Many dog owners love squishing their pooch’s fluffy face and find themselves pondering: do dogs have cheeks like humans? If you’re in a hurry, the short answer is yes – dogs do have cheeks.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore canine facial anatomy in-depth. We’ll discuss the structure and function of dog cheeks, how they differ from human cheeks, and why dogs make those silly jowly faces.
The Basics of Dog Cheeks
Definition and Location of Dog Cheeks
Dog cheeks refer to the sides of a canine’s face, similar to human cheeks. They are muscular areas located between the dog’s upper and lower jaws, extending from the snout back towards the ears (Fig. 1). A dog’s cheeks contain important muscles for chewing food and facial expressions.
There are two main paired muscles that form the dog’s cheeks. The most superficial is the zygomatic muscle, which connects the corners of the mouth back along the sides of the head. Underneath is the masseter, a strong muscle running from the zygomatic arch down to the lower jaw, used for biting and chewing.
Since dogs do not have the same roundness in their cheeks as humans, their cheek anatomy serves more of a functional than cosmetic purpose. The cheek muscles envelop the upper teeth and assist when dogs need to apply force with their bite. This makes dog cheeks incredibly powerful!
Key Differences From Human Cheeks
There are some notable differences between dog and human cheek anatomy (Table 1):
| Dog Cheeks | Human Cheeks |
| – More muscular, less fatty padding | – Composed mainly of adipose (fatty) tissue |
| – Surround upper teeth and jawline | – Extend specifically from mouth corners |
| – Aid forceful biting and chewing | – Not connected to mastication |
| – Generally less full or plump | -Puffed out appearance |
While dogs lack the fleshy, chubby cheeks humans have, their lean muscular cheeks suit their needs perfectly. The cheek anatomy allows dogs to open their mouths widely and deliver very strong bites, whether for eating or self-defense.
Certain dog breeds may appear more full-faced due to extra skin folds in the cheek region. For example, Mastiffs and Saint Bernards have loose jowls around their mouth and cheeks. However, this still contains stronger masseter muscles than fatty human cheek tissue.
Ultimately, the canine cheek serves an athletic role reflecting the active, working nature of dogs.
Muscles and Skin of the Canine Cheek
Major Muscles Involved
The canine cheek contains several important muscles that allow dogs to make facial expressions. The main muscles are the buccinator, zygomatic, and risorius muscles.
The buccinator muscle allows dogs to puff out their cheeks. It runs from the corners of the mouth to the back teeth. When dogs pant, this muscle flattens to create space for air flow.
The paired zygomatic muscles connect the corners of the mouth to the cheekbone area. Contraction of these muscles allows dogs to open their mouths wide.
The risorius muscle runs from the cheekbone to the corners of the mouth. When dogs snarl or bare their teeth, this muscle pulls the lips back.
Loose Skin Allows for Signature Looks
A dog’s cheeks contain loose, elastic skin that contributes to their adorable appearance. Certain breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Bloodhounds have abundant cheek skin that sags and folds.
Excess cheek skin causes charming wrinkles and creates the signature flews or drooping jowls seen in hound dog breeds. It also allows wider jaw motion for carrying objects or hunting prey.
In short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like French Bulldogs, extra cheek skin folds are both functional and cute. The folds help regulate air flow and temperature for breathing. They also give dogs like Frenchies their sweet, wrinkled mug.
A dog’s supple cheek skin helps express a range of endearing looks. From jaunty jowls to charming wrinkles, canine cheeks contribute much to the appeal of man’s best friend.
What Do Dog Cheeks Do?
Aid in Eating and Drinking
A dog’s cheeks contain important muscles that allow them to eat and drink. The buccinator muscles in the cheeks assist with taking food into the mouth and holding it there while chewing. They also help create suction when a dog is drinking water or lapping up food.
Without properly functioning cheek muscles, dogs would have a very hard time eating efficiently.
In addition, the cheeks contain fat deposits that create jowls in some dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Saint Bernards. The jowls can assist with licking up water and catching any stray food bits. So having chubby cheeks helps some dogs gobble up meals!
Help Dogs Make Facial Expressions
A dog’s facial expressions are important means of communication, and the cheeks facilitate some of this nonverbal language. For example, the cheek muscles allow dogs to expose their teeth in order to show aggression or smile happily.
Dogs also use their cheeks to create distinctive looks like puppy dog eyes.
Furthermore, dogs have scent glands in their cheeks called the zygomatic glands. When a dog is apprehensive, these glands release pheromones that signal caution to other canines. So the cheeks play a role in how dogs express emotions chemically as well as physically.
Contribute to Heat Dissipation and Panting
Panting is an important cooling behavior in dogs, and the facial muscles including the cheeks help make this possible. As a dog pants, the cheek muscles move in synchrony with other muscles to expand and contract the nasal passages rapidly.
This airflow dissipates heat and enables panting as an effective thermoregulatory mechanism.
