Why do dogs have those cheek warts?

[phantom_lamb]

I’ve noticed all (most?) dogs have these warts on the side of each cheek and one under the chin. But what are they? Do they have a name? More importantly, what is their purpose? Just curious, because other mammals don’t seem to have them.

[Johnny_L.A]

Dog moles

[Fiddle_Peghead]

@Johnny_L.A

Dog moles - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board

Just another in the long line of examples that there is nothing that hasn’t been covered here on the Dope.

[phantom_lamb]

Hmm so… “sensing organ”? Could be a bit more elaborate but I shall accept this answer into my library of knowlegde
I’m assuming then that it’s tactile thing and is more sensitive to touch than the area around it.

[Heyoka13]

@Fiddle_Peghead

Just another in the long line of examples that there is nothing that hasn’t been covered here on the Dope.

This site is indeed amazing.

Has a rep system ever been considered? I always hated the idea until I posted at a site that encouraged high positive and high negative reps. It turned out to be great fun.

[Colibri]

@phantom_lamb

Hmm so… “sensing organ”? Could be a bit more elaborate but I shall accept this answer into my library of knowlegde
I’m assuming then that it’s tactile thing and is more sensitive to touch than the area around it.

Those bumps usually indicate the base of several vibrissae, found in many mammals.

Vibrissae are typically found in clumps, although the arrangement can differ depending on the particular individual. According to Carol Foil, ACVD, a veterinary dermatologist consultant with the Veterinary Information Network in Davis, Calif., “The little beauty marks are mounds of nerves and other connections that make the whiskers function as tactile (feeling) hairs. Dogs have one mound of compound follicles, but they can have more than one whisker in the mound.”

[phantom_lamb]

Hey, thanks Colibri that was quite informative.
I had no idea that you aren’t supposed to touch those things. I’m going to have to apologize to my dog for not being more careful when petting those sensitive areas for the past 12 years. :smack: