The tail is the posterior part of the body, characteristic of vertebrates. It performs various functions: it helps birds fly, it is the main organ of movement in fish, and for dolphins, for example, it allows them to stun fish before feeding. Opossums use their tail to climb trees, kangaroos use it to jump, and ungulates use it to fight off annoying midges.
But many people are interested in which animals do not have a tail. We invite you to get to know them.
Why are some dogs born without a tail?
Some pet owners like tailless pets. Such preferences have led breeders to adapt to genetic mutations. In the context of the topic raised, it is necessary to touch upon the term tail docking, as well as understand how this process occurs.
Removing part or all of the tail is a long-standing practice used by dog breeders. When the procedure is performed after the animal is born, it is called tail docking, and the dogs undergoing it are classified as docked breeds.
The process is carried out surgically using scissors and is performed when the puppies reach the age of six months or more. Mostly, docking is amputation.
Docked dogs should not be confused with bobtails; in the latter, taillessness is natural.
Below are the breeds whose representatives are born without a tail.
Animal without a tail: word search by mask and definition
Total found: 9
autotomy
spontaneous separation by some animals of a limb or tail grabbed by a predator
acromelanism
an intermediate stage between a normally colored animal and an albino, in which the animal has a light skin and dark tips of the paws, ears, tail and nose
for this animal, the tail is an excellent rudder, as well as an excellent regulator of body temperature
daman
rocky ungulate ancient animal. “Granddaughter of an elephant, nephew of a rhinoceros, uncle of a horse.” Body length 30-60cm, tail 1-3cm, weight 4.5kg
dacentrus
(spiny tail) prehistoric animal, spiny dinosaur
centrosaurus
(centrolizard) a prehistoric animal, a dinosaur with long spines along the back and tail, a relative of the stegosaurus
on the body of this harmless pet, the ancient mythological Chimera wore three fire-breathing lion heads and even a dragon tail
couscous
marsupial, lives in Australia, has a long prehensile tail
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is the result of crossing an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier. This breed belongs to the bobtail breed. This means that its representatives are born tailless.
A large number of Boston Terriers are born with a small tail, which is accepted as a standard characteristic. If a dog has a long or docked tail, the owner may have difficulty registering the breed or recognizing the pet as a purebred.
The Boston Terrier is often called the American Gentleman. Its main features (besides its small size) include sociability, friendliness, developed intelligence and the desire to please the owner. These dogs are easy to train and try to protect their family members.
However, if not properly trained, the Boston Terrier can become aggressive. Violation of its territorial boundaries can also cause a negative reaction from a dog.
This breed is a loyal watchdog, an excellent companion, and only barks when necessary.
These dogs are known for their characteristic white and black coloring, as well as large, wide-set eyes. They are suitable for dog sports that require obedience, agility and diving.
Skunk: chemical attack
Everyone is familiar with skunks and their original method of defense; their chemical weapons are unusually powerful. The skunk's protective fluids are produced by a pair of glands located in the anus area. Although many carnivorous predators also have such glands, especially representatives of the mustelid family, the glands of skunks are more developed, and they have powerful muscles that allow them to spray a smelly liquid up to 3 meters away.
Skunks also prefer to spray it directly into the enemy’s face, and this liquid is so poisonous that it can deprive the poor creature of his sight, including a person’s, so it is better not to touch skunks out of harm’s way. Because of their unique abilities, skunks have made very few enemies; the most dangerous for them is considered to be the great eagle owl, which has no sense of smell and can attack a skunk unexpectedly from above. Before the poor skunk knows it, he ends up dead.
The method of protection with the help of a stinking liquid is a last resort, since the skunk has a limited supply of this liquid, and the glands take about 10 days to recover.
Brazilian Terrier
Representatives of this breed are interesting because their tail can be long or may be completely absent. However, a docked tail is considered the standard.
In Brazil, this part of the body is usually docked, but if the dog is not subjected to the procedure, the tail grows short and thick. In some countries, surgery using a scalpel and scissors without anesthesia is prohibited.
