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A dog’s tail is an extension of their spine. Some are more flexible than others. Some are particularly curly, while others are very short and straight or almost non-existent. While there are many different dogs and different tails, there are six that are more common dog tail types than others. Let us take a look at the tail types and some of the breeds that exhibit these tails.
Common Dog Tail Types and Breeds with That Type Tail
- Bobbed Tail – Due to natural genetic mutation the tail is unusually short or missing completely. This can be seen in a number of breeds including the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Australian Shepherd, Brittany Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, and Schipperke.
A Docked Tail is different in that it is not naturally occurring. The Docked Tail is surgically altered to be short. This is seen in Dobermans, Boxers and English Pointers. Although this practice is less popular today than it was and is seen more with working dogs for safety purposes.
- Ring, Curly, Corkscrew and Snap Tails – These all have one thing in common. They all have completely curled tails. The tail may curl over the spine or off to one side like the Finnish Spitz, Keeshond, American Eskimo or a Schipperke with a tail. Some tails are short and twisted in a spiral fashion such as the French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog and Basenji.
- Sickle Tail – This tail curves up over the back toward the head of the dog in a semi-circle. This is not a full curl. Dogs with this type of tail are the Affenpinscher, Akita, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Malamute, Pomeranian, Siberian Husky, and Samoyed.
- Otter or Swimmer Tail – This tail is thick at the base and round and tapering toward tip. It points straight out and down. These tails are used like a rudder while swimming for the Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Otterhound.
- Carrot Tail – These tails are carried stiffly straight and pointed out or down. They are like an Otter Tail, but thinner and point up. These breeds used to hunt underground prey and the farmer would pull them out of the holes by their tails. Dogs exhibiting this tail are the Bull Terrier, West Highland Terrier, and Scottish Terrier.
- Whip Tail – This common tail type is longer than a Carrot Tail and more flexible with a slight curve at the end. Manchester Terriers, Border Terriers, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, and English Setters all have this type tail.
The above highlight the most common dog tail types. No matter what tail your pooch has, give them the freedom to come and go as they please with a PlexiDor Dog Door. They come in standard and electronic models and sizes to fit Teacup Poodles to Great Danes. Contact our Customer Service department or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions today!
