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The 10 Dog Breeds With The Wildest Wiggle Butts

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 28, 2024

The sight of a dog happily wagging its tail is one of the most heartwarming displays of joy you can witness. For some breeds, this wagging involves not just the tail but their entire backside, earning them the affectionate nickname of “wiggle butts.” This adorable trait is more pronounced in some breeds due to their friendly dispositions and boundless energy. Often, this wiggling is not just a simple tail movement; it’s a full-bodied expression of happiness and excitement. In this article, we’ll explore the ten dog breeds known for their expressive rears. From the enthusiastic wiggle of a Labrador Retriever welcoming you home to the rhythmic sway of a Boxer’s hindquarters, these breeds display their emotions in the most animated and endearing ways.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers top the list when it comes to enthusiasm expressed through their tails. Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, Labs will often greet their owners and even strangers with a vigorous tail wag that involves their entire body. This behavior is rooted in their history as cooperative hunting dogs, where strong tail movements helped keep visibility high in the field. Labrador Retrievers are not just wiggling out of habit; their whole body wags express genuine affection and excitement, making them one of the most lovable wiggle butt breeds.

2. Boxer

Boxers are well-known for their boundless energy and joyful demeanor, which often translate into what enthusiasts lovingly refer to as the “kidney bean dance.” This dance includes a happy wiggle that twists their entire body into a curve, reminiscent of a kidney bean. This full-body wiggle is a hallmark of the breed and reflects their strong desire to bond and interact with their humans. Boxers are athletic and playful, and their wiggles are often accompanied by an infectious level of enthusiasm that can brighten anyone’s day.

3. English Bulldog

Despite their gruff appearance, English Bulldogs are incredibly affectionate and often express their joy through charming little wiggles. Due to their stocky build and loose skin, when a Bulldog wags its tail, the whole rear end follows, creating a comical and endearing wiggle. This breed may not be the most energetic, but their wiggles are full of character and warmth, showcasing their deep bond and contentment with their families.

4. Corgi

With their short stature and elongated bodies, Corgis are practically built for wiggle butt fame. Their vigorous tail wagging often involves their whole backside due to their proportionally larger and more flexible pelvic area. Corgis are herding dogs, and their enthusiastic wiggling might have historically served to help keep them visible in tall grasses while herding livestock. Today, this trait provides a delightful display of their cheerful and spirited personality.

5. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers share many of the same joyful expressions as their Labrador cousins, including the famous full-body wag. Known for their gentle and friendly nature, Goldens have a soft demeanor that extends to how they greet people with their whole body shaking. This wiggle is an expression of their inherent sociability and eagerness to please, making them one of the most beloved breeds for families.

6. Pit Bull

Pit Bulls often get a bad rap, but they are actually incredibly affectionate dogs that love to show their joy through enthusiastic tail wagging. When a Pit Bull wags its tail, often the excitement spreads, leading to a full rear-end wiggle. This breed’s wiggles are particularly expressive, reflecting their strong desire for human companionship and their status as loving family members.

7. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are not only highly intelligent and active but also remarkably expressive with their tail wags. As a herding breed, their agility and alertness are often accompanied by a lively wiggle that seems to encompass their entire back end. This full-bodied wiggle underscores their playful nature and their constant readiness for action or affection.

8. Beagle

Beagles are small hounds with a big sense of smell and an even bigger heart for expressing joy. Their wiggles start from the nose and work all the way to their tail, illustrating their enthusiastic and outgoing nature. This breed uses its wiggle to express curiosity, excitement, and happiness, making them endearing companions, especially when they’re on the scent trail.

9. Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels, true to their name, have a springy step and a joyful wiggle that showcases their lively spirit. This breed’s wiggle butt is a testament to their zest for life and their perpetual readiness for play and exploration. Their enthusiastic tail action can light up a room and is a true expression of their friendly and energetic personality.

10. Miniature Pinscher

Though small in size, Miniature Pinschers have a big personality that includes a distinctive high-energy wiggle. Often referred to as “Min-Pins,” these dogs show their excitement and alertness through quick, vibrant wiggles that seem to engage their whole body. This breed’s spirited wiggles reflect their confident and adventurous nature, despite their diminutive stature.

These ten breeds exemplify how dogs can express their emotions through movement, specifically through their adorable wiggle butts. Each wiggle not only serves as a physical expression of joy and excitement but also as a reflection of the breed’s characteristics and histories. From the playful wiggles of a Corgi to the affectionate shakes of a Golden Retriever, these dogs remind us that joy can be contagious and often starts with a simple wag of a tail.