Gray hairs on dogs (lab, terrier, rottweiler, chihuahua) - - City-Data Forum

s0nginmyheart · 06-20-2011, 02:40 PM

Hi all,

I am wondering if someone could provide some insight. I noticed that my dog is starting to show some gray hairs on his chin --- he is a 10 lb Papillon/Chihuahua mix that is about 3.5 years old now. Is this typically the time when dogs start to show gray hair? Does it mean anything (stress? accelerated aging?).

I don't think he lives a stressful life (aside from some of the separation anxiety he has --- which has calmed down tremendously since puppyhood). I take him out for as much exercise as possible (walk and play time), weather permitting. And as far as I know he sleeps most of the day when I am gone. But I do know he plays as evidenced by his toys and bed sprawled around the room when I get home.

Should I be concerned about gray hairs at his age?

chiroptera · 06-20-2011, 05:15 PM

I wouldn't be....just like people, some dogs get gray hairs early in life, some later or even never.

I had a foster Rottweiler x Chow and at 2-3 years old, he looked much older because his muzzle was so gray already. I also have had Rottweilers who went gray early but outlived ones who never had a single gray hair....

This is assuming your dog doesn't have a skin/autoimmune thing going on (like vitiligo - your vet is the one who can give you a hands-on assessment if you're concerned) and he eats a decent diet, preferably not out of plastic bowls. I bet he is fine and it's just normal coloration or early gray hair and not a big deal.

ZSP · 06-20-2011, 09:36 PM

I agree with the previous poster. My Boston Terrier female started getting grey on her face, feet and butt around 5 years of age. My other Boston will be six in August and doesn't have even one grey hair...it's genetics.

I turned almost 100% grey while in high school.

Va-Cat · 06-20-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s0nginmyheart

Hi all,

I am wondering if someone could provide some insight. I noticed that my dog is starting to show some gray hairs on his chin --- he is a 10 lb Papillon/Chihuahua mix that is about 3.5 years old now. Is this typically the time when dogs start to show gray hair? Does it mean anything (stress? accelerated aging?).

I don't think he lives a stressful life (aside from some of the separation anxiety he has --- which has calmed down tremendously since puppyhood). I take him out for as much exercise as possible (walk and play time), weather permitting. And as far as I know he sleeps most of the day when I am gone. But I do know he plays as evidenced by his toys and bed sprawled around the room when I get home.

Should I be concerned about gray hairs at his age?

I have a 2 y/o hound that has some gray on her chin and a 13 y/o lab mix that doesn't have one gray hair on his body. Gray hair on dogs has nothing to do with environment (i.e. "stress") and everything to do with genetics. Stop worrying! Your dog is fine.

Dashdog · 06-21-2011, 12:37 AM

I also think breeds have something to do with it as I have noticed many sighthounds get gray young and Dazzle who will be 3 in August already has alot of gray on his face making him look like an old boy..that was one thing I did not like about the breed as I noticed it when I was looking at the breed. But that is just the way it is with them and he is still my handsome guy!

s0nginmyheart · 06-21-2011, 08:28 AM

Thanks all for the helpful insight!

djshinodalp · 06-21-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashdog

I also think breeds have something to do with it

Yep, my 3+ month old schnoodle has some grey/white hairs popping up here and there. Schnoodles are known to change their coat/colors/grey-out through the puppy years.

ThePointYouMissedMe · 06-21-2011, 05:18 PM

Try some Just for Dogs...

Dashdog · 06-21-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePointYouMissedMe

Try some Just for Dogs...

Hey if you got some Dazzle wants to try it

dogmomof2 · 06-21-2011, 09:25 PM

I don't think there is any reason to be concerned, but you could always run it by the vet next time you're there. Both of my dogs have quite a bit of gray.

Luckily Lanie doesn't have a sense of self-awareness when she glimpses herself in a mirror, so she'll never know she's going gray unless we tell her

She was already pretty gray on the face when we got her when she was approx. age 7.

Odie has been getting more gray on his face since the time he was 6 or 7 I think. He is 11 now looks more distinguished

Dash - tell Dazzle the older ladies like a little bit of salt and pepper