After first noticing a tail curled in their GSD, owners rush to find out if a German Shepherd curly tail is the norm. Let’s find out what German Shepherd’s tail should be and discuss some common tail problems.
German Shepherd Tail Characteristics
Let’s take a look at how the German Shepherd tail is described in the American Kennel Club’s breed standard. As of 2024, the official standard says that the German Shepherd’s tail should come smoothly from its croup and should be low rather than high.
As for shape, a slight curve resembling a saber is common in a neutral mood. The shape of a small hook, somewhat trailing to one side, is also acceptable. The curve may naturally be emphasized if the dog is in a good mood or active.
The key requirement for show German Shepherds is that the tail should never be curled over a vertical line
But what if your German Shepherd has a tail that doesn’t fully meet the official standard? Is it true that such a GSD is not a purebred or has health concerns? How to understand the dog’s mood if the tail is curled? This article is here to answer all the questions about GSD’s tail.
Why my German Shepherd has a curled tail
German Shepherd dogs can hold their tail with a slight curve while controlling it. But in some puppies, the tail is looped, sometimes even with a slight curl at the end. This means that the German Shepherd’s tail deviates beyond the vertical line and is outside the AKC standard.
A dog with a straight tail is thought to look more powerful and showy, which is why some breeders avoid German Shepherds with a curly tail. But in any case, in GSD, most people value the loyal heart and not the tail shape.
There are two reasons why Germans may have curly tails:
First, it can be a genetic defect in the dog, where a curly tail is not a health concern, rather a feature of appearance. In this case, even after surgery, the puppy’s tail may become curled again.
The second cause is birth trauma or a kink in the womb. If this is the case, the injury will be visible on X-rays and the tail may be medically straightened. To be fair, genetic traits are much more common.
Is it possible for a purebred GSD to have a tail curled
If you’re worried about whether a puppy with a curled tail can be a purebred German Shepherd, save your nerves for another time. The curled tail is not a sign of unscrupulous breeders. It is merely a genetic fault that can occur in purebreds, and perhaps one of your puppy’s ancestors had the same trait.
If you would like your German Shepherd dog to have an AKC-compliant appearance, try genetic testing. Genetic research can reveal not only the curved tail trait, but also the propensity for disease. Try to find the testing specific to the German Shepherd breed with DNA included.
Gaining information about your dog’s genetics can help you properly care for your dog, preventing or alleviating inherited conditions. The test may allow several parameters to be determined, including predisposition to Pannus German Shepherd, also known as Chronic Superficial Keratitis (CSK), and German Shepherd back leg disease.
Is a curly tail in German Shepherds a sign of disease?
If your German Shepherd’s tail looks curly, it is not a sign of a health issue. This puppy will not need any extra attention regarding its tail. On the contrary, such a tail, curved upward and raised above the back line, is often called a gay tail, meaning that this dog looks happy and playful.
You should not resort to inhumane ways to correct your dog’s curly tail. Unwise intervention can lead to unfortunate consequences for the health and psychological state of the animal. After all, a German Shepherd tail is a way of communication and expressing emotions.
By itself, a curled tail in GSD is not a source of additional concern. But at the same time, German Shepherds are prone to some tail problems, and equally so with both straight tails and curly ones.
Common German Shepherd Tail Problems
Even if you don’t observe any anxiety in your German Shepherd yet, read on to be aware and recognize any issue in the very beginning. Also please do not skip over the chapter on proper care and hygiene to prevent diseases and tail problems.
German Shepherd dog and anal furunculosis
Anal furunculosis is a chronic, progressive, and inflammatory disease involving the anal and perianal tissues. It is accompanied by ulcers, fistulas, and severe pain.
It is an inherited condition that can first appear with immune problems or allergies
According to www.ufaw.org.uk, German Shepherds account for up to 84% of cases, but sporadic cases have been reported in other breeds (Irish Setters, Labradors, Beagles, Collies). Males are more prone to the disease than females. The disease can occur at any age, but the average age is five years.
It is thought that the German Shepherd’s straight tail and thick coat may make it difficult for air to reach the anus area and contribute to the condition. So if your GSD’s tail is bushy but curled and raised, this will give better ventilation to the vulnerable area.
But still, even a tightly curled tail is not a foolproof defense. The propensity for the disease can be detected in puppies through a genetic test. Treatment of anal furunculosis requires months of painstaking labor, but the disease can still recur.
