Dogs are one of the tailed members of the animal kingdom. Bushy, long, thin or short stubs – these types of tails are delicate extensions of the spine that is used by the dog in a lot of ways. Dog tails are commonly viewed as an appendage that enhances the appearance of our canine friends. Japanese Spitz and American Eskimo Dogs are two breeds most admired for their beautiful tails. However, enhancing the appearance is not the only purpose of a dog’s tail. 

The tail is used by a dog as an important balancing tool. Hunting breeds of dogs are very fast runners. Agility is an important quality that enables hunting dog to catch their prey. Not unlike balancing tightrope walkers, dogs uses the tail to maintain balance when they need to walk on narrow ledges in search of prey. Used as a counter balance, the tail prevents a dog making a sharp turn from tumbling over. Water retrievers make use of the tail as a rudder that makes swimming easier.

Dogs can’t talk but their tails can speak volumes. Dogs have an efficient tool in communicating with humans and other animals – the tail. It is a common knowledge that a loosely wagging tail is a sign that the dog is friendly. Be wary with a dog that bares its teeth and holds te stiff tail high as it is likely to attack.

Simply by the way the tail is held, a dog can communicate with other dogs. Furthermore, the tail serves as a unique ID system for dogs. By raising the tail, the anal gland is stimulated to secrete. This scent that is unique to every dog is used by dogs to identify each other. The rank of a dog in the pack can easily be distinguished by observing the way the tail is held. The leader of the pack is one whose tail is held high and stiffly wagged. Dogs lower in rank slowly wag tails that are held low to signify submission.

A dog’s tail is used for comfort too. Not unlike the way cows use the tail to drive insect, a dog also uses the tail as a swatter. A tail, acting as a muffler allows a dog to brave extremely cold weather. Northern dogs that sleep in the open are all curled up in the snow with the tail resting on the face to keep the nose protected from draft.

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1. Your Own Dogs Communication – Could Your Dog Be Trying To Inform You Something?
2. Ways To Prevent Dog Aggression with Other Dogs