Dog Tail Types
There are a variety of tail shapes and sizes in the canine world. Here is a brief description of the basics and examples of breeds with each tail shape.
*There are more tail shapes, (lots of them) and we think we have cataloged the main basics here. If that’s not the case, we’d love feedback from anyone who knows their tail.
A naturally occurring short stump of a tail.
Example of breeds with bob tails: Australian Shepherd & Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Short and twisted like a corkscrew.
Example of breeds with corkscrew tails: Pug & Bulldog
Shortened through surgery a few days after birth.
Example of breeds often found with docked tails: Doberman & Boxer
A long, straight tail carried erect.
Example of breeds with flagpole tails: Beagle
Tail has very little hair (if any) and resembles the tail of a rat.
Example of breeds with rat tails: Irish Water Spaniel & Afghan
Distinguishes the wolves from domesticated dog, natural tails are held low to the body and are thick with fur.
Example of breeds with natural tails: Wolf
Carried in a slight semicircle, like a saber.
Example of breeds with saber tails: German Shepherd
Carried in an upwards semicircle, like a sickle.
Example of breeds with sickle tails: Chihuahua & Siberian Husky
Learn More About Shape
Dogs ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes too, if you like the tails, why not check out ear shapes too?
Hiya, I’m starting up a site and I’ve started creating somewhat varied articles for it. Would you object if I blog about this? Obviously I will provide you and this post full acknowledgment.
Hi Trae,
Sure you can blog about it, all we ask is that you link to us as the source. Also please note that the images are not ours, they are used under a creative commons license & credit for them should be given to the photographers. (Under each image is a link to their source).
Hello,
I recently adopted a brindle colored dog that may be part “Mountain Curr” or “Plott Hound”. She has rather short hair overall.
Callie’s most unique feature is her tail. The fur on her tail (also quite short) grows at different angles creating a rope-like texture-pattern. At the tip of her tail the fur there comes out with a curve and like a rope there are three tufts of hair curling in 3 directions. It literally looks like a rope or braid pattern!
I have never seen nor heard of such an unusual tail. I wonder if it is unique to certain breeds, and if so, what breeds might have such a tail.
Thanks