[wahoo]

I've noticed that dogs' faces seem to vary in size ... obviously.. but I mean that even within breeds, there is a great spectrum of face shapes. Sometimes (even in purebred dogs) I notice that the muzzle seems small in comparison with others. I've always favored dogs with larger muzzles.. and I would like more information regarding this variation. (AKA how do age/genetics/etc. affect the dog's face?)

Take these black labs for example (from google):

These have thick, large muzzles/faces. The shape of them is quite square.

2. These dogs have smaller, thinner muzzles/faces. The shape of them is very triangular.

Let me know if I need to do a better job of explaining my question! Thank you! It's something I've always thought about :]

 

[dusto]

to me it seems like that's just something that happens like how some people have big noses and some have small ones. Genetic trait passed from the parents.
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[Tess]

For one thing, males tend to have the boxier heads and muzzles. Take my dogs for example.

Here are two views of them: side and front.

Tessa is the female. She is the more lightly build dog and is the chestnut color.
Josey is the male, more solidly build, boxier head and muzzle, and is black and white.

BTW, these are Llewellin setters... a type of English Setter.

 

[Ilovedogs2]

For one thing, males tend to have the boxier heads and muzzles. Take my dogs for example.

Here are two views of them: side and front.

Tessa is the female. She is the more lightly build dog and is the chestnut color.
Josey is the male, more solidly build, boxier head and muzzle, and is black and white.

BTW, these are Llewellin setters... a type of English Setter.

They're beautiful dogs and it looks like they're really good friends too.

 

[Tess]

They're beautiful dogs and it looks like they're really good friends too.

Thank you.
And yes, they are inseparable friends!

 

[wahoo]

Thank you!! I forgot about the male/female thing :]

Tess, your dogs have such sweet faces!!

 

[Ilovedogs2]

to me it seems like that's just something that happens like how some people have big noses and some have small ones. Genetic trait passed from the parents.
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I uses to tell my mother that my Standard Poodle looked like her! My mom and dog both had black curly hair and black eyes and an elegant long nose!
The Genetic trait was very strong with the both of them!

 

[Ilovedogs2]

Thank you.
And yes, they are inseparable friends!

I had a dog and cat that like that! I love it when animals become best friends, it is so sweet.

 

[dusto]

I uses to tell my mother that my Standard Poodle looked like her! My mom and dog both had black curly hair and black eyes and an elegant long nose!
The Genetic trait was very strong with the both of them!

Lol, people tell me I look like Rocky!
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[pkelley]

Hi, It's a good question about the difference in their muzzles/faces for the Labs! I found this on the internet for you! "As with some other breeds, the Conformation (typically "English", "show" or "bench") and the Field (typically "American" or "working") lines differ, although both lines are bred in both countries. In general, however, Conformation Labradors tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their Field counterparts, which are often bred as taller, lighter-framed dogs, with slightly less broad faces and a slightly longer nose; however Field Labradors should still be proportional and fit within AKC standards. With field Labradors, excessively long noses, thin heads, long legs and lanky frames are not considered standard. These two types are informal and not codified or standardised; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines. Australian stock also exists; though not seen in the west, they are common in Asia." Here is the link for it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lab_retriever

 

[ruthcatrin]

yup, show vs working lines, male vs female, all make a difference, not to mention the difference between countries in many cases....

A breeder who feels her dog with the narrower face did "better" will breed for more of that muzzle type thus affecting what you see in the breed too