What Breed of Dog Is Known for Its Long Eyelashes?

Lhasa apsos are hairy in general, and they're the breed with the longest eyelashes. Those long lashes are a mixed blessing. The lashes add beauty to the Lhasa apso, but they can also cause various eye issues that can impair vision. Lhasas require a lot of grooming -- just add eyelash care to the list.

  1. The World Record

    • According to Guinness World Records, a Lhasa apso holds the record for the longest eyelashes on a dog. Prince Albert, owned by Sandra Daku of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, won this record when his left eyelash was measured at 5.35 inches November 27, 2004. His right eyelash was just a wee bit shorter, at 5 inches.

    Entropion

    • Entropion occurs when the eyelid's inner corner rolls inwards. The eyelashes near that corner can rub on the cornea, causing pain and possible scarring. Without treatment, entropion can cause vision loss from the constant irritation. Treatment involves surgical removal of the skin containing the wayward lashes. The vet uses dissolvable stitches, which take about a month to fall out. After surgery, your Lhasa must wear an Elizabethan collar -- the cone of shame -- for a couple of weeks to prevent him from pawing at his eye.

    Other Eyelash Disorders

    • Other eyelash-related problems could affect your Lhasa. Etopic cilia, which can be hereditary in the Lhasa, occurs when hairs actually grow within the eyelid. Symptoms include eye pain, constant tearing and severe eyelid twitching, a condition known as blepharospasm. Your Lhasa might require surgery in order to remove the etopic lashes. Distichiasis occurs when the extra hairs protrude out of the eyelid. This condition might not be painful and your dog might not show any symptoms. If distichiasis does bother your Lhasa, some of the symptoms are similar to etopic cilia, along with pawing at the eye, iris color change and reddened areas of the cornea. In most cases, your vet can pluck out the offending lashes, although surgical removal might be required if they continually regrow and cause symptoms. Your dog will also require an Elizabethan collar for a period after surgery.

    Grooming

    • The hair on the Lhasa's head is so profuse, only his eyelashes keep it from falling into his eyes and affecting his ability to see. Give your dog a daily eye check to ensure his lashes -- or other hair -- aren't interfering with his vision. Use barrettes or latex bands to prevent hair from falling into his eyes. If your Lhasa is scheduled for eye surgery, have the groomer clip her facial hair short beforehand. Post-surgery, your dog can't visit the groomer until his eyes heal completely; that will be several weeks. Short facial hair before surgery means less chance of any longer hairs getting into the eyes, especially when you're putting your dog's Elizabethan collar on and taking it off.