The Chihuahua is often compared to dynamite – both come in small packages! The Chihuahua is a tiny pooch packed with personality. They can be highly affectionate (although they tend to bond to one person), and, when they feel most any emotion (fear, happiness, love) – the Chihuahua is certain to let you know!
Like other dogs, Chihuahuas will use their tiny bodies to communicate what they’re feeling at any given moment. The tail is often a primary means of communication, whether the Chihuahua is facing down another canine or the Chihuahua is working to convey feelings to you. Knowing how to “read” this body language will help you to understand what your Chihuahua wishes you to know.
Why do Chihuahuas use their tail to communicate?
If you’ve spent any time around dogs, you’ve heard that a wagging tail is a sign of happiness in a canine. However, the tail is a main method of communication in canines. In fact, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean the dog is happy.
The tail does give away the dog’s emotion at the moment. If a dog’s tail is relaxed, meaning in the breed’s natural tail position (yes, this varies between dog breeds!) For the Chihuahua, the tail is naturally in the “up” position! Some refer to the natural position of the Chihuahua tail as a “scorpion curl.“
There is a scientific reason for the way dog’s use its tail. The brain’s left hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body (and the right hemisphere controls the left side). The left hemisphere of the brain reflects positive feelings in a dog; the right hemisphere is indicative of negative emotions. Therefore, the dog not only displays emotions with its tail, you can observe and note whether a dog is happy or stressed, simply by noticing which way the tail is wagging!
All dogs use their tails to communicate; when attempting to decipher the emotions of your Chihuahua, it is important to understand their natural tail position and their personality traits to determine exactly what your Chihuahua is attempting to communicate to you.
What does it mean when my Chihuahua has her tail upright?
The Chihuahua is naturally very alert and observing. The upright tail, along with ears cocked up and a beefy stance communicate the Chihuahua’s natural “I’m the leader around here.” It’s often difficult to distinguish between the natural upright position and the upright “in charge” position. The “in charge” position is reflected in the entire body presentation of the Chihuahua. Liken the “in charge” position to someone with a puffed chest and head held high.
The more relaxed, “I accept that you’re dominant,” position of the tail will appear once the Chihuahua becomes more calm and accepting of the situation. A good example of this would be when a Chihuahua sees her “person” – before the individual appears, the Chihuahua’s tail will be more stiff (her entire body will), but once her human appears, she will relax her tail to the “normal” upright position.
What does it mean when my Chihuahua’s tail is down?
This can mean a few different things. If the tail is down and the Chihuahua appears to be completely focused on something (another dog, a person, even you) AND the tail is not moving, then the dog is closely watching to see how a situation will unfold.
If the dog’s tail is down between its legs, especially if the tail is covering the dog’s genitals, the dog is nervous or something is wrong. The dog may be scared (if you’ll think about it, you’ll see the dog at the vet responding in this way) or the dog may sense danger. Dogs will often do this around strangers as well.
What if my dog’s tail is “straight up”?
A “vertical” tail can mean you’re pup is feeling aggressive toward you, a stranger, or another dog. Take note: if your dog is displaying this “tail language,” you should leash or crate your dog until he calms down a bit. This tail position means the dog is about to take physical action against whatever it is that is conjuring the aggressive feelings.
Now, let’s talk about the wagging tail.
What does it mean when my dog’s tail is wagging to the right?
Previously we touched on the fact that a dog’s tail wagging to the right or left is a reflection of what the dog is feeling at the moment. If the dog’s tail is wagging to the right, your Chihuahua is happy and experiencing positive emotions.
However, observe when your dog is wagging its tail more to the left. This means the dog is not happy about something! Some anecdotal evidence shows that a Chihuahua will wag its tail to the left, slowly and in a downward position when it is feeling nervous in a situation. In one incident, the dog wagging its tail in this manner, snapped at its owner, even though the individual thought the dog was simply wagging its tail and was happy to see the man.
Interestingly enough, a 2013 study showed that dogs pick up on this “left wag” and “right wag” of the tail. When a dog is approached by another dog wagging its tail to the left, the dog feels threatened. When a dog is approached by another dog whose tail is wagging more to the right, the dog feels happy and will interact positively with the other dog.
How can I tell if my dog is wagging to the right or the left? How can I tell that a wagging tail might mean “back off”?
This is where it pays to check out other body language expressed by the dog. A dog who is happy to see you or a familiar dog will wag its tail quickly and enthusiastically. The ears will be alert and her teeth will not be bared at the other dog (or stranger). The wag of a happy tail may also appear to be in a circular motion.
A dog that feels fear or aggression in a situation will often slowly wag its tail; the tail may also be in a downward position and move slowly side to side. In this case, do not offer your hand to a dog you don’t know; if your dog is behaving this way, remove her from the situation by leashing her or crating her.
What are some other tail positions for the Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua is known for its “scorpion curl” tail, although some Chihuahuas have a straighter tail. A happy, relaxed Chihuahua will wag its tail in a hip level, side to side or even circular motion.
A Chihuahua that is ready to play may take a stance where she appears to be kneeling on her front feet with her tail in the air. This is called the “play bow,” and it means your pooch is ready for play time.
A Chihuahua that is displaying a fearful, slow wag may also shake or pant quickly. Be aware that Chihuahuas are naturally timid around new people or situations, and this can be alleviated by socializing your Chihuahua puppy from an early age.
Are Chihuahuas’ tails ever docked?
Most of the time, the Chihuahua does not have a docked tail; however, there are some situations in which owners may dock the tail or the Chihuahua may even be born without a tail.
Tails are docked for medical reasons when the tail is broken or if there is consistent bleeding that cannot be alleviated any other way.
Some “toy” Chihuahuas are born without a true tail. This is often the result of breeding practices and should be considered unhealthy. Chihuahuas born with a “docked” tail may have problems with the hips or hindquarters.
Learning your dog’s body language will help you to understand what your dog needs you to know. The lively Chihuahua clearly communicates using its little body and tail. Being able to “read” your pup will lead to increased bonding and a happy, healthier pet overall!