The Brazilian Terrier has a narrow chest, folded ears and a triangular shaped skull. He inherited his tricolor color from his closest relatives - the Jack Russell Terrier and the Fox Terrier.
Representatives of the breed are smart and attentive animals. They love to play and dig holes. Due to their excessive activity, Brazilian Terriers require space (small spaces are not suitable for them), as well as constant training. If you don't provide your pets with outlets for energy, they will find entertainment that may not be to the liking of the household.
English bulldog
These dogs are not always born tailless, so an English Bulldog owner should not be surprised if he is asked if he has docked his pet's tail.
In some representatives of the breed, this part of the body is so short that they are often perceived as tailless. In fact, all individuals have a tail, only their size differs - from very small to medium length.
The tails of some English bulldogs are docked, but in a number of countries (USA, UK) this is considered illegal. Sometimes this part of the body can be cropped for medical reasons.
In most cases, dogs are born with a short, straight or curled tail. The first option is preferable and is recognized as the breed standard.
By nature, English Bulldogs are quite stubborn, but over time they become patient and friendly. They are family oriented and are known to have a strong attachment to their owner. Representatives of the breed are not energetic, but they adapt well to any environment and also get along with children and pets.
Among English bulldogs there are long-tailed individuals, but this is considered a deviation from the norm.
1) Possum: best defense is coma
Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginianus
), which lives over a fairly large area from Canada to Costa Rica, usually reacts in times of danger as many mammals do: it hisses, growls and shows its teeth. If you touch it, it can bite painfully. However, if this does not help, and the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, this animal plays dead, it falls to the ground, drools, and then stops moving, leaving its mouth open. The animal also begins to exude a horrid odor from its anal glands, similar to that of a corpse.
Many predators prefer to eat fresh meat, so when they see an already dead, and even smelly, animal, they quickly lose interest and leave it alone. But the most interesting thing about this method of protection is that the animal does it unconsciously, it is just a reaction to a severe stressful situation, the opossum falls into a comatose state, which can last for several hours. The Possum only returns to consciousness after the enemy has disappeared. How his mind knows when to return remains a mystery.
French Bulldog
The descendant of the English Bulldog was bred with a short and thick tail, which often raises questions among others regarding the connection.
Representatives of the breed are born with three types of tails - straight and short, curled (screwed) and short, as well as with a thick base and a thin tip. Regardless of the type, these nearly missing body parts can cause health problems for your dog. Over time, French Bulldogs' tails have developed incorrectly, resulting in a poor connection to the spinal column. For this reason, the animal may experience spinal deformities throughout its life.
These changes are not only painful, but can also cause nerve damage. They are determined by genetics and are an attempt by breeders to achieve the breed standard of a curled tail.
French Bulldogs are small dogs that make excellent companions. They are smart and calm, show good watchdog abilities, and also strive to protect their family members. These pets are patient and eager to have fun, so it's no wonder they are often called "clown dogs."
4) Armadillo: turning into a perfect ball
As their name suggests, these animals have a special type of armor that helps them protect their delicate bodies, much like the shell of a turtle, but most armadillos have a shell that does not help protect them from large predators. These animals prefer to burrow into the ground to hide from the enemy. The South American three-banded armadillo is the only species of these creatures that can curl up into a perfect ball. This is possible thanks to the special structure of the armor, which allows the animal to move freely, and the tail and head perfectly block the “structure”. This allows animals to become invulnerable.
With such abilities, the three-banded armadillo does not need to be able to dig well and quickly burrow into the ground; it often “borrows” other people’s holes and does not bother digging its own.
Croatian Shepherd
In past times, the Croatian Shepherd was born with a long and curly tail, which was docked after birth. However, with the introduction of an official ban on this operation in the country, breeders have only one option left to have a tailless representative of the breed - through selection.
Nowadays, most puppies are born with a very small, moderately high tail covered with thick hair, or no tail at all. In some countries, this part of the body can be docked by 2.5 cm. Cupping, for example, is recognized as a legal procedure in the USA.
When at rest, the Croatian Shepherd's tail is lowered, and when alert, it is raised above the back.
