Our pets bring us huge amounts of joy with their wet noses, adorable pointy ears, and happy tails. While the ears and nose both serve pretty similar functions in humans, we don’t have the benefit of a tail. But why do dogs have tails? It all comes from the evolution of their ancestors millions of years ago, and these appendages still prove quite useful to pups and other animals today. Here’s everything you need to know about tails in dogs.
Early fish may have sprouted tails to better swim in the ocean. But when those ancient creatures first stepped out on land, they kept their tails, which changed shape and size depending on their specific needs. Truly, nearly every vertebrate species in the animal kingdom has a tail, with very limited exceptions, including us.
Recommended Videos
Humans and apes like chimps are some of the few that have lost their tails to time. This probably happened because Homo sapiens walk in a very different way from our four-legged friends. Tails do a lot for our pets and help them in all kinds of ways that we don’t benefit from.
As we discussed, tails occur on many animals and help with several different things, including balance, swimming, communication, and even grip. Dogs, in particular, need tails to assist with many of these activities, although they are unfortunately unable to pick up objects with them. Here are the things dogs need tails for.
Help them move
Your pooch might need their tail even more than you think. Dogs frequently use this appendage to help them run and change direction, for example. As the American Kennel Club describes, “What you’re likely to see is your dog’s tail working to assist with skillful movement. As our dog needs to change direction while running, his body needs a little extra help. You’ll notice that your dog’s front legs will go in the direction that he intends to go, while the rear legs continue in the original direction. The tail, however, will also turn in the new direction.” That enables our buddies to turn on a dime and pull off the maneuvers you might see in a dog agility show.
Improve balance
Lots of animals use their tails for balance — you might picture the kangaroo as a superb example of this. But even though pup pups can’t stay upright on their tails, they still need them to move around successfully. In addition to our earlier running examples, a tail can help walk on a small ledge (cats are known for this ability in particular) and climb up a rocky slope. You might see their tail wagging in either of these scenarios as an extra aid, but of course, the biggest reason for that movement comes next.
Facilitate communication
Dogs didn’t evolve tails to communicate, but they have certainly added this to their tail repertoire. It’s one of the main things that they’re known for. Our little guys don’t just use their tails to talk to us either, they communicate with each other by tail as well. In fact, they tend to use their behinds in this manner even more with other animals, since part of their tail wagging is to spread their scent.
Wagging usually means that your dog is happy, but some pets have a nervous wag as well. Additionally, a tail down between their legs can indicate they’re afraid or acting submissive. Lastly, sometimes you can figure out your dog’s mood from their tail, whether they’re on the hunt, want a treat, or are excited for playtime.
Certainly, and many get by tailless with no problems. Historically, some dogs have had their tails docked to fit breeding standards, though that’s no longer recommended by vets. But if you adopt a sweet furry friend with no tail, like a Corgi or a French bulldog, which are frequently born without full tails, you don’t have to worry about your beastie getting along in their life. Our pets adapt quickly and won’t have any memory of needing their extra length to get on.
We probably would do better with a tail, but actually, we’re one of few mammals that lack this. Our dogs use theirs for numerous things including balance and communication. It’s important to allow your sweet pet to keep their tail if at all possible but plenty of dogs live successfully without one and adjust easily. Don’t worry too much if you bring home an animal that has no tail — you’ll learn how to interpret their moves no matter what.
A new study about sleeping with pets in your bed has some surprising results
Wait — is sleeping with cats better than sleeping with dogs? What new research says
Pets have a way of taking up a whole lot of space in our hearts and beds. Even small dog breeds and cats can become serious cover hogs. With dogs, the inclination is instinctual — they're pack animals that naturally stick together. Cats are generally considered aloof (and nocturnal), but these domesticated sofa lions also love their cuddles. Sleeping with pets of either species can (literally) give you the warm and fuzzies.
Yet, if you're going by stereotypes, you would think sleeping with dogs has far more significant benefits than catching Z's with cats. A new study may have you tossing and turning — you may already be doing so if you're co-sleeping with a dog. In a 2024 Scientific Reports study, researchers noted that sleeping with dogs could hurt sleep quality. The authors did not find the same issue for people who reported sleeping with cats.
This is tough one to answer, but we'll give you several options
When you're a true dog lover, every pup you pass is the cutest one you've seen all day. Whether it's a lazy bulldog snoozing in a stroller or an athletic Greyhound galloping in the park, nothing beats watching a dog doing what they love. After all, the cutest dogs are the happiest dogs!
But when it comes to selecting cute dog breeds, decisions can be much trickier. No two are the same, and every breed has its own special qualities that make owners fall in love. If you think your dog is the cutest pup you've ever seen, you're certainly not alone. But do you know the best part? Everyone who thinks their dog is the cutest is completely right!
In our humble opinion, these are the 12 cutest dog breeds you will ever see. Are your favorite dogs on the list?
Why does my dog lick me so much? There are actually several reasons
It might be more than to give you slobbery kisses
If you've ever been around a dog, you've likely been on the receiving end of a lick or two. Traditionally, people associate licks with kisses. However, if your dog is constantly slobbering all over you, you may wonder: Why does my dog lick me so much? Is something wrong?
Also, there's a totally untrue rumor that dogs don't love us but merely use us for food. That said, the idea that a dog's licks are also a sign of affection is also something of a myth. Your dog may have other motives for treating you like their personal ice cream cone. Some are as sweet as your favorite frozen novelty, while one may leave a saltier taste in your pup's mouth. Here are several reasons why your dog licks you, plus when to be concerned and how to curb the behavior if you want.
Why does my dog lick me so much?
