Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

Do male dogs have nipples?

Male dogs have nipples, and in the same number as female dogs, which is typically around 8 to 10. More obvious in short-haired dogs, those small bumps around your male dog's groin area and stomach are not warts or tumors. Inexperienced dog owners can be confused and misidentify the normal nipples of a male dog as a potential health issue. 

However, these nipples don’t serve a functional purpose, meaning that your male dog cannot feed puppies since the nipples don't produce milk.  In some cases, certain breeds of dogs have more nipples, while others have less.

So, why do male dogs have nipples, and when should you be worried? We answer all your questions in this article—starting with why do male dogs even have nipples?

Why do male dogs have nipples?

Male dogs have nipples because of the process all mammals follow as they develop in the womb. During their embryo development, male and female dogs have the same set of mammary tissues. In female dogs, these tissues eventually develop into mammary glands capable of producing milk. In male dogs, these nipples do not develop beyond the basic structure and become vestigial bumps on a dog’s abdomen.

Why don’t the nipples in male dogs produce milk?

In intact dogs who have not been neutered, high testosterone and low estrogen levels lead to the regression of the mammary ducts and lobules, which would be needed for milk production. 

On the other hand, female dogs produce very little natural testosterone. Instead, female dogs (especially if they have not been spayed) have high estrogen levels, stimulating mammary tissue's growth and development. When a female dog becomes pregnant,  functional milk-producing glands will fully form.

How many nipples does a dog have?

Male and female dogs have between 8 and 10 nipples arranged in two rows along the midline of the abdomen. The arrangement follows a symmetrical pattern: two nipples on each side of the chest, followed by two to four nipples on each side of the abdomen, and one to two nipples on each side near the groin.

However, the exact number of nipples varies between dogs and breeds, where some have more and others have less.

What should male dog nipples look like?

Generally, male dog nipples should look exactly like female dogs. They are usually about the size of a small pea on the abdomen and uniform in color. Depending on the dog’s skin pigmentation, a male dog’s nipples can range in color from pink to light brown. Nipples tend to be more visible on male dogs with very short fur like bulldogs or Chihuahuas. 

Unlike female dogs, male dog nipples do not have the prominent areola or pronounced glandular tissue. They also do not have any milk-producing capabilities since they are vestigial structures leftover from a dog’s early development in the womb. 

More importantly for dog owners, male dog nipples should not be confused with fleas or ticks. While nipples are consistently located in a symmetrical pattern along the midline of the abdomen, ticks can attach anywhere on a dog’s body. Monitor your dog carefully for ticks, especially around areas with less fur, like the ears, neck, armpits, or between the toes.

Attached ticks on a dog’s body appear oval or round, with a rough texture. They are also larger than nipples and become more noticeable when engorged with blood.  They can be tan, brown, or black and appear as dark lumps on the skin. 

In comparison, fleas on a dog are generally not visible to the human eye unless they are heavily infested. If your dog is constantly uncomfortable and always scratching itself, it might have fleas. Essential oils like lavender and peppermint can be used to treat fleas.

Health concerns related to male dog nipples

Even though male dog nipples are typically harmless and non-functional, there are a few health concerns that can arise from them. Here are some symptoms that would need a vet visit to evaluate a health concerns related to the nipples on a male dog. 

• Swelling or enlargement: If a male dog's nipples become swollen or enlarged, it could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, infection, benign growth, or even a tumor.
• Discharge: As previously discussed, male dog nipples are vestigial structures, meaning that they do not serve a functional purpose, and thus should not have any discharge. Any unusual discharge from a male dog's nipples can indicate an underlying medical issue, such as an infection, hormonal issue, or a condition affecting the mammary tissue like Cushing's disease. 
• Lumps or nodules: If you feel around your dog’s abdomen and notice a lump or nodules in or around the nipples, it could suggest a benign or malignant tumor.
• Pain or sensitivity: If the nipples appear tender or if your dog shows signs of discomfort when the area is touched, it could indicate an infection or an inflammatory condition. Combined with other symptoms, pain usually would indicate a concern that needs medical evaluations. 
• Skin changes: Changes in the skin around a dog’s nipples, such as redness, irritation, or sores, indicate an infection or dermatological issue that needs to be addressed.

Does a male dog have nipples?

Yes, male dogs do actually have nipples. These vestigial structures are normally harmless and non-functional on male dogs. However, as a pet parent, you need to be vigilant about your dog’s health.

Regularly feel around your male dog’s abdomen for any changes in the size, color, or texture of the nipples. Also, notice any signs of discomfort that your dog may demonstrate. This can help in the early detection of potential health concerns such as mammary gland tumors, infections, or abdominal inflammation. If other atypical symptoms are present, irregularities in a male dog’s nipple could help diagnose a chronic issue like Cushing’s Disease so your dog can receive the proper treatment. 

If you notice any abnormalities or have concerns about your male dog’s nipples, consult your veterinarian. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can save your dog’s life. In addition, if your vet prescribes a treatment plan for any issue, make sure to follow it.