Curly Tail - Page 1

Hello, can someone tell me how to fix a tail of a puppy, that curls up like a Husky's tail? Thak's in advance!

Why fix it? Its a flaw, happens. If you are the breeder, place it as a pet. Fixing it would be hiding a possible problem that a prospective puppy buyer might unknowingly continue if they start breeding this pup themselves. Some pups carry tails very high though when they are very young still. How old is this pup? It should either come down naturally or if it stays up it just is a flaw. If you are the owner... it can still protect your home, do SchH with you, be a good companion, etc.

I have heard of splinting a tail similar to the way that one would splint a broken limb, but I have never seen it done and cannot recommend anything. Perhaps someone else on this messageboard could help you with this issue. Bob-O

I agree with DH.. Would not even worry about it.Does not effect the ability of the dog unless you wanted to show. I would just enjoy my dog tail and all. I have seen some super working dogs that had a curly tail.....

Not that I'm arguing anyone's point here, But I am very curious Why is it cosidered a Flaw ? again I'm not arguing or disagreeing, Just curious about it.

The tail is bushy and should reach at least to the hock joint but not beyond the middle of the hocks. Sometimes the tail forms a hook to one side at its end, though this is undesirable. At rest the tail is carried in a gentle downward curve, but when the dog is excited or in motion, it is curved more and carried higher. The tail should never be raised past the vertical. The tail, therefore, should not be carried straight or curled over the back. Docked tails are inadmissible. **************************************************************** EchoMeadows, The standard for the tail is outlined above. If it does not conform to that standard, it is considered a "fault". Stephen

AKC Tail Standard: Tail bushy, with the last vertebra extended at least to the hock joint. It is set smoothly into the croup and low rather than high. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight curve like a saber. A slight hook- sometimes carried to one side-is faulty only to the extent that it mars general appearance. When the dog is excited or in motion, the curve is accentuated and the tail raised, but it should never be curled forward beyond a vertical line. Tails too short, or with clumpy ends due to ankylosis, are serious faults. A dog with a docked tail must be disqualified.

I think that the tail is the way it is unless you have it surgically fixed, which seems a bit overboard. How old is this puppy? A lot of times, puppies have tails that seem unnaturally curved, but tend to straighten out as they get a little older. If the tail is curved like a husky, I would not do that breeding again (as the breeder), and place the pup in a good pet home. :) This curve is technically the very end, or nearly the end of the spine. One way it could be straightened is by breaking the bones and then splinting/casting. That seems a bit much just to have a straight tail! Remember that this is something your dog will have to endure. I'm sure you were thinking more of the "tie a rock onto the end" fix-it, but ultimately, I don't think that kind of thing would work! Best would be to just leave the tail "as is" and enjoy your puppy--they grow up so fast! :)

Make sure the fine hairs at the end of the tail are not touching the ground - if so the will lift or curl their tail. If it is - they say to trim slightly - never straight across -