The Croatian Shepherd belongs to the group of herding dogs. She was bred and used for the purpose of looking after sheep and cattle in Slavonia (historical region of Croatia). The appearance of the breed dates back to 1374.
These dogs are medium in size with a rectangular body, and their head and paws are covered with short hair.
10) Slender loris: poisonous fur
This nocturnal animal lives in the tropical forests of southeast Asia. Loris has a body length of an average of 35 centimeters and feeds on various small animals that it manages to catch, and can also drink tree sap. Due to their small size and slowness, loris are very vulnerable in the face of the enemy, so they have developed an original method of defense. The slender loris has venom glands on its elbows, making it a venomous primate. Moreover, the animal licks the poison that these glands produce and spreads it throughout its fur. Female slender lorises apply their poison to the body of their young before they go hunting and leave them alone.
As the animals lick up the venom, their bite also becomes poisonous, making it especially painful and causing swelling. Some people have died from anaphylactic shock after being bitten by the slender loris, although the venom itself is not fatal to humans or large animals.
Sources:
https://fb.ru/article/381768/u-kakih-jivotnyih-net-hvosta-opisanie-i-foto https://loopy.ru/?def=%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2 %D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5+%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B7+%D1%85%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D1 %82%D0%B0 https://www.infoniac.ru/news/10-zhivotnyh-so-strannymi-sposobami-zashity.html
Breton epañol (Breton)
Bretons are compact dogs that are in most cases born tailless. However, sometimes puppies with long tails appear in the litter. As for docking this part of the body, the procedure is used quite often in relation to representatives of the breed. Docking is carried out at a distance of approximately 10 cm from the base.
For a dog, the tail is important, performing functions such as maintaining body balance and communicating with other animals; When swimming, the tail acts as a kind of rudder, helping to follow the chosen direction.
The Breton Epagnole is medium in size and has a pleasant appearance. It is characterized by agility, strength, energy and the ability to move quickly. Among its qualities are severity and hyperactivity, which is associated with the origin of the dog - it was previously used during bird hunting.
Bretons are great for family life, but they need activity and plenty of daily exercise.
What animals don't have a tail? Description and photo
The tail is the posterior part of the body, characteristic of vertebrates.
It performs various functions: it helps birds fly, it is the main organ of movement in fish, and for dolphins, for example, it allows them to stun fish before feeding. Opossums use their tail to climb trees, kangaroos use it to jump, and ungulates use it to fight off annoying midges. But many people are interested in which animals do not have a tail. We invite you to get to know them.
Bourbon braque
You may find similarities between Bourbon Braque and Breton Epagnole. This is explained by an identical mutation that affects the formation of the tail of animals. Brackets are also often called short-tailed pointers.
These animals are born with a short tail or no tail at all. This feature is due to the fact that breeders, in the process of forming the breed, adhered to strict requirements for color and tail length. The result was a dog whose characteristics were more important in appearance than in abilities. This led to a loss of interest in the breed for some time: no puppies were registered between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s.
The breed's revival occurred after standards were relaxed, tail docking was allowed, and attention was paid to developing the dog's hunting instincts.
Despite the fact that the birthplace of the Bourbon Braque is France, the dog is currently being actively bred in the United States. The main distinguishing features of this small pet are its developed hunting abilities, activity and the ability to quickly change direction while moving.
There are two types of Bourbon Braque colors: liver (wine, faded lilac) and tan (peach). Representatives of the breed have a slightly rustic appearance. Females are generally much longer, thinner and more elegant than males.
Vertebrates
It is much more interesting to find out which vertebrates do not have a tail. As a rule, most representatives of the subtype are endowed with this important organ, but in nature there are exceptions. And this is a detachment of tailless amphibians, among them there are many very interesting animals. The total number of species is approximately 2900. Despite this diversity, they have a similar structure:
- Short body with an undeveloped neck.
- Developed forelimbs, while the hind limbs are much larger in size than the front ones, which helps tailless amphibians to move by jumping. Some species are even capable of making gliding flights of more than 10 meters, which helps them in hunting insects.
- The flattened head ends with a slightly pointed snout and a wide mouth, which compensates for the lack of a neck.
