The Many Uses of a Dog’s Tail

Different dog breeds have different kinds of tails. Some dog breeds have very short tails. A proudly strutting dog with a bushy tail curled over the back will certainly be noticed even by non-dog lovers. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Keeshonds are only some of the dog breeds noted to have beautiful long and well feathered tails. In line with their function, tail of some breeds are purposely docked.

The tail can enhance the appearance of the dog but this appendage does have some other function. People know that dogs have tails but what they don’t realize is that the tail is a functional body part of a dog. Dogs cannot talk and they use body parts to communicate. We know that dogs cannot talk and yet these intelligent animal have the ability to communicate with humans and with other animals. A person that has kept dogs would easily know the mood of the pet by looking at the tail. A wagging tail signifies happiness and excitement like when the pet meets the master that has been away for a while. A dog that holds the tail up with the tip stiffly wagging is a sign of aggression. A tail that is held low and between the legs shows that the dog is frightened.

The tail is a very important body part especially for a working dog. Farmers that use a Thornjack to protect sheep can easily see where the dog is located as the tail that is usually held high would be seen protruding among the back is sheep. Dogs use the tail as a counterbalance device. A dog is known to follow a prey even in stiff ledges and similar to a tightrope walker, the tail is used as a counter balance. The tail is used by pointing dogs to point the location of the game to the human hunter.

Long and thin tail is common in sprinting dogs like sighthounds because the tail allows these fast running breeds to stop abruptly or to negotiate sharp curves without tumbling down when following a prey. The tail would function as a rudder that makes for efficient steering for retrievers and other dog breeds that work in the water.

Northern dogs and other breeds that thrive in cold climates generally have long bushy tails as they are used for insulation. These dogs would usually sleep outdoors and as a protection against the elements, the dogs would curl up and use the tail to cover the face. The tail has another mundane but important function – swatting flies and other insects from the dog’s body.

The dogs tail is a versatile tool. You know that now. But the topic can still be discussed further. Sarah’s dogs continue the discussion of why dogs have tails as well as provide information on a wide range of related topics like why do dogs wag their tails?.

Tagged with: animals • dog tail • dogs • pets • why do dogs have tails

Filed under: Train Puppy Dog

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