Dogs have whiskers, also known as vibrissae, which are specialized hairs that grow above their eyes and on their cheeks, muzzle, and chin. Here are some reasons why dogs have whiskers:

• Sensory Perception: Whiskers are more sensitive than regular hairs because the follicles from which they originate are packed with blood vessels and nerves. They are specifically tuned sensory equipment that guide a dog through daily activities. These specialized hairs aid vision and help a dog navigate its environment by providing additional sensory input, much like antennae on insects.

• Communication: Dogs can also communicate their emotions through their whiskers. For instance, relaxed dogs hold their whiskers in almost a flattened manner, while dogs who are anxious will have piloerection, where their hair kind of stands on end.

• Protection: Whiskers help protect dogs by serving as an early warning device that something is near the face and thus helps the dog prevent colliding with walls or objects and alerts the dog that something is approaching which might damage his face or eyes.

• Assistance with Navigation: Whiskers on the muzzle are mainly used to aid in navigating the surroundings, especially in low-light conditions or dense vegetation, whiskers around the muzzle provide extremely useful information about the specific topography of nearby objects. Cheek whiskers help dogs navigate through cramped spaces and keep their head upright while swimming.

It is important to note that whiskers are sensitive and should not be plucked or pulled. They need protection because they are so important in a dog’s ability to safely function inside and outside of its home.