Why do male dogs have nipples?

While nipples are most commonly associated with females, male dogs also have them. These are remnants, rudimentary appendages that are part of their inheritance from their ancestors.

Nipples are a characteristic feature of mammals, including both males and females. Female and male dogs typically have the same number of nipples—8 to 10—arranged in two rows along the abdomen. Although some variation may occur between individual dogs, it does not affect the animal’s health or well-being.

Why do male dogs have nipples?

As we discussed in the introduction, nipples are a characteristic feature of mammals, present in both males and females. In the early stages of development in the womb, both male and female embryos follow a similar blueprint before sexual differentiation occurs. The presence of nipples in males is a result of this shared developmental process. However, in males, including male dogs, they do not serve any functional purpose.

Now you might reasonably ask, why are they there? A more accurate question would be: why shouldn’t they be there? Natural selection had no reason to eliminate nipples. A male dog without nipples would not have had any inherent advantage over one with nipples, and since they are more or less harmless, they persisted. This is similar to the vestigial pelvic bones found in whales. Whales no longer have legs, but since these residual structures did not cause any problems, they have been retained even though they are not used.

Male dogs’ nipples generally appear as small, prominent bumps or spots on the lower abdomen, although their appearance can vary somewhat depending on the dog’s breed. In some cases, they may be more prominent or darker in color. As a result, they can easily be mistaken for external parasites like ticks. Before you attempt to remove a protruding spot on your dog’s belly with a tick removal tool, make sure it is definitely a parasite. If it is a tick, you should be able to see the bloodsucking head and legs on its body. If you’re unsure, use a magnifying glass!

Changes in Nipples in Male Dogs Can Indicate Health Issues

Just as in humans, men can have health issues related to their nipples, so can male dogs. If you notice a lump or any abnormal changes under your dog’s nipple, you should definitely take them to the vet!

Enlargement of the tissue beneath the nipple or the nipple itself can indicate other problems. Although rare, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance, poisoning, or testicular cancer.

Like females, males can also suffer from infections or inflammations in this area. These issues can arise due to factors such as poor hygiene, trauma, or skin diseases. Signs of infection or inflammation include redness, swelling, discharge, or sensitivity.

As a pet owner, whether you have a male or female dog, you need to pay attention to their nipples as well. Any changes you notice should prompt an immediate visit to the vet!