Dogs have different types of tails. Some dog breeds have very short tails. Other dogs would not fail to gain the attention of people because the impressive appearance is enhanced by the long well feathered tail. A beautifully plumed tail is the benchmark of Keeshond, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. Tails of some dog breeds are purposely docked like in the case of bulldogs.
The tail of the dog has other functions aside from giving this animals an impressive appearance. The tail is a serviceable body part of a dog although many dog owners would see the tail as just a rather useless appendage of the dog's trunk. 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. Dog owners would easily understand the pet just by looking at the body movements and as well as the position of 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.
Working dogs can find many uses for the tail. 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. Similar to a tightrope walker that uses a balance bar, dogs would use the tail as a counterweight when scaling ledges. Pointing dogs have an amazing ability to use the tail to point to the human hunter the location of the prey.
Sighthounds and other breeds of dogs that run very fast have very long thin tails that are used as counter balance that prevent them from falling over when they need to make a sharp turn or when they have to stop abruptly while chasing a prey. For retrievers and other dog breeds that do a lot of working in the water, the tail that serves as a rudder makes these dogs efficient swimmers.
Northern dogs and other breeds that thrive in cold climates generally have long bushy tails as they are used for insulation. Northern dogs would sleep in the snow all curled up with the face covered by the bushy tail for warmth. The tail is used as well to swat insects that pester the dog.
The tail of the dog has other functions aside from giving this animals an impressive appearance. The tail is a serviceable body part of a dog although many dog owners would see the tail as just a rather useless appendage of the dog's trunk. 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. Dog owners would easily understand the pet just by looking at the body movements and as well as the position of 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.
Working dogs can find many uses for the tail. 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. Similar to a tightrope walker that uses a balance bar, dogs would use the tail as a counterweight when scaling ledges. Pointing dogs have an amazing ability to use the tail to point to the human hunter the location of the prey.
Sighthounds and other breeds of dogs that run very fast have very long thin tails that are used as counter balance that prevent them from falling over when they need to make a sharp turn or when they have to stop abruptly while chasing a prey. For retrievers and other dog breeds that do a lot of working in the water, the tail that serves as a rudder makes these dogs efficient swimmers.
Northern dogs and other breeds that thrive in cold climates generally have long bushy tails as they are used for insulation. Northern dogs would sleep in the snow all curled up with the face covered by the bushy tail for warmth. The tail is used as well to swat insects that pester the dog.
About the Author:
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?.
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