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Location: Visitation between Wal-Mart & Home Depot
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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 think Chi's are prone to graying early and I wouldn't worry about it. Even if it is due to occuapational stress I wouldn't have a clue about how to go about reducing stress in a toy breed's life in a manner that was acceptable, fair to other critters in the home and time/cost effective.
FWIW, I've known a couple that looked very wise by the time they were five. Both are still kicking after 13 years.
I've discovered some breeds grey more than others. A tri colored beagles colors change dramatically throughout their lives. The most dramatic color changes happen from birth to 15 months old. The black markings are the most likely to completely disappear. A beagle can look like a totally different dog in 1-1/2 years. When they start greying, their colors become more washed out and that can happen early. Basset hounds are different. They retain their deep tri color. When they start to grey, they don't get as washed out. I didn't know this about bassets until some beagle owners acted surprised that my dog is 11 years old. He's half beagle and half basset. That basset part has allowed him to retain his color much longer.
Read up on something called melanistic masking. Some breeds, mixes, or genetic color patterns, can display or mask graying differently based on genetic expression. Melanistic masking genes can influence going gray.
My Boston Terrier started graying at about 2 yrs, 3 mos, which I think is qite young to be graying. I never worried about it. If that's when they start to gray, then so be it, I guess!
Is it normal for chiuahuah's to start getting white hair around their muzzle at 10 months old???? It's kinda been bothering me because I was told that can be a sign of heartworms. my chiuahuah Is a female and when I got her I was told she was 6 months old and I've had her for 4 months. So if anyone knows anything about chiuahuah's please let me know. Thanks...
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