In addition, the cheeks contain numerous blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. During hot weather, blood flow increases to these vessels allowing heat to dissipate from the circulating blood into the external environment. So the cheeks help dogs keep their cool!
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have More Prominent Cheeks?
Influence of Genetics and Breed Standards
The size and shape of a dog’s cheeks is largely determined by genetics and specific breed standards. Some breeds like Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Pugs have been selectively bred over generations to have more prominent, jowly cheeks.
This is part of what gives them their distinct look according to breed standards. It’s similar to how some dog breeds have floppy ears and others have pointy ears based on selective breeding. The genes that control head and facial structure are passed on from parents to puppies, influencing the cheek size and shape.
Reputable breeders selectively breed dogs that meet cheek size standards for their breed.
Certain genetic factors like the BMP3 gene have been linked to having more extensive cheek tissue in dogs. Researchers found that wrinkly-faced dog breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs had variations in this gene compared to other breeds. SoDNA tests can even determine a mixed breed dog’s cheek shape genes!
Some breeds with big cheeks according to their standards include Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Dogues de Bordeaux, Cane Corsos, Chow Chows, Shar Peis, and Pugs. Their prominent cheek structure is part of their expected conformation for dog shows and breeding.
In contrast, breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis have very narrow, thin heads and minimal cheek fat or jowls. These slim-headed hounds have a very different look than the wrinkly-faced mastiff-type dogs, but both cheek shapes are desirable for their respective breeds.
It all comes down to the breed’s history and original purpose. For example, excess skin on a Bulldog’s cheeks allowed the skin to roll rather than tear when they gripped bulls with their jaws for bull-baiting. Meanwhile, sighthounds have lean heads to aid aerodynamics when chasing prey.
Impact of Age and Weight Changes
While genetics determine the basic cheek structure, a dog’s age and weight can also impact how full their cheeks appear. Puppies often have chubbier, rounder faces as babies. As they mature, some of the puppy fat in their cheeks recedes to create a more chiselled adult look.
Yet mature dogs who become overweight or obese may develop jowlier cheeks as excess fat builds up in the facial area. Proper weight management helps dogs maintain a healthy cheek contour appropriate for their breed.
In senior dogs, cheeks may become bonier and sunken due to muscle atrophy and tooth loss. Cheek muscles rely on consistent use from chewing to stay strong. Loss of cheek mass gives some geriatric dogs a thinner facial appearance.
Keeping senior pups on a complete and balanced diet with proper dental care helps maintain their facial muscle tone.
While genetics are the primary determinant of canine cheek size and shape, factors like maturity, nutrition, fitness and dental health also play a role. Responsible breeding ensures certain breeds maintain the cheek conformation that matches their standards.
And good pet care helps individual dogs achieve the best cheek contour possible for their age and breed.
Caring for Your Dog’s Cheeks
Grooming Tips
Regularly grooming your dog’s cheeks is important for their health and hygiene. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush their cheeks daily to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils. Check for any signs of irritation or rashes.
Keep the area around your dog’s mouth clean by gently wiping with a warm, wet cloth when needed.
Trimming the hair on your dog’s cheeks can help prevent matting and the buildup of food, debris, and drool. Use blunt-tipped grooming scissors and carefully trim only the longer hairs. Be very careful not to nick their skin. Doing this monthly or biweekly should suffice for most dogs.
Bathing your dog at least monthly will also help keep their cheeks clean. Use a mild hypoallergenic shampoo and lukewarm water. Thoroughly rinse their face and cheeks afterward, taking care to avoid getting water and soap in their eyes, nose, and ears.
Applying a moisturizing balm made specifically for dogs can help soothe dry, cracked skin if your dog struggles with this around their cheeks and mouth. Consult your veterinarian first before using any new skin care products.
Signs of Problems to Watch For
It’s important to routinely inspect your dog’s face and cheeks for any abnormalities or signs of trouble. Redness, swelling, discharge, and crusting around the lips and cheeks can indicate an infection or allergy requiring veterinary attention.
Excessive drooling and foul mouth odor can signify dental disease, oral infections, or problems with your dog’s teeth and gums. Schedule an oral exam with your veterinarian if you notice either symptom.
Scratching, rubbing, and hair loss on one or both cheeks may be due to skin allergies or irritation. Try to identify and remove the source of irritation. If symptoms persist, seek advice from your vet.
Growths, lumps, or wounds on the cheeks are also worth getting checked out. While most are benign, some may require treatment or removal. Catching any unusual changes early maximizes treatment options.
By staying attentive to your dog’s cheek health and grooming needs, you can help keep their adorable face happy and healthy for years to come.
Conclusion
While dog cheeks may look floppy and silly, they serve important purposes for our canine companions. Understanding the structure and function of dog cheeks can help owners better care for their pet’s facial health.
The next time you lovingly squish your pooch’s cheeks, you can appreciate just how complex canine facial anatomy really is!
