A dog’s hackles are the hairs that run from the neck down the backbone, all the way to the base of the tail. When hackles are raised, you’ll see these hairs stand up on end. This i… See more

Piloerection is an involuntary contraction of the tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles, causing hairs to stand on end (similar to goosebumps in humans). Its natural function in … See more

Yes, all dogs have hackles, although the presence of hackles varies according to the breed. It’s difficult to spot hackling in breeds with long, fluffy, or curly hair – such as poodles. S… See more

Raised hackles on their own might not tell you an awful lot, but when combined with other body language and cues, they can provide a more accurate picture of how your dog is … See more

When a dog raises its hackles it’s definitely time to pay attention to whatever it is that’s causing them to be overly stimulated, particularly when dealing with dogs or situations t… See more