Why Do Dogs Have Tails?

Why Do Dogs Have Tails?

 

Why do dogs have tails? Dogs, like a lot of other mammals, have tails for a number of different reasons. The tail serves many critical functions for the dog that help it on a day to day basis.

Among these, is the fact that the dog's tail assists it in both movement and balance. This was one of the primary as well as most important functions of the tail when dogs first evolved.

When a dog begins to change direction, his front paws and front part of the body are thrown in the direction it wants to go in. However, on the other hand, the rear and back legs continue in the same direction they were going before turning.

It is the tail that assists in propelling the rear part of the body to go in the desired direction without stumbling, acting as a counterweight to the body of the dog, and making sure his movement does not slow down his overall pace.

As well as that, the dog's tail acts as a balance when the dog is walking, especially on uneven and narrow ground, or to steer and navigate. This is especially true for dogs when they are swimming, or turning a tight turn when running or racing.

Dogs also use their tails for communication purposes. They use it to express how they are feeling to both humans and other dogs.

A broadly wagging tail will mean they are happy and excited, and as way of friendly greeting. Dogs will wag their tail like this when they are playing or delighted at seeing their owner or someone they like.

A tail which appears to be vibrating or shaking at a very fast pace indicates tension in your dog, and also that your dog is insecure or hostile toward another stranger dog.

A tail which stands up erect and still, implies that your dog is vigilant, or when trying to assert dominance while coming face to face with another dog.

A tail which is held down, tensed, and stiff can mean your dog is uncomfortable, nervous, or anxious.

A tail tucked between the hind legs means that your dog is ashamed, embarrassed, and very scared. This is often seen in a dog that had been scolded by its owner. It is a tail posture which indicates submission.

Dogs also wag their tails to spread their natural pheromones which are found around the tail, to convey important information to other dogs, especially when looking for a potential mating partner.

 

Why Do Different Breeds Have Different Tails?

 

Different breeds of dogs have different types of tails because when they first evolved, they needed their tails to help them according to what they were bred for. Every dog has a tail which served a vital purpose when they first originated. This why every breed of dog, whether they are working or racing, have a tail which varies in shape, size, and structure.

For example, you can find long and bushy, sometimes curled tails, on Northern and spitz-like breeds that were bred for pulling sleds in the cold North. Their long furry tails allow them to put it over their noses and face when curled up in a ball to keep it warm, preserve heat, and protect it from the snow.

Thin, long, whip-like tails found on racing dogs and sighthounds are used as brakes when making turns and racing in order to give them more stability and control.

Carrot tails, which are thicker at the base and narrow down to a point, found mostly on terriers - evolved on these dogs through breeding - were meant to be able to be grabbed by farmers to pull their dogs out that have went into vermin holes.

Swimmer tails, found in all kinds of retriever dogs, are thick, medium of size, and come to a blunt tip. Some are more furry and with longer hair than others. These tails serve the purpose of providing balance and steering these dogs through water while swimming and retrieving hunted game.

On the other hand, you can find bob tails on some dogs, which are naturally occurring due to a genetic mutation. This is rare, however, and some owners choose to dock their dog's tail to keep up with the breed's standard, for example on dobermans and corgis.