It was as tight as a corkscrew. Lazily thrown over the back like a thick blanket. Just a spiral at the end. There are many different kinds of curly tails among dogs, and each breed has its own unique version of this eye-catching trait.
But all of these dogs with curly tails have one thing in common: those tails are cute!
Why Do Some Dogs Have Curly Tails?
Dogs come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and breeds.
They range from hundreds of pounds to less than five pounds. Some are almost three feet tall, and others are only six inches tall.
Each one comes in a wide range of colors, from black to brown to gray to white.
When it comes to tails, they come in various lengths and shapes. They can be long or short, slender, fluffy, or curly, among other things. But what is the significance of the tails that curl up?
Not All Curls Are the Same
Even curly tails show a lot of variation. Some pugs and some bulldogs have tails that look like corkscrews, but not all of them do.
A fused vertebra or a wedge-shaped vertebra can create this tail shape. Dogs who have this kind of tail condition are called hemivertebrae.
Many dogs are more likely to have this condition, but it’s not that big a deal if it only affects the tail.
The sickle-shaped tail is the second most popular type of curled tail. It isn’t as prominent as the corkscrew tail, but it’s more common.
Many dog breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute and Akita, the American Eskimo Dog and Siberian Husky, and the Chow-Chow and Spitz, have this sickle-shaped tail.
Corkscrew tails stay that way because of the vertebral abnormality that makes them. While sickle tails can stand in various ways, they can tell you about your dog’s emotional and physical state.
Dog Breeds That Have Curly Tails
Basenji
They have big round eyes, a unique foxy look, and a curly hind appendage that goes on and on, making the Basenji so adorable. It doesn’t get any tighter or more uniform than the Basenji’s corkscrew tail in terms of curled-ness.
As pets, they can be a little aloof and cat-like at times. They are stubborn and independent and need someone who is patient and consistent with being their owner. Their small size, inability to bark, and lack of any noticeable odor make them a good choice for people who live in small places.
Pug
Curly and soft? A pug’s tail may be the cutest thing ever. They are draped over the back with a tight curl.
Keep in mind that as pets today, they still have all the great qualities that made them so famous in the past. They are loyal, gentle, and quiet, and they are great for families and people who want a lap warmer and a loyal friend to keep them warm.
Finnish Spitz
The tail of the Finnish Spitz looks like a perfect circle that is set on the hip. It is one of the easiest ways to tell this dog from a fox.
If you want to track down and chase down any animal, the Finnish Spitz is your dog. Birds and squirrels were among the small animals they would flush and catch.
There are still a lot of Finnish Spitz that are used as hunting hounds in their home country. When they live in other parts of the world, they become loyal but active friends and great siblings for kids.
Samoyed
A pair of brilliantly curled appendages with a waterfall of hair coming down. It’s hard not to admire this dog from the north. Long white hair makes the Samoyed different from other northern dogs. Its tail bends over the back in a “C” shape.
Sammies are loyal, affectionate, and seem happy all the time. They are gentle friends for young children and are great for families. They can’t live in an apartment because they need to be active all the time. They need a lot of stimulation to keep them happy.
Shibu Inu
These dogs have tails that are so curly that there is another curl. It comes in many different colors, from this red coat to black, cream, and white. The Shiba tail is almost as curly and coiled as the Basenji tail and maybe even cuter because it has a lot of bushy hair.
Shibas are said to be cat-like and have a lot of personality traits that are only found in other Spitz-type dogs. They make great hiking companions, so for people who like to be active but don’t have a lot of space, they are the best dogs for them.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Many people may not know the tail of the Icelandic Sheepdog, but it is unquestionably an adorable thing.
People who live in Iceland have been using this ancient breed to herd sheep and cattle for a long time. The Vikings likely brought this breed to Iceland early on.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is still a very rare breed. Most of the dogs live on the island of Iceland, where they were born and raised. It’s sad because this dog has a great personality, a lot of intelligence, and the work ethic to do just about any job that comes his way.
Keeshond
The Keeshond’s rump is covered in a tangle of beautiful silver hair, the softest and lightest of which is on that brilliantly curly appendage.
The curly Keeshond tail is hard to see because it is covered in fluffy, thin hairs and held over the back, which is also covered in many of the same hairs.
This breed comes from Holland, where it has a long and interesting history. They were first used as companions and guard dogs by people who ran barges. At the end of the 1700s, the Dutch Patriots used the Keeshond as a symbol for the people. Once the House of Orange took over, the breed almost went extinct in the country.
Today, the Kees is still happy to be the people’s dog because it is loyal, affectionate, and fun to be around. They learn quickly and do well in many different settings and family groups.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo has a curly back end that looks just like the Sami’s curly front end, only smaller.
