Britannica Today in History animal facts newsletter

October 06, 2026 Fact of the Day Mammals Dogs wag their tails in different directions depending on their emotions. By Nicole Villeneuve A wagging tail is typically considered a sign of a happy dog, but the truth is more nuanced. Research shows that dogs tend to wag their tails more toward the right side of their bodies when they encounter something they feel positively about, such as their owner, while their tails tend to move more toward the left when they encounter something unsettling, such as an unfamiliar, aggressive dog. Dogs even seem to heed this difference in other dogs too: In one study, the canines became more anxious when they watched another dog wagging its own tail more toward the left. Researchers believe the difference in wagging direction may be related to the way the two sides of the brain process emotional information. How to decode the rest of your dog’s body language Today's Question What is the world’s oldest domesticated dog breed? Saluki Affenpinscher Pomeranian Chow Chow Keep Exploring Mammals Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Lie Down? Mammals The Fascinating Anatomy of a Dog’s Nose Mammals Are Dogs Really Colorblind? Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up Advertise Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60654 If you'd like to unsubscribe from all Animal Facts emails, click here.