Whiskers might look like a small detail on your dog’s face, but they hold big secrets about how dogs experience the world. Why do dogs have whiskers? The answer goes far beyond appearance. In fact, whiskers—scientifically called vibrissae —act as a built-in radar system that helps dogs understand their environment, interact safely with humans and other animals, and even express their emotions . Unlike human hair, dog whiskers are deeply embedded in the skin and connected to highly sensitive nerve endings. These nerves transmit information directly to a dog’s brain. But what makes whiskers truly fascinating isn’t just their sensory function—it’s the fact that they reveal how dogs perceive space, movement, and even social dynamics . 🧠 The Science of Dog Whiskers: Beyond the Surface According to American Kennel Club (AKC) , dog whiskers serve as specialized touch sensors that detect subtle changes in air currents. This means dogs don’t need to see an object to sense it—they can ...