Why does a dog lift his leg to pee?

I always thought it was a guy thing, but that's wrong. Female dogs sometimes do it, too.

So is it because he doesn't want to pee on his feet? Unlikely. Have you ever seen a dog pee on its feet?

Dogs lift their legs and let fly because they're trying to leave traces of their urine as high as possible. And why do they do this? Because the higher the mark, the bigger the dog. Size counts with dogs. A Rottweiler leaves a much higher calling card than a dachshund. People may not know the difference, but dogs do. And if you're a dog, you want to know if your new neighbor is a Chihuahua or a Great Dane. It matters. Just ask Bao.

What intrigues me is that it works the same for females as it does for males. The bitch who lifts her leg is telling the rest of the girls, Look out! I am one mean mother. Mind you, I'm not quite sure what she's telling the guys. Unless she's a Rottweiler, of course. In that case she may be saying, Dachshunds need not apply.

So next time you're walking your best friend and it's cold and you're late and you're tempted to tug at the leash, forbear. Your dog isn't just relieving himself, or herself. He (or she) may be composing the doggy equivalent of a letter to the editor.