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Do they all have crazy whiskers?

My Wesley

Well-known member
Wesley seems to have crazy whiskers. Or at least my hubby thinks so. Do they always have these above their eyes? I can't really tell in anyone's pictures, but then again, I can hardly see them in his. Are they there on everyone?

Thanks!
 
I think they all go through some "spurts" of some sort (and then there are the show dogs who are always perfectly coifed). Katie, who is definitely an "au naturel" Cavalier, has always had wild hair, cowlicks and out-of-control whiskers. Here's one of my favorites:
DSC00609.jpg
 
Haha! Too cute! I love Katie's hair!

Do people pluck their eyebrows? I can't imagine that'd feel good on a pup! It's just so hard to see them in pictures that I can't tell if the few eyebrows are something they grow out of. Here's what I'm talking about.... This was at 8 weeks, but it's the best pic of them.

whiskers.jpg
 
I'm not certain about wiskers on dogs but on cats they are like antennae.

They have a lot of nerve endings and prevent cats from getting their heads stuck in places.

Could be a "protective" thingy, something similar in doggies too.

I just "tested out" my theory on Mary Alice, must be right, she didn't like me touching them.

Back to sleep, lovie! :flwr: :flwr:
 
Uh Oh.....I trimmed the ones over Lily's eyes. They were so long they were poking her in the eye. Hope I didn't do something wrong :shock:
You can see them in this pic at about 12 weeks old. They were way longer than this when I trimmed them.

6174290_348.ts1163551230000.jpg
 
my Pumpkin has crazy whiskers too!! They are long and stick out like crazy. I think it's because she sleeps on them and they get bent or curled during the night. I try to "straighten" them out for her but she just runs away lol. I think the crazy whiskers make them even cuter lol.
 
Just came across this on a dog owner's guide online....

Whiskers
Whiskers are the stiff hairs on the dog's face. They occur in clusters and serve as sensory structures — anything brushing against these whiskers stimulates Rusty to close his eyes, pull away, turn his head, paw his face, or shake his head.

Some exhibitors trim the whiskers of their show dogs, but such trimming may limit the dog's response to his environment and detracts from the natural appearance of the pet.
 
In other searches, it looks as though a lot of breeds that are shown have their whiskers trimmed. If you do so, you're supposed to make sure to use blunt nosed scissors, as to not harm them.

Then I also found this on the ASPCA site saying to not trim the whiskers...

Reader/dog lover Wendy H. recently wrote in to ask us to resolve a disagreement she’s having with a pal. “My friend suggests that we shave our dogs for the summer to keep them cool,” says Wendy. “But she also insists that we cut the dogs’ whiskers! I don’t see how this can be helpful!”

We checked in with Dr. Lila Miller, the APSCA’s Veterinary Advisor and Vice President, Veterinary Outreach, who gave her ruling on the matter. “A dog’s whiskers are sensory organs,” explains Dr. Miller. “They alert the dog to move his head away from an aversive stimulus, and operate as feelers to help the dog navigate in darkness. Trimming them will not help cool a dog off. And although it would not be painful for a dog, whiskers should not be cut.”


Sounds like it's a personal preference sort of topic, but mostly just show dogs that get them trimmed. I think I'll wait for more responses before I decide what to do.
 
"Funny curly whiskers" along with an "odd tufty" coat and continued "dry eye" which your vet alone can test for are also strong indicators for a condition called "Dry Eye curly Coat"

This has nothing to do with a Curly Coat but this inherited genetic condition is on the increase within this breed and is an auto-immune illness. It requires constant medical attention and 24/7 care at home. It has no cure and needs to be caught very early on to help keep the dog comfortable.

My honey-Bee had it.

Might be worth the vet checking the eyes with a "Tear test" first to rule it out. If you want more info feel free to PM me.

Alison, Wilts, U.K.
 
My Maddy has the long curly whiskers too. Hubby said we should cut them but I said no. So glad after reading this post.
However, Alison's post is concerning.
Pam
 
Although not alot of information is readily available, for those interested or concerned good information for you and your vet/eye specialist can be found at:

www.cavalierhealth.org

www.thecavalierclub.co.uk

under Curly Coat Syndrome or Eye Conditions.

Pups born with this condition look slightly different than other pups/siblings in the same litter and experienced, knowledgeable, caring breeders normally spot them and kindly PTS.
Many do however slip through and get sold into pet homes where constant care and attention is needed to keep the dog somewhat comfortable.
Dry Eye/Curly Coat is a nasty genetic inherited condition, both parents need to carry the genes and not neccessarily be affected themselves to have affected off-spring. The ratio of pups born in the litter which will be affected is totally unpredictable.
If at all concerned then you need to see your vet. The eyes are a very good indicator of this condition and can be tested with a tear test to start a diagnosis.

Alison, Wilts, U.K.
 
Well he doesn't have dry eye or a funky coat at all. Actually all is well in those places. Just funny whiskers thankfully!
 
Thats so good to hear :D

Hopefully the infornation that I have given will be of some use to others that are concerned or worried.

Alison, Wilts, U.K.
 
:lol: :lol: Cherrise went through that "grandma-ish/cat-ish" -looking stage too.. (even on my avatar you can still see the looong eyelash! )everybody called her grandma cher.. and EVERYBODY wanted to trim the whiskers but i said no.. :x she did look quite hairy but somehow it's all fine now.. :D The whiskers are much lesser and much shorter :roll:
 
Awwww, i like the "all whiskers" look. It makes them look a bit like sea otters! :lol: And come on, who doesn't think sea otters are cute? ;)
 
MY Wesley: My little Dickens had the way-long odd whisker or two, as well as the way-long eyebrow hair or two. I trimmed the brow hair to keep it out of his eye. He outgrew both. Or caught up to them? :)

Katie: Dickens and Omlette had/have the funny mutton-chop effect on the side of their muzzle that you have. You look adorable in your "face feathers." 8)

If Karlin comes along and reads this...she may post a link that she sometimes uses for an adorable Tri on the agility course to illustrate the furry face look.

I have heard this may be a result of the dogs' being spayed/neutered.

Kdemars,the whiskers are cute, just like the otters'. :lol: Great pix angle, BTW.

Dorothy
 
Brady is like that too. sometimes they touch his eye. my boyfriend cut them one time and i was kinda mad. he thought it was funny. they have grown back now. i think they are cute. :)
 
Tripp has the long wiskers above his eyes too. I've often wondered if they have anything to do with his flycatching syndrome, maybe he's seeing the wiskers in front of his eyes and snapping at them???
 
I was hoping someone would have some kind of comment about my post, any chance Tripp's flycatching has anything to do with the long whiskers in front of his eyes??
 
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