Among the iconic dog breeds, few are as visible and liked as the British Bulldog. Usually distinguished by their large bodies, wrinkled faces, and placid nature, these Bulldogs have a unique look that really makes them stand out. Their tails, a feature that is often not counted, and which is a subject of curiosity and questions, belong to the most surprising ones.
Is a Bulldog a canine with a tail? Do the tails of English Bulldogs get cropped? What kinds of tails do Old English Bulldogs have? If you own a British Bulldog or plan to add it to your family, being aware of the tail types, health issues, and history of British Bulldog tails is essential.
We at BulldogsVibe have prepared a full comprehensive guide to make all the myths and give the British Bulldog tail chapter to you.
Do British Bulldogs Have Tails?
Britis Bulldogs do have tails. In spite of some people’s opinions that the tails of Bulldogs are docked or perhaps there are some breeds of Bulldogs without tails, according to the reality Bulldogs are not tail-less dogs from birth. The confusion mainly arises from many Bulldogs’ tails being very short or tightly curled that they give the impression of being without a tail.
British Bulldogs are born with tails, and these tails are a natural part of their anatomy. The proper explanation for the tail’s short length and screw-like appearance is that in the past several generations, by choosing for certain types of beauty, a development of this particular aesthetic was on the cards.
British Bulldog Tails Types
There are usually three major tail types that you will find in British Bulldogs:
1. Straight Tail
This kind of a tail is lowly situated and flows down of its own weight. It could be either of short or medium length. The straight tails occur less frequently in bulldogs, yet certainly are treated as signs of a dog’s good health and therefore desirable by most kennel standards.
2. Screw Tail
Bulldogs of England are known for their distinctive screw tails that are at the same time short, had a twist on themselves, and kept close to their body. While it is a recognized characteristic, it could go wrong thus causing health problems if the twist is too tight.
3. Corkscrew or Tight-Curled Tail
The corkscrew tail is the worst of all dog tail types as it is the straight tail tightly curled and often goes into the dog’s backside. Owing to the fact that these tails are the most complicated and lead to hygiene problems, therefore, they are considered health risks of the first order.
As a matter of fact, every single one of these British Bulldog tails can be healthy, however, some choose to be more of a concern than the others. For the owner of the bulldog, it is essential to know which of the tail types the dog has got so as to be able to take proper care of it and be aware of possible problems at an early stage.
English Bulldog With Long Tail – Is It Normal?
Yes, indeed, we can notice an English Bulldog with a long tail, but such a case is due to the breed standards and selective breeding that are less likely to occur. Bulldogs with long tails are generally straight and very alike in appearance to tails of other breeds, which are of medium size.
These long tails are perfectly natural as well as have nothing to do with a genetic defect. On the other hand, it is widely accepted that longer tails, according to many health professionals and animal rights activists, are both healthier and less problematic to dogs than corkscrew tails. They are easier to clean, less likely to become infected, and, besides, they barely require a surgical solution.
If you notice a British or English Bulldog waving a long tail—congratulations are in order for you! It is a hint that the dog is most probably not having the inconveniences that are usually attached to tighter, twisted tails.
Old English Bulldog Tail Traits
The Old English Bulldog may be confused with the modern British Bulldog, but it is a separate breed with distinct tailored characteristics.
Further, the Old English Bulldog breed, as opposed to the modern counterpart, has thicker and longer tails. The shape of their tails is largely straight, or to a small extent, slightly curved and usually drooping. These tails are more practical and healthier because the breed was known for its functionality in sports and other works. In contrast, the modern show-dog-type is for fashion and appearance only.
Moreover, breeders who are taking care of Old English Bulldogs in most cases emphasize health, structure, and function; this involves maintaining a more natural, problem-free tail.
Are English Bulldogs’ Tails Docked?
Are English Bulldogs’ tails docked? This is the question people most often ask. The answer is no, the tails of English Bulldogs are not docked of course.
Tail docking is a process involving surgery which requires the surgical removal of a part of the dog’s tail and was quite common in historical breeding practices. However, English Bulldogs of today are not usually docked. They have short tails, which is a genetically natural trait, and not from the docking process.
In many parts of the world, such as the UK and much of Europe, tail docking is either prohibited or so closely regulated by law that it is done only in cases of health grounds. The tails are not cut off or shortened just for aesthetic reasons anymore.
Therefore, if you meet an English Bulldog with a short or a twisted tail, it is more possible that this is as it was born, and not the result of docking.
English Bulldog Tail Problems
While Bulldog tails are adorable and unrepeatable, a lot of health problems can be caused by them, if the tail is tight or embedded.
Common Tail Problems in English Bulldogs:
- Tail Pocket Infections Such dogs develop tail pockets, i.e. skin folds around the tails, corkscrew or tightly tucked, which keep moisture and dirt, resulting in infections.
- Ingrown Tails There are Bulldogs whose tails point towards the body and grow this way, which is very uncomfortable and may cause pain, inflammation, and changes in mobility too.
- Swollen Tail Base or “Happy Tail” It is possible that a dog has experienced a forceful blow or been infected at the tail base, which makes the dog’s tail swell and hurt.
- Foul Odor or Discharge If the source of smells and fluids around the tailed area are strange, they mostly are products of microbial growth or trapped dirt in the pocket of the tail.
- Scooting or Excessive Licking These actions in most cases are a sign of pain or discomfort in the tail area.
If your Bulldog shows such signs, it is a must to see a vet. There are cases where an operation to cut the tail off (caudectomy) is required to make the life of a dog better.
