Pre-caudal gland

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The pre-caudal gland is located at the base of a wolf's tail. It can be used to release a pheromone onto another wolf, marking that wolf as a member of a particular pack. Usually, this marking is performed by the alpha male.

Dogs, which descended from the wolf, have vestigial pre-caudal glands, the state of development of which depends on the breed. Breeds in which it is found are commonly seen to smell other dogs under the tail to detect their scent. Other breeds, notably most sight hounds, do not have a vestige of this gland, and are not seen smelling other dogs under the tail. The Rhodesian Ridgeback, though classified as a sighthound, has a pre-caudal gland.