What does a dog need a tail for?

"Tailed pets" - so called cats and dogs. Nature does not create anything superfluous or unnecessary, which means that this part of the body is necessary for the animal. Why do we need a tail dog? What functions does it perform?

In terms of physiology, the dog's tail is a continuation of the spine and consists of several vertebrae.

In different breeds, it has a different shape and length. These indicators depend on the place where this species was bred, as well as on those functions for which it was intended to perform.

There are the following types of tails.

• "Log". Straight, horizontally elongated fat tail. This form was inherited from a common ancestor - the wolf. Currently very rare. As an example, can be called St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Labradors.

• The type of tail slightly different from “log” is called "Saber". The most characteristic carriers are Dalmatians, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Collies. When the dog is calm, such a tail is lowered and slightly bent, resembling a saber. In the excited state it rises horizontally or slightly above the back line.

• Tail "hook" the form is similar to the previous version and differs only in that its tip is bent more strongly. There is a Caucasian and South Russian shepherd dogs, bedlington.

• «Crescent". This form is found in the half-breeds of huskies, as well as in chow-chows, Spitz. His feature - bends over his back, but does not fall on it.

• The next type is “ring”. Fully bent and lies on the back of the dog. Most often, the northern breeds such as hunting and riding, such as Siberian huskies, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, have such a tail. Surprisingly, these species are the closest descendants of wolves, whose tail has the shape of a log.

• There are breeds with a tail in two turns (pugs) in the form of spirals (akita inu, bassenji) or corkscrew (French Bulldog).

• In the past, among hunters there was a separate terminology in the naming of different types of dog tails. For example, the greyhounds called it “rule”, the hounds called “rut,” and the Pointers called “rod.” The thin, long-haired tail of a setter is called a feather, a wing, or a flag.

If we draw an analogy with the human body, then the tail can be approximately compared with the hands. Swinging while walking, gestures while talking - these hand functions help a person feel more confident.

Similarly, dogs: with the help of tail movements, they maintain balance, especially when running fast or walking on uneven surfaces, on sharp turns, when you need to quickly catch up with the running away prey. This body helps them to float while swimming.

The tail is important when dealing with relatives. Directly below it, on the sides of the anus, animals have special secretory glands. They secrete a liquid with which the dogs mark the territory and inform themselves about their fellow tribesmen. A raised tail with a strong movement like a fan carries its smell around the district. If the dog wants to keep "incognito", it lowers the tail, closing the gland.

Here are some meanings.

• Relaxed, keeps level with back - the dog is calm and benevolent. But at the same time, attentive to what is happening around.
• Raised vertically up, tense and motionless - the animal feels some danger and is preparing to confront it. Can also sense prey.
• Omitted - expression of humility, submission and recognition of authority. It is a sign of sadness when the dog misses the owner or indicates a malaise.
• Energetic movement "propeller" - delight, stormy joy at a meeting.
• Strongly pursed tail - the dog is afraid of something.

If you carefully watch the pet, you will notice that the tail is almost always in motion.

A dog with his help communicates with the outside world, owners, relatives, transmits information. The leaders of the pack, the “authorities”, for the most part hold the tail proudly raised up, personifying the dominant position in the area and spreading its smell.

In the process of studying the behavior of animals in different situations, scientists discovered one interesting feature. Under the influence of positive emotions, the movement of the tail is more directed to the right, and with a negative, negative impact, on the contrary, to the left.

Wagging the tail is not always a sign of joy and good mood.

The dog waves it at a meeting and acquaintance with his relatives, when he expresses submission to the owner and wants to ask for forgiveness for some trick, feels uncomfortable in the company of outsiders, but does not dare or is afraid to show aggression.

Puppies, when they are born, do not know how to wag a tail. This skill gradually develops by about one and a half months. The kid perceives the tail as something extraneous, plays with it, tries to catch it.

If an adult dog begins to do the same, there may be several reasons for this:

• he misses, tries in such a way to attract the attention of the owner, to play;
• is under the influence of stress, panic attacks;
• nerve disease is also possible, consultation with a veterinarian is already required.

There are no tailless dogs in nature. And no matter how much the breeders tried to breed such a breed, nothing happened.

The fashion for arresting, that is, the complete trimming of the tail, is rooted in medieval England.

At that time there was a tax on the length of the dog tails. Owners, wanting to save money, began to shorten them. Gradually, this feature began to be considered the standard of some breeds (especially bred in the UK).

Also cut the tails of the participants of dog fights. Now, in connection with a more detailed study of the physiology and psyche of dogs, the expediency of this procedure is being questioned.

As in any business, there are pros and cons.

Positive factors include the safety of the animal when performing some task. For example, during the pursuit of a predatory animal the health and even the life of a dog depends largely on whether the opponent is able to grab it by the tail. Well, if not, then there is no danger.

The same applies to animals carrying service in the armed forces, law enforcement, rescue teams, organizations involved in the destruction of rats.

Consequently, tail removal surgery is carried out only according to indicationswhen it is due to care for the life and health of the dog.

The downside is that the body is injured.If docking is necessary, it is done at a very early age, preferably until the puppy reaches the age of five days.

If the operation is unsuccessful, the dog will experience constant pain and discomfort.

All of these factors can lead to a change in character and behavior for the worse.

Therefore, recently, in many countries, stopping has been banned as an inhuman action against animals. It is allowed to do it only to those dogs in whose professional activities the presence of a tail represents a certain danger.

Of course, the existing breed standards have not yet been canceled, and individuals who fully comply with them are allowed to participate in exhibitions. Each owner decides whether to remove the tail of his dog or not. But if you decide to stop, you should remember the important points:

• this should be done at an early age, during the first five days of life;
• the operation must be carried out by a veterinary specialist.

Given all the above points, it is possible to say with confidence that the tail is very necessary for a dog - for movement, communication with other dogs and people. In the end, just for beauty and self-confidence - after all, with what pride they carry this natural decoration!

See why the dog needs a tail in the next video.