Limber Tail Syndrome in GSDs
If you notice that your German Shepherd can’t lift its tail fully while wagging only the lower part, and the base of the tail feels as if it’s broken, this could be a sign of limber tail syndrome. It is also referred to as a water tail or cold tail in various publications.
Most often, limber tail syndrome occurs after significant physical exertion and hypothermia. Overexertion and muscle spasms result in restricted mobility of the dog’s tail, while hypothermia and poor blood supply cause pain, inflammation, swelling, and cramping.
This disorder occurs in many working dogs, including the German Shepherd breed. And, limber tail syndrome or hanging tail syndrome can occur equally in tail straight and curled animals.
Sometimes the ailment appears after swimming the dog in cold water
If the hypothermia is not extreme, the condition will most likely go away within a week. But if something has gone wrong or the dog’s pain is severe, it’s worth a visit to your vet. Anti-inflammatory medications usually work well.
German Shepherd tails and skin infection
Compulsive scratching and chewing of a German Shepherd’s tail, as well as hair loss, are warning signs that may indicate skin infections. A bushy tail and sensitive skin make the area around the tail vulnerable to skin infection, whether the dog’s tail is straight or curl.
If you notice itching or restless behavior regarding your GSD’s tail area, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. If your pup scratches the sore spot, it will cause wounds that will make the situation worse. To prevent this, vets use anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics.
Among the most dangerous infections are fungal lesions, as they can be contagious to owners
Skin infection is equally common in German Shepherds with curly tails and normal ones. Animals can also have parasites and insects that carry viral diseases. Always vaccinate your German Shepherd on time!
German Shepherd’s Tail Care
German Shepherd dog hygiene should definitely include the tail and the areas around it. The skin around the anus and genitals is very sensitive and prone to irritations and allergies. If you notice hair loss, scratching, and anxiety in your GSD, consult your vet.
One cause of discomfort could be a blockage in the anal glands. All dogs, including German Shepherds, have paired glands near their tails. While your fluffy pup is still small, these glands are not too noticeable. But over time, cleaning of these glands should be done about every six months. For the first time, you can watch a doc do it and then handle it on your own.
German Shepherd Tail Language
For all dogs, their tail is their body language, and German Shepherds are no exception. There are about a dozen positions of the GSD’s tail, the main ones being these:
A high and straight tail means alertness and attention, with the higher the tail the more excited the dog is. If the GSD carries his tail calm and down, the dog is resting or relaxed. If a German Shepherd tail is down and pinched between its legs, then the dog is frightened or insecure.
FAQs about German Shepherd Curly Tails and More
What does it mean when a dog curls their tail?
A curly tail can be both a habitual position for this dog and a means of communication. A GSD’s tail can be either straight or rising above the horizon and even rolling into a hook. Its shape and position are most often inherited and determined by genes. In terms of emotion, a highly curled tail can indicate alertness, confidence or excitement.
What breed has a curly tail?
Medium and large breeds with curly tails include the Chow Chow, Eurasier, Finnish Lapphund, Norwegian Elkhound, Samoyed and Swedish Lapphund. As for the German Shepherd tail, the breed standard is defined as a bushy and straight tail. If a GDS has a curly tail, then such a dog may well be purebred, but with genetic peculiarities.
What dog has a curly tail that doesn’t bark?
Basenji breed is known for two reasons. First, they have one of the curliest tails among dogs. Their tail can curl several times like a spring. Secondly, Basenjis cannot bark because of the special shape of their larynx, and instead of barking, they make a yodeling sound. This is why they are often called barkless dogs.
German Shepherds Tails Summary: What a Curly Tail Means
It is common for German Shepherds to have a fluffy straighter or slightly hanging tail, but sometimes a curled tail is found in a purebred GSD as well. This is due to a genetic trait and is inherited. A GSD with a high curly tail is not likely to have a show career, but it is not susceptible to any special diseases because of its curly tail.
GSDs with a curly tail as well as a normal tail can be prone to anal furunculosis, limp tail syndrome, skin infections, and allergies. In some cases, due to better air access to the anal area, curly high tails provide some relief. In any case, in GSD, most people value the loyal heart and not the tail shape.
In body language, a relaxed curling tail can mean a calm and happy dog. A tightly curl tail can mean stress or tension. To better determine your pet’s emotions, pay attention to their ears. To learn more about German Shepherd Dogs’ nonverbal communication patterns, take a look at this video by @realworldofdogz: