Yes, dogs do have eyelashes, and they are an important part of protecting their eyes.

Quick Scoop

  • Dogs have eyelashes on their upper eyelids, usually arranged in 2–4 neat rows.
  • These lashes act as tiny shields, keeping dust, dirt, sunlight, and even their own fur from irritating or injuring the eye.
  • In healthy dogs, eyelashes are normally not present on the lower eyelid; lashes there can indicate a medical issue such as distichiasis or ectopic cilia.

How Dog Eyelashes Work

  • Just like human lashes, dog eyelashes are a first line of defense against debris and help reduce irritation and injury to the surface of the eye.
  • They also help keep long facial fur from rubbing directly on the eye, which is especially important in long‑haired breeds.

Breeds and “Pretty” Lashes

  • All dogs have eyelashes, but long‑haired breeds like Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers often have especially long, noticeable lashes.
  • The length and thickness of the lashes usually follow the coat: longer, fuller coats often come with longer, fuller eyelashes.

Health and Trimming

  • Abnormal or misdirected lashes (distichiasis, ectopic cilia) can scratch the eye and cause pain, redness, or ulcers, so any squinting or discharge should be checked by a vet.
  • Groomers sometimes trim very long eyelashes for vision or hygiene, but they generally grow back; any trimming near the eye is safest in experienced hands.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.