I have a serious issue for us Westies I would like to talk to you humans about. It is my tail. But first you need some background on why my tail is the way it is. My breed was created in Scotland and I was a working dog. Westies were bred for a specific purpose-keeping vermin in control for the Scotland villages, coalmines, mills, farms, and homes. We are white so our hunter owners don’t mistake us for foxes and shoot us. Our tails look kinda like a carrot. Our tail is essentially an extension of our spine and it is very strong. It is long enough and strong enough for our parents to pull us out of a hole by our tail in case we get stuck trying to get those mean vermin. So essentially you can pull our tails and even pick us up by our tail and it doesn’t hurt us. HOWEVER, we hate you pulling our tail! It is just rude. It is not an extra handle, it is not a way to keep us beside you, and it is not a toy for kids to hang on to. Our tail should only be used in emergency situations. If we get stuck somewhere by all means pull us out by our tail. If we are about to run into a busy street by hold me back by my tail to keep me safe, but just because I am not doing what you want me to do..don’t grab my tail. It is very degrading for another dog to see us being pulled by our tail. It is just not “manly” by any means. We are tough dogs you know and need to keep that image up. Also, I know my tail is crooked so you don’t need to comment about it. I don’t say to you what’s up with your crooked nose or your lopsided ears..nope so don’t be rude and tell everyone about my tail. It is a sensitive subject. Even us doggies have body issues . In closing ..don’t pull a Westie tail..thank you.
A Westie’s tail—emergency use only
