The most adorable sight to ever grace our planet is when a short tailed dog breed shakes their entire behind when they are excited. The teeny tiny tail might not even be visible to the untrained eye, but their excitement can be clearly seen.
Bulldogs are among these lovable breeds.
However, when looking at bulldogs, some may think that they are born without tails or that the tails are docked.
Is this true?
Do Bulldogs Have Tails?
Yes, bulldogs are born with very short tails. The actual size and shape of the tail can different, but on average bulldog tails are not longer than an inch. This gives rise to the misconception that this breed is born without a tail or that said tail is cut off in their puppy-hood.
What are the Different Bulldog Tail Types?
As mentioned before, the shape and size of bulldog tails does vary. This difference is one of the things that give this breed their uniqueness.
Let’s talk about size first.
How long is a bulldog’s tail?
On average, a bulldog tail is not longer than an inch. However, this average was estimated due to dogs being born with longer or extremely short tails. Some bulldog tails are barely visible, and they are more like a stub on their butts, while other ones have some length to them. But one thing is clear, bulldogs are known for their short tails.
Now, let’s take a look at the different shapes bulldog tails can have.
There are three distinctive bulldog tail types:
- The Straight Tail
- The Corkscrew Tail
- The Wavy or Longer Tail
The Straight Tail
The straight tail is one of the two most common versions of bulldog tails. This bulldog tail type, which is also known as a pump-handle tail, is the most sought-after by dog breeders of the American Kennel Club.
As its name suggests, straight tails are straight, and puppies can be born with two distinct straight tail types. The first one is a short, low hanging tail that gradually dwindles to a point – which is what prized bulldogs have. The second one is a bit higher-set and it rises upwards – which is a natural tail shape of a healthy puppy, but it is considered as an aesthetic flaw.
The Corkscrew Tail
The other bulldog tail type that is common is the corkscrew tail, which got its name from its corkscrew shape. This is the distinctive character design of the bulldog, which makes the breed known around the planet.
This tail type wraps downwards in a spiralling shape that gives it the corkscrew bump on the bulldog’s behind. This tail type is more flexible when the dogs are still young (read as puppies), but it hardens with age into the well-known bun.
The Wavy or Longer Tail
The last bulldog tail type is the wavy or longer tail. This does not appear on puppies as often as the previous two do, but sadly, it is considered to be an aesthetic flaw or “fault” by breeders. Therefore, you will not see this bulldog tail type on dog shows.
However, this tail type might be the healthiest of the three. A longer tail allows the dogs to wag them easily, as it helps to prevent infections that bulldogs are prone to.
Do You Need to Dock Your Bulldog’s Tail and Why?
A bulldog’s tail should only be docked for medical reasons. When an infection sets sadly in the tail pocket, often the best solution is to dock the tail. However, you will need to speak to a professional about the procedure. Additionally, in many countries the aesthetic docking of a dog’s tail is forbidden.
All About Bulldog Tails
Bulldog tails come in different shapes and sizes, and like no two dogs are alike, their tails will differ too. While many bulldog tails might not be up to the aesthetic standards of the American Kennel Club, these flawed dogs will still make excellent pets.
Yet, bulldog tails need to be taken care of regularly. Their tails and tail pockets must be kept clean and dry as this breed is prone to infection, which might result in the loss of the tail – to ensure the dog’s health and comfort.
However, if the dog is healthy and no issues arise, they will surely love to shake their little butts for your viewing pleasure – no matter what tail type they were born with.
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.