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 in dogs indicate that they are on high alert. They might be experiencing a response brought on by fear, surprise, insecurity, excitement, or uncertainty … 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