Born With It: Why Some Dogs Have Long Tails—and Others Don’t

Tail Variety in the Dog World

Dog tails come in all shapes and sizes—long, curled, straight, docked, or naturally short. This variety is part of what makes different breeds unique.

Genetics vs. Docking

Some dogs are born with naturally short tails (a trait called “bobtail”), such as:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgis
• French Bulldogs
• Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs

Others have had their tails docked, a practice that involves removing part of the tail when the dog is very young.

Why Docking Was Done

Historically, tail docking was used for practical reasons:

• To prevent injury in hunting or herding dogs
• To avoid infection in working conditions

Today, many organizations discourage it unless medically necessary, citing ethical concerns and potential negative impacts.

The Functionality of Full Tails

Dogs with full tails generally enjoy better balance and more expressive communication. In most cases, nature gives dogs the tails they need for their specific lifestyle or role.

Final Note

Whether your dog has a long, short, or curled tail, it plays a role in their identity and physical well-being. Understanding tail differences helps you better appreciate your dog’s breed and background.