While most dogs use their tails for communication, balance, and expression of emotions, these tailless wonders have adapted to life without one.
These breeds are unique because they are born without a tail, or with a very short tail, due to a genetic mutation that affects tail development during embryonic growth.
There are several dog breeds that are born without tails, including the Australian Shepherd, Boston Terrier, Welsh Corgi, and French Bulldog.
Some of these breeds have a small bump or a stub where their tail should be, while others have no visible tail at all.
Check them out!
1. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United States. This breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty.
While many people believe that Australian Shepherds are born without tails, this is not entirely true.
According to The Smart Canine, Australian Shepherds can be born with tails, but some have naturally short tails, a condition known as “bobtail.”
About 20% of Australian Shepherds are born with bobtails, which are typically less than four inches long.
Some Australian Shepherds have their tails docked, which is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the tail.
Tail docking is often performed for cosmetic reasons or to prevent injury in working dogs.
2. Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that is known for its energetic and friendly demeanor.
They are also known for being one of the dog breeds born without tails.
In fact, most Brittany Spaniels are born without a tail, though occasionally one may have a long tail.
Brittany Spaniels have a compact and athletic build that makes them great hunting dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great family pets as well.
They have a short, flat coat that comes in a combination of white, orange, and reddish-brown colors. Most American Brittanys have an orange and white combination.
As with other dog breeds born without tails, Brittany Spaniels may have their tails docked to approximately four inches.
This is done for aesthetic reasons and to prevent tail injuries, although tail docking is becoming less common and even illegal in some countries.
3. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are a popular breed known for their wrinkly faces and friendly personalities.
They are also known for their short, stubby tails. While some dog breeds are born without tails, English Bulldogs are not one of them.
English Bulldogs are born with tails that are naturally shorter than those of most dog breeds.
They have between 6 to 13 coccygeal vertebrae, compared to the 19 to 23 vertebrae found in full-tailed dogs [The Happy Puppy Site].
English Bulldogs’ tails are often docked, or surgically removed, when they are just a few days old.
This is done for various reasons, including for cosmetic purposes or to prevent injuries.
However, tail docking is a controversial practice and is illegal in some countries.
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are a popular breed and have become increasingly popular in recent years.
They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, as well as their unique physical characteristics. One of these characteristics is their tail, or lack thereof.
French Bulldogs are born without long tails, instead having small, stumpy tails.
Some of these tails are screw-shaped, some with little curves, and others very short and straight.
According to French Bulldog Owner, French Bulldog tails are not docked or cut off.
The breed standard set by the American Kennel Club states that a French Bulldog’s tail should cover its anus but cannot rise above the horizontal.
Due to the health problems associated with corkscrew tails, some breeders and breed clubs are making a conscious decision to move away from them and focus on breeding lines with straight tails.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog that is known for its adorable appearance and friendly personality.
This breed is also known for its unique physical characteristic – the absence of a tail.
Most Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with a tail, but they are typically docked within 2 to 5 days after birth to meet breed standards.
However, some Pembroke Welsh Corgis are naturally born without tails due to a genetic mutation that results in a shortened tail or no tail at all.
Despite the lack of a tail, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are still able to communicate their emotions through their body language.
They are known for their expressive eyes and perky ears, which they use to convey their mood and intentions.
They also have a distinctive waddle when they walk, which is due to their short legs and long body.
6. Brazilian Terrier
The Brazilian Terrier is a small breed of dog that is born without a tail.
As a descendant of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Fox Terrier, the Brazilian Terrier is known for its high energy and playfulness.
This breed is also one of the dog breeds that have been subjected to tail docking as a breed standard, but that only occurs to those born with tails.
However, the Brazilian Terrier Club of America is actively working to promote the natural bobtail trait in the breed.
In terms of physical appearance, the Brazilian Terrier has a short, smooth coat that can come in various colors such as white, black, and tan.
They have a muscular build and are known for their athletic ability. They are also known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them great family pets.
Here are some key characteristics of the Brazilian Terrier:
- Size: Small
- Weight: 15-20 pounds
- Height: 14-16 inches
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, energetic, loyal
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Colors: White, black, tan
7. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed of dog that originated in Germany in the 19th century.
They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a wiry coat and bushy eyebrows and beard.
While most Miniature Schnauzers are born with a tail, some can be born without one due to a genetic mutation that affects tail development during embryonic growth.
Despite their small size, Miniature Schnauzers are known for their big personalities. They are intelligent and energetic dogs that love to play and be around people.
They are also loyal and affectionate, making them great family pets.
Miniature Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as pancreatitis, bladder stones, and dental problems.
Regular vet check-ups and proper nutrition can help prevent these issues.
If you are considering getting a Miniature Schnauzer, it is important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy.
You can also consider adopting a Miniature Schnauzer from a rescue organization.
8. Croatian Sheepdog
The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and loyalty.
They are an agile and helpful shepherd dog that is self-reliant to their owner.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Croatian Sheepdog is a brave and trustworthy dog that is the true master of their flock. They often run through the hills and valleys to keep their flock in line.
One unique feature of the Croatian Sheepdog is that they have a naturally bushy tail that is generally docked to one inch in length. However, some puppies can be born without tails, making them one of the dog breeds born without tails.
Croatian Sheepdogs have a high energy level and a very intense work drive.
They also have a strong need for human companionship. Therefore, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
If you are considering getting a Croatian Sheepdog, it is important to note that they require early socialization and training.
They are intelligent dogs that can be stubborn at times, so consistent and positive training methods are recommended.
9. Danish-Swedish Farmdog
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small to medium-sized breed that is known for its playful and affectionate nature.
They are a well-balanced breed that is easy to care for and make great companions for families with children.
Appearance
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a compact and muscular body with a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and tan.
They have a wedge-shaped head with a strong jaw and alert, expressive eyes.
Temperament
They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities and are great with children and other pets.
They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are also energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
10. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small breed of dog that was bred in the United States. These dogs are known for their compact size, friendly demeanor, and distinctive tuxedo-like markings.
One of the most unique features of the Boston Terrier is their naturally stubby tail. Boston Terriers are classified as a natural bobtail breed, meaning they are born without tails.
However, some Boston Terriers may be born with a short tail, which is often referred to as a “nub.” These nubs are not docked, but rather a natural variation of the breed.
In addition to their unique tail, Boston Terriers are also known for their affectionate and playful personalities.
They are often referred to as “the American Gentleman” due to their refined appearance and charming demeanor.
They are also highly trainable and make excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
