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So, you’re wondering, “Why Does My Golden Retriever Have A Pointed Head?”
You’re not alone.
This question gets asked all the time by new Golden Retriever owners.
You’ve probably taken notice of your pup’s rather pointy head, or probably felt a large bump on the top of his skull, after petting him.
Naturally, this has you wondering, or maybe even concerned about whether or not a pointed head is normal.
Well, rest assured, because we are going to answer this commonly asked question in detail.
Table of Contents
Why Does My Golden Retriever Have A Pointed Head?
Your Golden Retriever has a pointed head because of a bone called the occiput. This bone protects your dog’s skull and brain and connects to the spine. It is present in all dogs but is more noticeable in certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. Also referred to as a smart bump or knowledge bump, the occiput can be very prominent in puppies and will remain roughly the same size in adulthood.
1. Pronounced Occiput
The bump on the top of your Golden Retriever’s head is called the occiput. A Latin word meaning back of the skull.
This bump is more pronounced in some dogs, making their heads look pointy.
Almost all mammals, including humans, have an occiput, as well as our beloved canine companions.
The occiput (also known as the occipital bone), is a normal part of your Golden Retriever’s anatomy and serves to protect his skull and brain.
It is the only part of the skull that connects to your dog’s neck and provides a passage for the spinal cord.
Not only does it protect your pup from any head accidents or skull crush, but it is directly associated with nerves and muscles.
A dog’s occiput is a focal point in canine therapeutic massage because it contains several nerve endings. Massaging stimulates calming effects associated with your dog’s fight or flight system.
2. A Pointed Head Is Normal In A Growing Puppy
Golden Retriever puppies go through many changes as they grow. One such change could be a pointed head.
A pronounced occiput is common in a growing puppy, and this bump on your puppy’s head tends to be more visible while he is still growing.
Once your pup’s head starts to fill out, the bump usually becomes less noticeable, and your pup’s head starts to look less pointy.
However, in some Golden’s the pronounced occiput remains roughly the same size.
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3. Certain Breeds Are Prone To Pointy Heads
We’ve already established that the occiput is a part of the skull that is present in all dogs. But, it is more noticeable in certain breeds.
Breeds that have a visible bump on their heads making them look pointy include:
- Bloodhounds
- Boxers
- Labrador Retrievers
- English Setters
- Golden Retrievers
- Spaniels
- Pointers
A prominent occiput can also be seen in dogs with long noses such as Collies and Dobermans.
Even Disney gave Pluto a prominent occiput, he is a Bloodhound after all!
Does My Golden Retriever’s Pointed Head Indicate A Health Issue?
As we’ve established, the occiput is a normal part of your Golden Retriever’s anatomy. It is natural and needed for protection.
A pronounced occiput that gives your dog his pointy head, is usually not a cause for concern, especially in growing puppies.
Changes in the occiput should not be drastic. This means that once your pup is finished growing, his occiput should not become larger.
It is possible that because it sticks out, the occiput could get bumped and bruised, which makes it appear larger due to swelling.
If you notice any changes in size or appearance of the occiput, it may indicate a health issue that requires your vet’s attention.
Muscle Atrophy and Masticatory Muscle Myositis are two health issues that can make your dog’s occiput more pronounced.
Muscle Atrophy
Muscle Atrophy is the wasting away of your dog’s muscles and happens as a result of aging, illness or reduced activity.
While it often occurs in the rear legs, it can appear anywhere in your dog’s body.
Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)
MMM is an immune system disorder that affects the muscles of your dog’s jaw, and those responsible for chewing (mastication).
This condition causes your dog’s immune system to identify muscle tissue as foreign and attack it.
One of the first signs of MMM is swelling of the muscles on the top of the head, which can make the occiput appear larger.
As the condition gets worse, swelling of the facial muscles occurs, including the eyes and jaw.
This swelling is followed by muscle wasting (muscle loss), which causes your dog severe pain and difficulty in opening his mouth.
MMM can occur in all dog breeds, as well as in males or females. The average age is 3 years, however, there have been cases in dogs as young as 4 months old.
Unfortunately, MMM is more likely to occur in certain breeds, many of which also have pronounced occiputs:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
While swelling of the face and head, as well as difficulty opening the mouth, are clear signs, a blood test or a muscle biopsy will provide an official diagnosis.
If diagnosed early, the prognosis for MMM is good.
Bone Or Skin Lump?
Noticing a large bump on the top of your dog’s head can be worrisome, especially if you don’t know what it is.
There’s an easy way to differentiate a skin lump from a bone that is meant to be there.
If the bump is hard and doesn’t move around, it is a bone that is part of your dog’s skull.
A skin lump will move around a little when you touch it.
If the bump happens to be a skin growth, your vet will be able to diagnose it.
Many skin lumps turn out to be non-cancerous, however, there are some that are malignant (cancerous).
Therefore a visit to the vet is your best chance of ruling out cancer or being able to catch it early and treat it.
The following are some common skin growths that may appear on your dog’s head:
Histiocytomas
These are small growths that can be found on your dog’s head, ears and legs.
More common in younger dogs, these bumps usually go away on their own and are generally always non-cancerous.
Sebaceous Cysts
These pimple-like bumps usually develop on the head, but can also appear on the back of your Golden Retriever.
They form when the glands become clogged with dirt, oil and debris, and appear as a single raised bump that is white or slightly blue.
A sebaceous cyst can rupture or pop just like a human pimple. They are benign and usually don’t require any medical attention.
Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common form of skin cancer and typically affects older dogs.
Appears as raised wart-like patches or lumps that are firm to the touch.
It is most often found on the head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen.
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Does A Pointed Head Mean My Golden Retriever Is Super Smart?
Before hearing the actual term for it, you’ve probably heard t