The surprising reason dogs whirl, according to science

the Hair swirlstechnically known as Poetic flowersIt is a wonderful phenomenon found in the anatomy of some dogs. These unique hair styles appear Different situations Of the dog’s body, such as an area Chest, elbows and armpitsThey are especially noticeable in the back of the thighs, on either side of the anus. These swirls are not just an aesthetic curiosity. In fact, they provide a window into… A deeper understanding of dog biology and behavior.

Interestingly, hair swirls are not limited to dogs. Other mammals, such as horses, cows, and cats, also have these hair patterns. However, in dogs, these whorls have properties that make them particularly interesting.

the The direction of the vortices and some of their characteristics are related to the temperament of dogs and their response to stress. This suggests that vortices could be more than just a physical feature; They can be indicators of deeper aspects.

In one of the most comprehensive studies on the presence of hair strands or hair strands in dogs, it was stated that the majority of dogs share the presence of hair strands on the front legs, at the height of the elbows, and in the armpits.

Existing vortices Next to the rectumknown as ischial vortices, are particularly common, and occur in about 80% Of the dog groups studied.

Although no domestic dog typically displays cowlicks on its back, there are some rare but distinctive breeds that are known to display a “crest” of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the hair on its back. Among these breeds Rhodesian Ridgeback, Phu Quoc, Vietnamese Ridgeback, and Thai Ridgeback. These breeds, along with their distinctive crest, display two parallel spirals on their back, which is a unique feature of these breeds of dogs.

According to studies conducted so far, hair swirls appear to be more common in dogs with short to medium-length coats that are not overly dense, and are less common in longer-haired breeds and dogs. This observation suggests that the length and density of the coating may affect the formation and visibility of capillary vortices.

Although the exact function or relationship of hair spirals in dogs is not fully understood, there are some interesting hypotheses. For example, in an investigation conducted several years ago, the results showed that, statistically, right-handed dogs (you can tell if the dog is left-handed or right-handed) with a counterclockwise spiral on the chest or thorax showed twice as much chance of Successfully completing a guide dog training program, unlike left-sided dogs, that is, the left hand, the chest swirls clockwise.

These abstract statistical questions can have a real genetic basis for concrete practical application. Continued research in this area promises to reveal more secrets about how these unique hair patterns in dogs are related to their genes, behavior, and abilities.