I’m willing to bet that the image of a happy or excited dog wagging its tail maniacally comes to mind when you hear the word “wagging.” Maybe, you’re thinking of your dog chasing it’s tail. Either way, in our minds, dogs and tails go together.
You might be surprised to learn that 34 dog breeds currently exist that are born with either extremely short tails or no tails at all. These are referred to as bobtail breeds.
Now, some of these breeds consistently lack tails, while others do so with varying probabilities. In either case, these breeds may be born with bobtails due to known and unknow genetic factors.
Despite their name, Aussies are a breed that originated in America. The breed was developed on American ranches in the 1800’s.
Aussies are highly intelligent dogs that are incredibly versatile. They excel at agility, Frisbee, and obedience competitions. Additionally, they are effective and skilled workers in the fields of herding, search and rescue, disaster relief, detection, and service dogs.
Are Boxers Born with Short Tails?
Boxers do not naturally have short tails, and they also do not naturally lack tails. In order to conform to AKC breed standards, they are typically docked at a young age.
Even being penalized for not having a short tail is an undocked Boxer. This docking is only done for aesthetic reasons and has no other use.
Over time, some bobtail boxers were bred and exported to other nations, but they are incredibly rare.
They are most prevalent in nations like Australia where breeding clubs mandate that they be produced in this manner.
The regular Boxer should have a long tail.
In regions where tail docking has been outlawed, the Pembroke Welsh corgi has been bred to have a short tail. The American Kennel Club (AKC) still advocates tail docking for this breed if you live there.
The Brittany Spaniel and this French breed both have the same tail mutation. They can be referred to as a short-tail pointer and are most frequently bred in the United States.
This dog used to have a long, docked tail. After tail docking was outlawed in Croatia, breeders started focusing on shorter tail lengths to preserve the breed’s short tail characteristic.
While many dog breeds appear to lack tails, some of these breeds achieve this appearance by having their tails docked. This list will assist you if you want to keep a tail-less dog and refrain from tail docking because some dogs are born without tails. Some dogs are born without tails, while others might have tails that are extremely short.
Dogs with docked tails have either had their tails amputated when older or removed with a rubber band when they were just a few days old. This practice has been banned in many countries. This procedure is typically painful and is regarded as animal cruelty in many jurisdictions because it is typically done without anesthesia.
Over several centuries, in the region of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Sheepdog was created. This dog was first mentioned in 1374 by Petar Horvat, the bishop of Djakovo. Few hundred years later, in 1719, Bishop Peter Bakic, who was the bishop of Djakovo at the time, noted that the breed’s appearance had not changed since it was first described in 1374. This demonstrates how consistent the breeding of these dogs were.
Unfortunately, the PON was nearly wiped out during World War II, just like many other breeds on this list. Dr. Using her dog Smok, Danuta Kryniewicz worked to preserve the breed. As the ancestor of all PONs today, Smok is regarded as the “father” of the modern PON.
Since tail docking is prohibited in many nations, some breeds, like the boxer, have started to incorporate known bobtail genetics into their populations. Breeders and breed enthusiasts can achieve breed standards in this way without resorting to tail docking.
The mid- to late 19th century saw the development of the small dog known as the miniature Schnauzer. The development of this breed is believed to have involved the breeding of smaller Standard Schnauzers or the mating of Standards with one or more smaller breeds. Farmers who desired a small dog that was excellent at ratting created the breed.
The main lesson here is that even though most dog breeds have tails, there are still quite a few that don’t. These naturally occurring bobtails are unique and different. A happy dog is one of the happiest things to see, regardless of whether it has a big tail to wag or has to resort to the full on wiggle butt.
FAQ
Why some dogs have no tail?
Purpose. In the past, tail docking was believed to be a method of rabies prevention, back strength, increased speed, and protection from harm during rattling, fighting, and baiting. Nowadays, tail docking may be performed for prophylactic, therapeutic, cosmetic, or injury prevention reasons.
What dog breeds are born with bobbed tails?
Austrian Pinscher. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Braque du Bourbonnais (Bourbonnais Pointer) Braque Francais (Savoy Sheepdog).
Do all breeds of dogs have tails?
Most, but not all, dogs have tails. Some breeds, like Australian Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, are born with fatty flaps that are nubbly and pointy where the tail should be curled up and wagging joyfully. Dogs use their tails to communicate, according to the majority of knowledgeable dog owners.
Can a dog not have a tail?
Over 70 dog breeds have historically had their tails clipped a few days after birth. Simply because it’s the trend for that breed, some breeds get their tails docked but not others.