Rhodesian Ridgeback Hair Standing Up Explained and Addressed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's distinctive hair standing up is a common phenomenon that can be attributed to their unique coat type. Their hair is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat.

This double coat is designed to protect them from the harsh African sun and cold nights, but it can also cause their hair to stand up in certain situations.

Their hair can stand up due to a process called "piloerection", where the muscles around the hair follicles contract, causing the hair to stand upright. This is a natural response to stress or excitement.

It's not uncommon to see a Rhodesian Ridgeback's hair standing up when they're feeling anxious or alert, such as during a thunderstorm or when they sense potential prey.

For your interest: How to Get a Horse to Stand Still When Mounting?

Piloerection, or putting one's hackles up, is a natural response to adrenaline surges in dogs. This phenomenon is caused by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, which triggers a "fight or flight" system response to feelings of fear, anxiety, arousal, curiosity, playfulness, or excitement.

A dog's raised hackles can make it appear larger and more intimidating, but this doesn't always mean it's aggressive. In fact, it's often a sign of excitement or playfulness, especially when accompanied by a wagging tail.

The arrector pili muscles under a dog's skin are attached to its hair follicles and are communicated nervous energy by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This means that a dog's adrenaline triggers a piloerection response, trapping air between the hair shafts and fluffing it up.

Dogs, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks, can experience piloerection in response to various emotions, such as fear, nervousness, or excitement. It's essential to learn that all sorts of emotions can bring on the piloerection and work with your dog through these feelings to ensure proper socialization.

In some breeds, piloerection is easier to see than in others, especially those with longer and fluffier hair. However, breeds with stiff and short coats tend to show their piloerection more clearly, making it a valuable indicator of a dog's emotional state.

For another approach, see: Breeds Similar to Rhodesian Ridgeback

Raising hackles can be a sign of aggression, but it's not always the case.

A dog's raised hackles don't necessarily mean they're aggressive, it's just one part of their body language.

You have to look at the whole picture, including posture, facial expressions, and tail movement, to get a better understanding.

A dog standing erect with head and ears up can be announcing readiness to engage, so it's not just about the hackles.

If your dog's hackles are raised and they're tense and snarling, it's best to remain calm and assess the situation.

Try to get your dog into a more comfortable environment, and speak softly to help them feel more at ease.

It's also essential to consider the surroundings and other factors that might be contributing to your dog's behavior.

You can learn to read your dog's body language by paying attention to their overall posture, ear positioning, and tail movement.

A wagging tail can indicate excitement, while a tucked tail might suggest fear or anxiety.

By paying attention to these subtle cues, you can better understand what your dog is trying to communicate.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Rhodesian Ridgeback Tail

If you notice your Rhodesian Ridgeback's hair standing up, it's essential to understand that this is an autonomic reaction to a surge of adrenaline. This can be triggered by excitement, nervousness, lack of confidence, or confusion.

It's crucial to identify the source of your dog's stress or excitement, as it can take up to two minutes for the hair to relax after the initial reaction. This is why it's vital to stay calm and patient when dealing with your dog's hackles.

Dogs tend to shed a lot when they are highly excited or stressed, and this is due to the hair being in the resting phase, known as the telogen phase. If your dog's hair is in this phase, it will loosen and fall out when the piloerection occurs.

Keep in mind that it takes about thirty seconds from your dog's initial reaction for the hackles to raise, so be aware of your surroundings and your dog's body language.

You might enjoy: Will Dog's Hair Grow Back after Scab?