Why do dogs get grey muzzles, even at different ages?

Answer 1

Our dogs can grey at all sorts of different ages - just like people - but there are some factors that can influence this change.

Most dogs are considered "senior" at about seven years of age, so greying around this time could be considered a normal aging change. Some premature greying can be attributed to endocrine disorders, like hypothyroidism, and will slow if the dog is treated. Still, some dogs (usually black or brown dogs) can have evident greying at young ages without any hormone or chemical imbalances. Some veterinarians contest that "worrisome" or anxious dogs will get salt-and-pepper faces at a young age, just like people!

Answer 2

Just part of them growing older. My last dog's muzzle started greying when she was 4. I was very surprised but she lived 14 1/2 years.

Answer 3

I was searching for an answer, and although this isn't it.,,it sure is a neat poem:
This is a touching poem in honor of all those wonderful senior dogs.
God bless those precious gray muzzles.......
http://www.floridadachshundrescue.com/poems.htm

Anyway, some breeds turn gray much earlier than others. The breed that comes to mind is Golden Retriever.

Answer 4

dogs of different colors & breeds age at different rates;

Greyhounds in particular "grey" on their faces quite young [but that's not where they got their breed-name...]

GSD's can also grey-out or grizzle at only 2 or 3.

Answer 5

I don't know. Some people will look at my dogs and say they are really old because they have gray hairs and one of them is only 2.

Answer 6

Depends on the breed.

Answer 7

same reason people do , there is just no more pigment in the hair folicle