The Dog And Its Tail: Meanings
The tail of dogs can be short, long, small, curled… Its breadth encompasses an infinite number of shapes, lengths, colors and expressions. Yes, because, as you know, dogs often use their tails to express their mood. For example, when they keep it high, it means they are alert or aware of some situation. If a dog’s tail is hidden under its legs, it could be a sign of defense.
Some researchers claim that if a dog moves its tail from left to right, it will surely find itself greeting a stranger.
On the other hand, if they move it the other way around, the gesture is surely for some member of your family.
Next, we’ll share some data about the different meanings that dogs’ tails can have.
The shape of the dogs’ tails
The tail of dogs is like a natural extension of the back, especially in those breeds that are much more suitable for hunting.
Breeds with cold weather, such as Akita, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Spitz, Shiba Inu, Keeshond or Chow-Chow, among others, usually have a sickle-shaped tail to retain the heat when sleeping. Chihuahuas also usually have this type of tail.
In swimming dogs, for example, the Labrador Retrievers or the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, the tails are thick, short in relation to the body size and are very hairy. Without a doubt, the tails are perfect so that they can swim without inconvenience.
The tail with a slight curve and a small lock of hair at the tip, usually white, is associated with breeds such as the Beagle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Border Collie or Fox terrier.
Certain herding breeds such as German Shepherds, Collies, Belgian Malinois or Belgian Tervurens have clear J-shaped tails. They are long and stay short.
Bulldogs have corkscrew-shaped or curly tails.
Do dogs’ tails tell us something?
It is commonly believed that dogs wiggle their tails to communicate that they are happy and loving, but can you trust this statement?
According to some investigations, it could be said that the position of a dog’s tail reveals its emotional state.
The truth is that our dear furry friends move their tails for a number of reasons, including when they are aggressive or when they are in a bad mood.
Let’s not forget that a dog’s ability to use its tail as a form of expression can be limited by the shape of that tail.
Some animal protection organizations maintain that when dogs keep their tail in a natural position it means they are relaxed and calm. But this state differs between different races.
Pugs, for example, have tails that curl up, while Greyhounds have tails that rest slightly between their legs.
When the dog is relaxed, it will keep its tail in its natural position. If you feel happy, you can gently move it from side to side.
If you feel nervous or submissive, it is surely because you are afraid or distrustful and therefore your tail will be in a low position.
When the dog is alert or excited for some reason or situation, it will probably keep its tail higher than normal, rigid, without any movement.
If you’re standing up or threatening someone, whether it’s a person or another animal, you might be able to move your tail from back to front.
If a dog is nervous or submissive, its tail will hide between its paws. If he’s excited, he’ll stretch you, and if he puts you upright, he’s probably aggressive.
If this end is located in a straight line with your loin, it means that the animal is curious about something.
Finally, some studies claim that moving the tail reflects the dog’s enthusiasm and if he does it vigorously, it means more arousal.
Some research reveals that when the dog moves its tail to the right, it indicates positive emotions; on the contrary, if you do it to the left, the meaning is the opposite.
This phenomenon is explained, according to scientists, with the fact that the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa.