The white curly tail of the American Eskimo, which is held high over the back with confidence and grace, is just as cute as the dog’s face.
The American Eskimo is hard to judge just by looking at it. It’s not really an American breed, and it’s not really an “Eskimo” breed, either. They are from Germany, but their small size and white coat were made by people in the US who liked the breed. Because they became popular right after World War I, their name was changed from “German Spitz” to something more “American.”
Even now, AEDs still have signs of their own history. They bark a lot like their guard dog ancestors and are funny like the AEDs that were so popular in the 1930s. They are great family dogs, and even though they are small, they have a lot of energy.
Chow Chow
The Chow’s curly tail was made for a reason. It keeps their backs warm and makes them look more confident and scary to strangers and other dogs.
The Chow Chow tail is easy to spot because it is folded over. It may be the fluffiest of the curly tails.
The Chow Chow is an old breed of dog that has been used for many things over the years, like as a war dog, a sled dog, and a source of food. The Chow’s thick coat kept them safe from the weather and from both human and animal enemies.
Chow still have a lot of the same fierceness as their ancestors. They look out for their family and take time to get used to new people. As with most Spitz breeds, they are more like cats than dogs.
Norwegian Buhund
The backside of a Buhund, which is curly, soft, and always happy to see its owners, can be a good indicator of how these protective but loving dogs are feeling.
The Norwegian Buhund’s tail is not as curly as the tails of many Spitz-type dogs. Instead, it looks a lot like the tail of a husky.
The Bunhund is a type of herding Spitz that was first used by Norwegian shepherds to gather and protect flocks in the harsh terrain of the coastland. When they weren’t herding sheep through the hills, they also watched over the homestead.
These dogs get very close to their owners, but they can be shy around strangers. They are smart and active, and they need to move around several times a day. They do best in places where they can run around without a leash so they can burn off extra energy.
Siberian Husky
Even though the husky’s back isn’t as curly as some, it still shows where this northern breed came from.
Even though the Husky’s tail often flies behind them like a flag in the wind, the fact that it curls over their backs puts them on this list.
The Husky was originally bred to pull sleds and other things, just like the Malamute. They came from old Siberia, where the Chukchi people kept them. The Husky is a living example of how hard life was in this harsh climate. They have a special change in their genes that lets them live on fewer calories than most dogs their size. This is one reason why Huskies tend to be picky eaters who don’t always eat the same thing.
Huskies are a popular breed of dog that people all over the world choose as pets. They still like to run, but most of them have switched from a harness to a leash and from a sled to a running partner. As long as they are active enough, they make great pets.
Akita
The Akita’s tail is loose and curly, and it is rare to see it anywhere but over their hip. The appendage is both a tribute to their ancestors and a sign of their unshakeable confidence.
The Akita’s tail is different from that of the similar-looking Husky in that it curves at the base to cover the back and rarely stands up.
This Japanese dog has an interesting past. They were first raised in the mountainous north to hunt elk and bear. They were also a popular breed for dogfights, and samurai often kept them.
Akitas are almost always kept as pets today. These dogs still have the fierceness that keeps them safe in the ring and when hunting big game, but they are usually very loyal and loving with their families. They make great guard dogs and need to be trained consistently and socialized a lot when they are young.
Pomeranian
The Pom’s curly tail is just an extension of its round, fluffy body, so it often gets lost in its beautiful coat.
Even though this curly tail may be hard to find in all that fur, we promise it is there.
The Pomeranian is a smaller version of the German Spitz. It was first bred in the area between Germany and Poland. This is another small breed that Queen Victoria liked. This led to the Pom becoming popular all over Europe.
Today’s Pom is much smaller than the original breed. Some lines barely weigh more than three pounds. They are usually very loving and playful dogs, but, like many toy breeds, they can be aggressive or barky with other dogs and strangers.
Alaskan Malamute
Mal’s back leg hangs over its hip like an afterthought. When it is happy, it is curly, but when it is bored, it is long and droopy.
This curly-tailed dog has a beautiful curl on the back that looks like a question mark.
The native people of Alaska used the big, graceful Malamute to pull heavy loads. They probably came from the dogs that pulled sleds in Siberia in the past, but they are still very old. Their thick coats, big bodies, and strong work ethic were perfect for their utilitarian way of life.
Some Malamutes still pull sleds and weights in competitions today, but most of them live a more relaxed life. The Mal is a reliable friend with a steady personality and a friendly nature. They are calmer than many working breeds and get along well with families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a dog’s curly tail go straight?
When a dog is nervous or afraid, he will keep his tail close to his body. It even happens to dogs with curled or wavy tails, like Pugs, whose tails unravel and go straight when they’re resting, even if they keep their tail in place.
