whiskers or not?
- Thread starter Bellesmom
- Start date
Chris
Premium Member
I leave whiskers on all mine. I would only trim whiskers if I was showing them.
Ann
Moderator
Mine all have their whiskers unless Checkers is going to show. Then I trim them off. They grow in so fast once they're trimmed and are prickly! I also think they look cute with their whiskers....
tofu pup
Moderator
It's kind of like shaving... either shave regularly, or grow a full beard. Anything in between will be prickly stubble. Ours are kept trimmed, because that's the look we like (all of our dogs are, or were, show dogs). Trimming the whiskers is just part of their routine grooming, whether the dog is going to a show tomorrow or is an elderly retiree. The only time we really let them grow in is on bitches who are expecting puppies, on the idea that longer whiskers helps them to feel their babies. Not sure how accurate that assumption is, but that's how my mother has done it for years.
The choice is yours, of course! Leaving them long is easier, and if you do try trimming them, they'll always grow back.
The choice is yours, of course! Leaving them long is easier, and if you do try trimming them, they'll always grow back.
corbinam
Moderator
I like the clean look without whiskers, but it's just too hard to keep up with. Unless I was showing, I wouldn't do it.
They get prickly so quickly!
They get prickly so quickly!
take4roll10
Moderator
Same here. I really like the no whisker look. I trimmed Bailey's whiskers once and I think she looked adorable. However, they grow back so fast that it makes it too hard for me to maintain, so I just keep her whiskers.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I agree with everyone here. As much as like to have the clean look, it's just too much hastle to keep up if you are not showing.
Begs the questions though....why would you shave for showing? Shouldn't whiskers be part of what is evaluated? For breeds like Terrier, you would think it would be a must????
Begs the questions though....why would you shave for showing? Shouldn't whiskers be part of what is evaluated? For breeds like Terrier, you would think it would be a must????
tofu pup
Moderator
I suppose you could make the argument for a terrier down a hole, but a herding dog? Shelties don't herd with their whiskers, and they don't herd at night.
The Standard is silent on whiskers; there is no rule about trimming them, or description of ideal length or color, so we must assume that they are considered immaterial to the dog's intended function.We cut them short because long whiskers distract from the desired clean appearance of the muzzle. I find that long whiskers also detract from expression (making the dog look like a fox, or worse, a mouse). It's just an accepted part of getting your dog cleaned up and ready for the ring.
Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
I don't cut the whiskers unless they are being shown. I don't like the prickly stage and I don't like trimming them so it is athe one thing I am willing to give on.
I know different breeds trim or don't trim. Rachel also shows Samoyeds and they don't trim whiskers at all in fact it is a huge No No in that breed. Malamutes it can go either way with most not trimming. I don't know why I must ask.
I know different breeds trim or don't trim. Rachel also shows Samoyeds and they don't trim whiskers at all in fact it is a huge No No in that breed. Malamutes it can go either way with most not trimming. I don't know why I must ask.