9 wag-worthy dog tail facts

The dog tail has a lot going on and plenty to bark about. Here are some fabulously fun (and furry) facts about dog tails​ you didn’t even realize you needed to know. Without further awoo, here are some dog tail facts…

​9 wag-worthy dog tail facts

1. A wagging tail has many different meanings
2. Tail docking is illegal in many countries
3. Dog’s tails talk to one another
4. Tail-wagging is a learned behavior
5. A dog tail helps with balance
6. Dogs use their tail to communicate through pheromones
7. Undercover doggos are trained to keep their tails tucked
8. Dog tails don’t like the cold
9. A dog's tail is part of the spine

1. A wagging tail has many different meanings

When we see a wagging tail, many of us think ‘Well, there goes a happy doggo!’ However, joy is but one of the many emotions behind the wagging meaning. Probably one of the most useful dog tail facts is that wagging can mean anything from excitement to fear. For example, a tail that wags to the left often means your pup is nervous or unsure, while right-hand wags mostly show they’re happy to make a new friend. Don’t try to read a dog’s thoughts just from their tail position - always take in the situation, facial expressions, and your dog’s body language to guess what’s going on.

2. Tail docking is illegal in many countries

Tail docking is a highly controversial act and has been banned in many countries around the globe. Australia, most of Europe, and some US states (including California and Rhode Island) have banned tail docking completely. However, many places still allow it for some breeds of working dogs for safety and hygiene reasons, such as the UK, but it can only be performed by a qualified vet.

3. Dog’s tails talk to one another

This adorable fact might have you mezmerized the next time you see two dogs interacting. Doggos use their tails to communicate to each other, especially from a distance. An upright tail of a strange dog from far away could help your pup to not see them as a threat.

4. Tail-wagging is a learned behavior

Yep, tail wagging is not instinctual. Pups begin to communicate with their tails from about four to six weeks old and practice different types of wagging with their mom and siblings. Wolves (our bark babies’ ancestors) in the wild don’t use their tails anywhere near as much as our doggos do, it’s something they’ve evolved themselves.

5. A dog tail helps with balance

Just like a cat’s tail, a dog's tail also has a very functional purpose: Balance. Although they won’t be performing the same gravity-defying acrobatics as our feline friends, a dog’s tail still helps to keep them walking over slippery surfaces, narrow walkways, or even just trotting in a straight line.

6. Dogs use their tail to communicate through pheromones

All dogs have anal glands which are there to spread their scent to mark territory and find a mate. These smells can be released while a pup is out walking and their clever tails are used to waft these scents around, like a weird furry fan.

7. Undercover doggos are trained to keep their tails tucked

Service dogs are amazing. Our working pups are essential for all types of jobs, but none as much as dogs in the police force. When undercover or on the job to sniff out crime, these pups purposefully tuck their tails to hide the scent of their anal glands. Smart!

8. Dog tails don’t like the cold

A dog tail is almost like an extra limb for pups, and just like any limb, they can easily become cold. With less fat and movement to keep them warm, tails easily lose heat meaning they quickly become chilly. Pups will often tuck their tails in cold temperatures to keep their tails for literally freezing.

9. A dog's tail is part of the spine

It ain’t just fluff, it’s all part of the doggo anatomy. A tail is as much a part of a dog’s body as their snoot or paws. It has nerve endings that are most sensitive at the base of the tail, which is why many pups love a good butt scratch!

Do you know of any other fun furry facts about dog tails? Head to our Community Forum to connect with other pup lovers to discuss all things dog and tail wagging. Not a member yet? Check out our different membership plans and see which one is right for you.