What is the function of the Westie's tail carriage being carried upright and erect?
Answer
To help the dog’s handler keep track of them when working underground
The tail of the Westie is nicknamed the 'carrot tail' due to its shape, but its carriage is highly functional. It must be carried upright and stand erect. This prominent positioning is not merely cosmetic; it serves a practical purpose rooted in the dog's hunting history. When the Westie is working deep inside dens and burrows underground, an erect tail provides a clear visual marker, allowing the handler to easily locate and track the dog's position above ground or at the entrance.
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