Do Dogs Have Eyebrows? The Anatomy, Function & Care Guide

If you've ever caught your dog giving you that soulful, almost human-like look, you might have wondered: do dogs have eyebrows? The short answer is nuanced. Dogs do not have eyebrows in the way humans do — meaning they lack a distinct strip of hair growing above their eyes designed purely for cosmetic or sweat-diverting purposes. However, dogs do have brow ridges (supraorbital ridges), specialized facial muscles, and in many breeds, distinct markings or tufts of hair above their eyes that function similarly to eyebrows.

Understanding canine brow anatomy isn't just a curiosity — it matters for breed identification, health monitoring (skin conditions, eye irritation), and even understanding how your dog communicates with you. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what dogs have above their eyes, which breeds are most "brow-expressive," and when changes in the brow area signal a veterinary visit.

The Direct Answer: Do Dogs Have Eyebrows?

Canine Brow Anatomy: What's Actually Above Your Dog's Eyes

To understand what dogs have instead of true eyebrows, we need to look at four distinct anatomical features that work together to create the brow region in canines:

1. Supraorbital Ridge (Brow Bone)

The supraorbital ridge is a bony prominence along the upper edge of the eye socket (orbit). In dogs, this ridge is far less pronounced than in humans or primates, but it's present and varies significantly by skull type:

• Dolichocephalic breeds (long-skulled, e.g., Greyhounds, Collies): Minimal brow ridge — the skull slopes smoothly from forehead to muzzle.
• Mesocephalic breeds (medium-skulled, e.g., Labrador Retrievers, Beagles): Moderate brow ridge with a gentle stop.
• Brachycephalic breeds (short-skulled, e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs): More pronounced brow ridge due to the compressed skull, often creating a distinct "forehead" with visible ridges and wrinkles.

2. Levator Anguli Oculi Medialis (LAOM) Muscle

This is the muscle that changed how scientists think about dog-human communication. A landmark 2019 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that dogs possess a specialized muscle — the LAOM — that raises the inner corner of the eyebrow. This muscle is present in domestic dogs but largely absent in wolves, suggesting it evolved specifically during domestication.

When your dog raises their inner brows, they're creating what researchers call "puppy dog eyes" — an expression that triggers a nurturing response in humans. The study found that dogs who use this muscle more frequently are adopted faster from shelters, suggesting a genuine evolutionary advantage to this brow movement.

3. Supraorbital Vibrissae (Brow Whiskers)

Many dogs have short, stiff whisker-like hairs above their eyes called supraorbital vibrissae. These are deeply rooted in follicles rich with nerve endings and serve a sensory function — they detect objects approaching the eye, triggering a blink reflex to protect the cornea. These are not cosmetic features; they are functional sensory organs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, vibrissae are a key component of canine tactile perception.

4. Coat Markings and Fur Tufts

Several breeds have pigmented markings or distinct fur patterns above their eyes that create the visual impression of eyebrows:

• Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers: Tan "eyebrow" dots above each eye (part of the breed's black-and-tan point pattern, controlled by the A^t allele at the Agouti locus).
• Bernese Mountain Dogs: Distinct white or rust markings above the eyes.
• Cesky Terriers: Long, shaggy hair falls over and around the brow area.
• Australian Shepherds: Contrasting markings often create brow-like patterns.
• Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos: Long hair growing from the brow ridge is trimmed or tied up, resembling styled eyebrows.

Breeds With the Most Expressive Dog "Eyebrows"

While all dogs have the LAOM muscle (except some very primitive breeds), certain breeds are known for particularly expressive brow movements or prominent brow-region features:

Breed	Brow Feature	Expressiveness Level
Boxer	Wrinkled forehead with prominent brow ridge	High — very visible brow raises
Rottweiler	Tan point markings above eyes	Moderate — markings accentuate movement
Pug	Deep forehead wrinkles, prominent brow bone	Very High — wrinkles amplify all expressions
Doberman Pinscher	Tan eyebrow dots against black coat	Moderate — high contrast highlights movement
Basset Hound	Loose skin, drooping brow skin folds	High — sagging brows create mournful expression
Labrador Retriever	Moderate brow ridge, strong LAOM muscle use	High — frequent "puppy dog eyes"
Siberian Husky	Mask-like facial markings around eyes and brow	Moderate — markings create defined brow line

Why Dog Eyebrows Matter: Communication and Bonding

The evolution of canine brow muscles is one of the most fascinating examples of domestication-driven anatomy. The 2019 PNAS study by Juliane Kaminski and colleagues compared facial musculature in dogs and wolves and found:

• Dogs have a significantly more developed LAOM muscle than wolves.
• This muscle allows dogs to produce "AU101" — the inner brow raise — which is one of the key facial action units associated with sadness or vulnerability in humans.
• Dogs use this expression most frequently when making eye contact with humans, not with other dogs.
• Shelter dogs that produced AU101 more frequently were rehomed faster, suggesting a measurable survival and welfare advantage.

This means your dog's "eyebrow raise" isn't just cute — it's an evolutionary adaptation that strengthened the dog-human bond over roughly 33,000 years of co-domestication. The American Kennel Club notes that dogs are among the few animals that have developed facial expressions specifically for cross-species communication with humans.

Health Concerns in the Brow and Eye Region

While dog "eyebrows" themselves aren't typically a health issue, the brow region can be affected by several conditions that owners should monitor:

Dermatitis and Skin Fold Infections

Brachycephalic breeds with deep brow wrinkles (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shar-Peis) are prone to intertrigo — skin fold dermatitis caused by trapped moisture, bacteria, and yeast in the folds above and around the eyes. Symptoms include:

• Redness or darkening of skin in the brow folds
• Foul or musty odor from the facial wrinkles
• Excessive rubbing or scratching at the brow area
• Moist, weeping skin between folds

Prevention involves cleaning brow folds 2–3 times per week with a veterinarian-recommended wipe (e.g., chlorhexidine-based wipes) and drying thoroughly.

