2006-08-09 03:26:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
When angry, threatened, or frightened, they are using their instincts, from their wild ancestors, to look as "big and threatening" as possible. If you'll notice wild animals they "puff up", raise hackles, and other techniques to try to look as big and dangerous as they can to try to intimidate their opponent.
The same thing happens with cats..The fur stands up and puffs out when in danger or angry.
2006-08-09 03:46:49 · answer #1 · answered by LittleBitOfSugar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually a dogs hackles will be raised if they are upset/angry/maybe ready to bite.
2006-08-09 03:36:45 · answer #2 · answered by quincysmom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called pilo-erection. Generally this happens if a dog is excited, but whether they do it for positive or negative excitement depends on the dog. My dog, for example, will do this when he is having a really good time playing with us or another dog. There are many reasons dogs do this, and it is not an indicator that a dog is vicious or is going to attack.
2006-08-09 04:49:41 · answer #3 · answered by lilmizzaniml 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs will also raise hackles if they're just agitated in general. It doesn't necissarily mean they are trying to be threatening--sometimes it just means they're super-excited.
2006-08-09 04:20:08 · answer #4 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To make them look larger and more intimidating when they are threatened or scared.
2006-08-09 03:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are one of the following: scared, mad, playing, cold.
2006-08-09 03:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by venus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