Why Do Dogs Have Extra Neck Skin?

1 Overview

So let us answer this question.

Scalp

Biologically, the extra skin on a dog’s neck belongs to head tissue, what we call the scalp.

Some breeds have more scalp under the neck, at the throat.

Function

Owners who have cared for puppies know a mother dog carries them by the neck skin. Not only dogs, but other mammals like tigers and lions do this too.

Of course, when a pup misbehaves, the mother also corrects it by holding there, without harming it.

Having mentioned puppies, we must discuss adults.

Most adult dogs have less extra neck skin as they age.

But some breeds do not lose it with age, as mentioned at the start, because of strong mastiff and hound genes.

You surely know why: when humans bred mastiffs, they selectively bred individuals with more neck skin.

Because this extra scalp is excellent protection in bull-baiting, dog-fighting, hunting, and guarding.

Protecting the most attackable and fragile neck

Warning

Many people like to lift a dog by the neck skin.

Although this makes a dog quiet at once, recalling the fear of its mother, be careful, because not every dog with developed neck skin can be lifted.

Large, dense-boned breeds like French Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and English Bulldogs are not suited to this play.

Of course, lifting occasionally is fine.