Supraorbital Alopecia (Hair Loss Above Eyes)

Hair loss in the brow region can indicate several underlying conditions:

• Demodectic mange (Demodex mites): Often presents as patchy hair loss around the eyes and brow, especially in puppies and immunocompromised dogs.
• Allergic dermatitis: Environmental or food allergies can cause itching and hair loss above the eyes from repeated scratching.
• Hypothyroidism: Bilateral, symmetrical hair loss on the face and body is a hallmark symptom.
• Cushing's disease: Thinning skin and hair loss, often starting on the trunk but sometimes visible on the face.

Eye Conditions Related to Brow Anatomy

Breeds with prominent brow ridges or excess brow skin can develop secondary eye problems:

• Entropion: The eyelid rolls inward, causing lashes to rub the cornea. Common in breeds with loose facial skin (Shar-Peis, Bulldogs).
• Ectropion: The eyelid rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva. Seen in Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds.
• Corneal ulceration: Any condition that prevents proper eyelid closure or causes hair to rub against the eye can lead to painful corneal ulcers.

Caring for Your Dog's Brow Region

Maintenance of the brow area varies significantly by breed. Here are breed-specific care guidelines:

Wrinkled-Brow Breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shar-Peis)

1. Clean folds 2–3 times weekly using a soft, damp cloth or veterinary-recommended facial wipe.
2. Dry thoroughly — moisture trapped in folds is the primary cause of intertrigo.
3. Apply a thin layer of barrier ointment (e.g., plain petroleum jelly or a vet-recommended product) if your vet recommends it for dogs with chronic fold irritation.
4. Monitor for early signs of infection: redness, odor, discharge, or increased scratching.

Long-Haired Brow Breeds (Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Old English Sheepdogs)

1. Trim or tie back brow hair that falls into the eyes to prevent corneal irritation.
2. Use a soft-tipped grooming scissors or have a professional groomer manage the brow area.
3. Check for debris (seeds, burrs, dirt) caught in brow fur after outdoor walks.
4. Brush brow fur daily to prevent matting, which can pull on sensitive skin.

Short-Coated Breeds (Boxers, Dobermans, Rottweilers)

1. Wipe the brow area with a damp cloth during regular face cleaning.
2. Check for abrasions or insect bites on the relatively exposed brow ridge.
3. Apply pet-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+, zinc oxide-free) to lightly pigmented brow skin if your dog spends significant time in direct sunlight — dogs with white or tan markings above the eyes are susceptible to solar dermatitis and squamous cell carcinoma.

Common Myths About Dog Eyebrows

Several misconceptions circulate about canine brows. Here's what the evidence actually shows:

Myth: Dogs move their eyebrows to show emotion just like humans.
Reality: While dogs do use the LAOM muscle to raise their inner brows, this movement likely evolved as a communication signal directed at humans rather than an emotional display between dogs. Wolves rarely use this movement, and dogs primarily deploy it during human interaction. It's less about "feeling sad" and more about an evolved signaling behavior.

Myth: You should trim your dog's eyebrow whiskers (vibrissae).
Reality: Supraorbital vibrissae are functional sensory organs. Trimming them reduces your dog's ability to detect objects near the eye and can cause disorientation. Never pluck or cut vibrissae — they may shed naturally and regrow. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes vibrissae as important tactile structures.

Myth: All dogs with "eyebrow" markings are the same breed mix.
Reality: The black-and-tan point pattern (including tan eyebrow dots) is controlled by the Agouti gene locus and appears in dozens of unrelated breeds — from Rottweilers to Dachshunds to Australian Kelpies. Markings alone do not indicate breed composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs raise one eyebrow?

Some dogs can produce asymmetrical brow raises, though it's less common than bilateral (both sides) movement. The LAOM muscle primarily controls the inner brow, and individual dogs vary in their muscle control. If your dog suddenly develops an asymmetrical brow droop — where one side is unable to move — this could indicate a neurological issue such as facial nerve paralysis and warrants an immediate veterinary exam.

Do puppies have eyebrows when they're born?

Puppies are born with the bony supraorbital ridge and vibrissae (which begin developing in utero). The LAOM muscle is present from birth. However, coat markings that create the "eyebrow" appearance may not be fully visible until the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat, typically between 6–12 months of age depending on the breed.

Why does my dog stare at me and raise their eyebrows?

This is your dog using the LAOM muscle to engage with you. Research indicates dogs raise their inner brows more frequently when making eye contact with their owners than with strangers, and more with humans than with other dogs. It's a social signal that strengthens the bond between you. Oxytocin levels rise in both dogs and humans during these mutual gaze interactions.

Should I be worried if my dog's brow area is swollen?

Yes. Swelling above the eye can indicate an abscess (often from a tooth root infection, particularly the carnassial tooth), an allergic reaction, insect sting, trauma, or a tumor. Facial swelling that develops rapidly — especially with difficulty breathing, hives, or vomiting — is a veterinary emergency. Contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

Can dogs get sunburned on their brow ridge?

Yes. Dogs with thin hair, white or lightly pigmented coat markings above the eyes, and exposed skin on the brow ridge are susceptible to UV damage. Chronic sun exposure can lead to solar dermatitis and, over time, squamous cell carcinoma. Use a dog-safe, zinc oxide-free sunscreen (such as Epi-Pet Sunscreen or My Dog Nose It Best) on vulnerable areas, and provide shade during peak UV hours (10 AM – 4 PM).