Does it hurt to cut a dog's whiskers?

Question

I'm asking specifically about a bichon, but I'd still like to know if it hurts all dogs, or certain breeds, or what. In terms of the bichon, I'd like to cut her hair around her eyes and nose, but I'm afraid of cutting the whiskers accidentally.

Answer 1

Might be a better idea to take the dog to the groomer since it is such a sensitive area of her face you are working around.  

Answer 2

Not at all. [=

As you see in my picture my Shih Tzu gets more of a Poodle cut around her nose (So she can see better) and the groomer cuts off the whiskers.  

Answer 3

i think it does hurt when you try and cut their whiskers cause even if im just playing with my dogs whiskers his head moves around  

Answer 4

If you cut the whiskers of a hunting / working breed, you could harm them i.e.some terriers will use theirs to test width of a tunnel when burrowing underground.  

Verite R

Answer 5

The whiskers are hair that grow around the dog's mouth. Since it's hair it won't hurt since it wouldn't if you cut your dog's hair.

Answer 6

No, I asked the groomer that when I took my dog and they told me it doesnt hurt them at all.

Answer 7

Basically it doesn't hurt, but it tickles, and you must be very careful when/if you do it - using scissors around the face can be dangerous - in fact there are special safer scissors for the job.  I used to trim the whiskers off my Bassets when we showed in Canada - until, having asked the prof.handlers if it would make any difference if I didn't (no decisive answer!), I decided to leave them au naturelle, and see if I was placed down the line - I wasn't!!  Go for it, but take care she doesn't move at the wrong moment!

Answer 8

it's ok to cut the whiskers.  poodles have theirs shaved off when they are groomed

Answer 9

i have always been told that if you cut a dogs whiskers it puts their balance off

Answer 10

This is done routinely for shows on almost every breed of dog shown.

It's hard to imagine that it causes any pain or discomfort because the dogs don't flinch.

I do think we take something away when we trim them.  They do serve a purpose, and it's not cosmetic.

But to answer your question, no, it's doesn't hurt.

And fwiw, they continue to grow, will fall out, and a new one will take its place.