Tail Wags of Different Dogs

Dog-human socializing goes beyond petting and vocal exchanges. People mistake a wag as the dog being happy. However, studies show tail wagging is a form of communication. Each movement of the tail tells the dog̵7;s mood, whether the canine is anxious, aggressive or submissive. By knowing the meaning behind a wag, a person can understand his dog̵7;s feelings.

  1. Dog Tails

    • The tail is designed for balance. As a dog runs and turns quickly, his front body changes direction. The back turns, but the velocity is so greater that the hindquarters would continue in the original direction. The tail is thrown in the turning direction as a counterweight, lessening the tendency to spin off course. Dogs also use their tails when walking on narrow surfaces, the same way a tightrope walker uses a bar. It is used as a rudder when swimming.

    Scientific Studies

    • Italian scientist Giorgio Vallortigara at the University of Trieste in Italy and two veterinarians, Angelo Quaranta and Marcello Siniscalchi, at the University of Bari released a study of tail-wagging the May 2007 issue of ̶0;Current Biology.̶1; Researchers filmed the responses of 30 canines of mixed breeds to human and animal stimuli including the dog's owner, a stranger, a domineering, unknown dog and a cat. The doctors concluded that dogs experience asymmetrical brain reactions as humans do: The muscles on the right side revealed positive emotions, such as excitement or happiness, while tails that wag slightly to the left indicate fear or anxiety.

    Dog Breeds

    • Welsh corgies are born with natural bobbed tails.

      How the tail is held in relation to how the breed naturally carries its tail signifies a certain mood. Many large dogs, such as golden retrievers or St. Bernards wag their tails this way to indicate that they are dominant. Yet, Australian cattle dogs, Cairn terriers, schipperke and Welsh corgies have natural bobtails that are limited in expression. Others, such as pugs and akitas, have tails curled up and over their backs, while greyhounds and whippets have tails tucked slightly between the rear legs. These natural occurrences should not be mistaken for behavioral characteristics.

    Wagging Signs

    • By the age of six or seven weeks, puppies display social interaction and begin to learn signals that indicate intentions and communication. The position of a dog's tail tells a dog̵7;s disposition. Small, slow wags of the tail signal that the dog is questioning its surroundings. Frightened or nervous dogs may wag their tails stiffly, hanging between the hind legs. Broad, fast wags are a sign of a happy or excited dog. If relaxed, the canine holds his tail in its natural position.