the "dog's mustache" is vibrissa, a word that comes from the Latin "Vibrio" and means "to vibrate".

4) The dog's whiskers are able to perceive air currents, also picking up information about temperature.

5) Some breeds of dog don't completely lose their sense of touch when they trim their whiskers, especially those with longer whiskers. Still, it's best not to trim or to talk to your vet before doing so.