- The skin is bare and slippery.
- The eyes are large and mobile.
- The nasal openings are covered with a special valve.
For the most part, they lead a land-based lifestyle, feeding on arthropods, which they deftly catch with their tongues thrown forward. Answering the question of which animals do not have a tail, an example can be given - these are tree frogs, inhabitants of the tropical jungle.
Australian short-tailed cattle dog
Heeler (the second name of the breed) is of medium size. It is a naturally tailless working dog and differs from the Australian Cattle Dog, which has a docked tail. However, both of these breeds are bred in Australia for herding.
Heelers are energetic animals that are characterized by attentiveness and obedience. They are loyal to their owners and reserved with strangers. Representatives of the breed are able to withstand harsh weather conditions, which is necessary for a herding dog.
The natural taillessness of heelers (or the presence of a short tail) is the result of the work of breeders. The current standard requires that this body part be no longer than 10.2 cm.
Due to the fact that Australian short-tailed cattle dogs are bred only in Australia and Canada, they are considered quite rare.
3) Pangolin: better to curl up in a ball
Pangolins are very strange mammals, whose bodies are almost completely covered with large scales, so the animal resembles a giant living pine cone. They primarily feed on pine cones and are found in Africa and Asia. Although they have large and powerful claws on their front feet, pangolins rarely use them as weapons. Instead, in case of danger, the animals curl up into a ball, and so tightly that it is almost impossible to turn them around. The sharp edges of their scales allow them to defend themselves from most predators. They can also strike with their powerful and heavy tail, which can seriously injure with its sharp scales.
And that is not all. Sumatran pangolins can curl up into balls and then roll down slopes at high speed to hide from their enemies. And the last defense of pangolins is the disgusting odor that the animals secrete through their anus. Needless to say, this animal has very few enemies?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There are two types of Welsh Corgis: Cardigan and Pembroke. The main difference between them is the tail. If the first one has a long one, then the second one is born tailless, or this part of the body is very short.
Since short tails are currently in demand, tail docking is very popular. According to current standards, it should be performed as close to the spine as possible, but without creating a depression.
The Pembroke docking procedure was carried out everywhere for a long period of time, until in some countries it was banned at the legislative level. Some representatives of the breed were bred only because breeders sought to obtain short-tailed dogs.
A small ponytail is the result of a recessive mutation of the T gene. Thanks to this feature of the body structure, the Pembroke can be distinguished from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
This breed belongs to the hunting group. Its representatives are active, but at the same time gentle and affectionate animals.
Description of some representatives
Having considered which animals do not have a tail, we suggest getting acquainted with some of the most interesting of them. Thus, the fire toad resembles the familiar frog in appearance, but is distinguished by a brighter color of the abdomen. Its body size, as a rule, does not exceed 6-7 cm, and its unusual disc-shaped tongue and heart-shaped pupils make the animal unique. The flashy coloring of the abdomen helps the frog survive - when an enemy approaches, it falls to the ground with its belly up in order to scare away the predator with its bright colors.
In addition, the skin of this tailless amphibian produces a special secretion - frynolicin, which is harmful to many animals. Lives near bodies of water, prefers not to move a significant distance from a pond or swamp. It is interesting that the toad is one of the longest-living people - a record is registered - 29 years, which is a very impressive indicator for amphibians.
Australian Shepherd
This medium-sized dog is born tailless or with a shortened tail, but the vast majority of individuals have a long tail. This circumstance causes a misunderstanding of what the tail of a purebred animal should actually be like. There is controversy among breeders regarding the correct and healthy body of an Australian Shepherd, because... both options (with and without a tail) are formed naturally.
Currently, taillessness among representatives of the breed is considered to be the norm, because One out of five individuals is born without this part of the body. Many animal owners, in order to maintain the dog’s familiar appearance in their country, carry out a docking procedure.
Typically, a dog's tail tapers towards the tip, which is associated with a gradual decrease in the size of the vertebrae. However, in the Australian Shepherd, the vertebrae at the end of the tail are often missing, creating a stubby appearance.
Representatives of this breed are smart, very energetic and need daily training.
