The tail is a prominent part of the dog’s body. Chihuahua’s tails also look adorable on them and match with their coat color. If you are a Chihuahua owner you ever noted that your dog wagging its tail. It means that he expresses his feelings and emotions. If you want to know all about the Chihuahua tail then you are in the right place. In this article we will define everything about the Chihuahua tail. So be with us!
Chihuahua Tail Characteristics
The tail is a very prominent part of any animal. Same like Chihuahua tail, here are the some of the characteristics of Chihuahua`
Tails:
Tail colors
Chihuahuas’ tails come in many colors like their coat colors like black, chocolate, fawn, cream and gold. It’s important to note that the tail color must match with their body color.
Tail size
The size of the Chihuahua tail can vary. Generally, according to its small size Chihuahua have moderately long tails. A DNA variant in the T gene, disturbs the development of the tail of the dog and can result in a completely absent and congenitally short tail.
Tail shapes
One of the distinctive features of the Chihuahua tail is its shape. Chihuahuas can have curled tails but not tightly curl. Long hair Chihuahuas have fluffy tails and smooth hairs have smooth tails.
Do chihuahuas get their tail docking?
Tail docking is a process in which a portion of the tail is removed. The most common reason for tail docking is cosmetics but in some medical cases it should be done. Tail docking was banned in 1998 by the European Union. But it’s done in some countries because of medical issues.
Chihuahuas do not come in this category, their tail should be grown naturally but if Chihuahuas have any medical issue then it can be docked.
Chihuahua tail wagging and communications
Chihuahuas wagging its tail to communicate his feelings. Wagging its tail means they could have other issues like anxiety, fear or medical issues etc.
Here are some things which they want to express by tail wagging:
Calm and chill position
When Chihuahuas tail in natural curled positions. They want to take a rest or sleep. And they want to remain calm.
Show affection
Generally the carefree wag tries to grasp your attention. They greet you and show affection.
Curious
Backward and gentle wagging due to curious or unsure situations.
I am nervous
When the tail is between the leg and or moving slightly. Eyes down, ears laid back, body tense. They are nervous at that moment.
Aggression
A high tail in the air and rigid tail, making eye contact, can be growling or barking as well are the sign of aggression.
Playful and happy
When fast carefree wagging, when dogs are giving happy facial expressions and circle around their beloved things like toys and food.
| Fun Fact: The direction of the dog’s tail can show the positive and negative emotions. Like if your dog wags its tail towards the right side it’s the sign of positive emotions like happiness, relaxation etc. And if they waggle towards the left side it’s the sign of negative emotions like fear, anxiety etc. |
Genetics of the Chihuahua tails
The Chihuahua tail is a prominent feature of its body. The tail must be high in the air and should be curled towards its body. The genes play an important role in the shape of the Chihuahua tail. No single gene can control the shape but multiple genes interacting with each other can make the shape of the tail.
Some factors like exercise and nutrients etc can also affect the tail carriage. The shape of the tail depends on the dog’s breeding. Which type of tail the parents have the tail shape will be according to it.
Chihuahua tail problems
You can concern the issues with your dog’s tail. The tail health issues can be serious so if you feel any issue take your dog to the vet to seek professional advice. Here are some Chi’s tails problem that you can face:
- Swollen or full anal Glands
- Limber or swimmer’s tail
- Hair loss of tail (due to fleas, Atopy, Mange, Hormonal Problems)
- Nerve damage can cause tail hanging
- During bowel movement your dog can not wagging or raise its tail
- Skin infection also can cause the limp tails
A limber tail is not life threatening but can cause discomfort in pups. But the lose of their wag can be alarming. Take your dog to the vet if your dog has any problem regarding this.
Chihuahua Tail Grooming
In overall grooming the tail grooming is also very essential. The long hair Chihuahuas have hairy tails that are prone to matting so keeping them well brushed and clean is very essential. Follow these steps to groom your dog’s tail:
- Brush its tail with a soft pin brush to remove mat or tangles.
- Brush its tail in the hair growth directions.
- For stubborn mats use a dematting tool and carefully remove the matting.
- Use scissors to cut the tail’s hair, make sure to cut the hair carefully to prevent the skin cutting.
Conclusion
The tail is a prominent part of the dog’s body. Chihuahua’s tails also look adorable on them and match with their coat color. If you are a Chihuahua owner you ever noted that your dog wagging its tail. It means that he expresses his feelings and emotions.
To keep your pup healthy and happy you have to take care of its tail. Make sure regular grooming and regular vet checkups can keep your dog’s tail healthy.
FAQs
