Why Dogs Have Tails

Have you ever wondered why most dogs are born with tails? Not only does a dog's tail complement their look, but it also performs some important functions in daily life. Here are reasons why dogs have tails:

Communication: One of the ways dogs communicate is with their tails. For instance, a happy dog is likely to wag their tail, while a frightened dog tucks it between their legs. Aside from communicating their state of mind, dogs also use their tails to communicate their presence to other dogs. Tails help dogs spread or minimize their unique scent.

Movement: When you watch a dog chase a ball or another dog, you are likely to notice their tail plays a role in their skilful movement. Dogs often need to change direction while running, and tossing their tails in different directions prevents them from tumbling.

Balance: Dogs use their tail for counterbalance not only when running but also when walking. You can almost see their tails hard at work when they walk along a narrow surface by putting their weight on the opposite side of their tilt.

Different dog breeds have different types of tails, and they use them differently. For instance, running dogs have whip-like tails that help them change direction at high speeds. Water dogs have thick tails that serve as powerful rudders when they swim.