Tail does not wag the dog when it comes to agility, scientists find

Dogs' tails play little or no role in acrobatic manoeuvres, and are more likely a communication tool, researchers say

After decades of research into man's best friend, scientists have concluded that the tail cannot, in fact, wag the dog.

An international team decided to investigate the purpose of the dog's tail after studies showed that numerous animals from lizards to squirrels used their tails to pull off impressive manoeuvres, such as righting themselves mid-air when falling from trees.