King Charles Spaniel
These small pets are often called English Toy Spaniels. They enjoy spending time in the company of family members and can be kept as lap dogs.
Sometimes King Charles Spaniels are born with a full tail, but if a break is found on this part of the body, breeders prefer to do the docking, leaving two-thirds according to breed standards.
If the animal has a long tail, it should be at the level of the back and be in motion while working.
King Charles Spaniels are descendants of hunting dogs, although they are not used for this purpose. They are friendly, intelligent, and even-tempered, making them excellent therapy animals.
Representatives of the breed do not have much energy, but they know how to get along with children and feel good in the family circle. Breeders recommend avoiding rough handling when interacting with this pet.
King Charles Spaniels have dark eyes and a short muzzle. They are good guards who will raise their voices when strangers try to enter their territory.
Miniature Schnauzer (Miniature Schnauzer)
These dogs are not only friendly and caring, they are very attentive and have watchdog abilities. Most Miniature Schnauzers are born with a tail, but some are naturally tailless.
The natural absence of an important part of the body is caused by a mutation, which, in turn, can be fatal, because. causes deformities in puppies. However, not all tailless miniature schnauzers are carriers of an undesirable gene responsible for such serious consequences.
These dogs are smart and obedient. They tend to want to please their master, so they are easy to train. Miniature Schnauzers are active and require regular exercise, but they can live both in an apartment and in a country house.
Most representatives of the breed are born without a tail. The docked animals belong to the American Kennel Club.
English Shepherd
The origin of the English Shepherd is covered in legends, according to which the blood of the dogs of the British Isles and the shepherd dog flows in its veins. These animals were brought to Europe by statesman Julius Caesar during his invasion in 55 BC, and then followed with the first settlers to America.
Generally, the English Shepherd's tail is of medium length, with the tip reaching the knuckle. When the dog is resting, it is held straight and up or behind the back.
Among the representatives of the breed there are also bobtails, which are recognized by the American Kennel Club; their tail length is in the range of 15.3-18.3 cm.
English Shepherds are medium-sized animals with good balance. They are energetic, smart and courageous. Such a dog quickly responds to the owner’s commands and becomes an excellent companion for him.
Squad Features
Many members of the detachment have to live in difficult climatic conditions, in particular, deal with constant droughts. Therefore, tailless amphibians have developed unique defense mechanisms that help them survive. For example, during a period of drought, a speckled frog begins to actively secrete skin mucus, which dries and forms a specific cocoon around its body. In this form, the animal experiences an unfavorable time, burrowing into the ground.
Very interesting are Australian tree frogs, which prefer to settle in areas with a humid climate. Researchers believe that these creatures are able to control the amount of water that evaporates through their skin, which helps them control their body temperature. In search of moisture, they often penetrate into human homes, as well as into wastewater treatment plants.
Some species are capable of changing color, but this mechanism has not yet been studied enough by science.
Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher was used primarily for hunting, but in the 1970s. The breed practically ceased to exist. In order to revive it, pets with high performance were selected and crossed with outbred Landrace dogs. Breeders emphasized traits such as protective instincts and affection for the puppies.
The result is a pet whose appearance is characterized by variability, unlike other breeds belonging to the same region. In this regard, it is almost impossible to determine which traits of the Austrian Pinscher were inherited from which dog.
The tail of a representative of this breed is relatively short (the length may vary from individual to individual) and curls towards the back. If docked, it is set high and has a length of 2.5-5 cm. However, in most European countries, the docking procedure is considered illegal.
Some Austrian Pinschers have a tightly curled tail, while others may have a straight tail. There are differences in the shape of the body, ears, muzzle, as well as coat color.
Jack Russell Terrier
The breed was developed in the 19th century by the parish priest John Russell, who had a passion for hunting. The Parson Russell Terrier has the same origin (both dogs belong to the same genus).
The Jack Russell is a small pet with a long body and short legs that was once used to catch hares and pest animals. Its straight tail is set high or docked so that the end is level with the tips of the ears.
When alert or during movement, the Jack Russell's tail assumes a straight position or is slightly bent forward; during rest it is lowered.