Tail Care Tips for British Bulldogs
It is absolutely necessary to take care of the tail properly in order to avoid it getting infected and to keep the Bulldog comfortable.
Below you will find the most important tips for taking care of your Bulldog’s tail:
- Use vet-recommended wipes or antiseptic solutions to clean the tail pocket regularly.
- To prevent fungal growth, make sure you dry the area after cleaning it off properly.
- At least once a week, be sure to be on the lookout for signs of redness, odor, or discharge.
- In order not to irritate the sensitive skin, you should use hypoallergenic wipes.
- If your dog has a screw or a corkscrew tail, then you can sprinkle a medicated powder on the area to keep it dry.
- Keep the tail area free of excess hair by grooming it gently or trimming it.
- Do not overbathe as it will dry out the skin and worsen irritation.
Tail problems in British Bulldogs can easily be prevented by proper hygiene.
What Are the Warning Signs for a Veterinary Consultation?
It is absolutely imperative not to neglect tail problems, particularly in the case of Bulldogs. It may be time to consult a veterinarian if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- There is a constant bad odor around the tail.
- The appearance of swelling or pus that can be seen externally.
- Extreme scooting or licking behavior manifest with unusual frequency.
- You have noticed bleeding or raw skin.
- The tail seems to be painful to the touch.
- All of a sudden, the dog’s behavior has changed or he seems to be lacking energy.
To address the issue, the veterinarian may advise using topical treatments, antibiotics, or if the situation is really severe, the amputation of the tail may be the only solution.
🐾 Frequently Asked Questions About British Bulldog Tails
1. Do British Bulldogs have tails?
Yep, sure! British Bulldogs’ tails grow on them right after being born and those tails are naturally short, which could be either straight, screwed, or rolled into spirals. These tails are not cut off but rather are obtained thanks to the breeding activities conducted previously.
2. Are English Bulldogs’ tails docked?
No, the Curly Nature of the tail of the English Bulldog is longer Not the tails of the English Bulldogs, they are not. Sure, the tails of the English Bulldogs are not cut or chopped off in a modern way of raising them. The tail which has the appearance of being short and twisted is a natural one. In many countries, like Hungary, for example, docking is either forbidden or is only practiced for the medical benefit of the animal.
3. What are the types of British Bulldog tails?
Three British Bulldog tail variants can be found, such as:
- Straight Tail – short and low-hanging
- Screw Tail – twisted and tight against the body
- Corkscrew Tail – extreme version of the screw tail, often recessed
4. Can English Bulldogs have long tails?
Definitely, a long tail in English Bulldogs is a possibility that does occur though in a very little. An English Bulldog can grow long tails naturally, and it is very possible although it is not common. The trait is due to breed standards but is still bred and is without any problems, that is able to say it is healthy. There have been cases where an animal piles up tail hair and then the coach informs him that such a phenomenon is quite rare.
5. What is an Old English Bulldog’s tail like?
The older breeds of the English Bulldogs were endowed with quite long and straight tails when compared to the body. When Old English Bulldogs are there they are seen with generally longer tails of the breed when compared to Modern Bulldogs they typically have tails that are longer and straighter thus they are not subject to the health issues that are tied with the tightly curled tails.
6. Are long tails in Bulldogs a genetic defect?
Of course not! Long isn’t a breed fault and it’s only a deviation from a typical breed standard. It is generally widely accepted that a long tail is healthier as a rule due to fewer complications. There is a popular empirical evidence of traditional preservation that always lives in harmony with people and animals for observing generations. The breed’s multiplication was started at the beginning of the 20th century and was promoted and spread widely shortly afterward.
7. What tail issues are common in English Bulldogs?
Bulldogs are prone to:
- Tail pocket infections
- Ingrown tails
- Swollen or inflamed tail bases
- Foul odors or blood or tearing
- Pain from hair that’s wound
8. How Can I Clean My British Bulldog’s Tail Pocket Naturally?
Use antiseptic wipes or the saline solution the vet recommended to you. Do it regularly and leave it to dry properly. For dogs whose tails pockets are too deep, you need to clean it every single day so that it’s infection free.
9. What Symptoms Make My Bulldog Warrant a Vet Visit about Tail Issues?
Get the dog to a vet if it:
- Scoots or licks the tail excessively
- Has redness, swelling, or discharge
- Shows signs of pain near the tail
- Has a foul odor coming from the tail area
10. Can the Tail of a Bulldog be Operatively Removed?
Certainly, in rather extreme cases of an infection that has spread in the tail or with ingrown tails, the only viable option is a tail amputation (caudectomy). Normally, it is the last action after previous treatments have been unsuccessful and the tail has caused the dog chronic pain or health problems.
Conclusion
A British Bulldog’s tale is not only a distinct feature of the breed but an indicator of the dog’s overall health and origin. No matter what kind of tail your Bulldog has, a straight tail, a screw tail or even a long tail, knowing how to take care of it is of paramount importance.
Basically, the following:
- Yes, they do have tails, and they are of different types and lengths.
- Also See If they are not wireless or defective but less common to the standard of the breed.
- The tails of the Bulldogs are shortened because of the selective breeding but not docked as the English Bulldogs’.
- Some problems concerning tails are typical and manageable, such as infections, ingrown tails, and hygiene problems, and are avoidable through regular tail cleaning.
- By taking proper care and being conscious, will the tail of your Bulldog be clean, healthy, and pain-free?
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