Tucked under tails-what does it mean? - Page 1

Occasionally in a high showline v rated GSD one sees a tucked up tail. These dogs have advanced Sch degrees, so one would like to think such dogs are sound temperamentally. Does this tendency to pull the tail toward the head and tuck it up between the rear legs actually signify some type of temperament weakness? I do not like the look of this in a GSD and consider it a flaw, just as I don't like a dead tail which is hit by the rear legs during gaiting, or a gay tail that is carried curled up and carried too high too high during gaiting. Some of the dogs I have seen with a tucked under tail appear to me to be nervy and not as solid as those dogs that do not do this. A dead tail can signify a serious spinal innervation degeneracy, whereas a gay tail does not. But what about the tucked under tail?

With any dog, GSD or not, a tail that is tucked up and under the belly is a sign of insecurity/fear. Many times this is accompanied with the dog's sclera (whites of the eyes) visible as dog quickly shifts his or her gaze around in anxiousness. The face will be tense as will the rest of the body. I never like to see this body language in any dog.

Preston, I have noticed that a few times as well. We know that this tail position is usually not natural for any dog unless it is stressed/unhappy. I notice it most when the dogs are at stand for inspection, however ocassionally a photograph is taken that shows this embarrassing posture/presentation. We sometime hear a story or two about dogs who are judged to be excellent specimens of the breed, but are also nervy. I agree that this is a display of poor temperament/stability. Bob-O

Exactly....Why would people compete and show dogs like this? To breed later on?

Preston, All I will offer is this, and hope it gives some usefulness. In my line of work, (catching dogs I know nothing about) I am often forced to put a dog into a corner, the ones that worry me the most, the ones that I know I'm gonna get bit if I slip in the slightest is the tucked under tail. That dog will bite me so fast. of course I try hard not to put any dog into that type of situation, However I am often left no choice. The ones that I am not terribly cautious about are the ones who stand they're ground, If they bark at me while standing, I simply hang-out a while, eventually curiosity gets them and they come to figure out why I want to visit with them so badly. But if they Bark and Run and circle and have tail under, My eyes never leave that dog, when they do, or if I turn my back to them, I will be bleeding as the result of making a mistake with a "Fearful" dog. I would much rather deal with a "Confident" dog. there's my dime. hope it helps some.

I would never even consider buy a GSD that tucked it's tail, or if either parent did. Plus I would not even consider breeding one nor wasting my time (IMO) working or showing them. Kinda sad to see a dog that lives in fear.

DesertRangers, i absolutely agree with both your posts !! hopefully my post was clear that Tucked Tail = Trouble,fearful, dog that will bite for the wrong reasons. I would never ever breed a dog that did that.

Echo You are exactly right, I have been the helper and had alot of aggressive dogs come at me but the only ones that really concern me is the fear biter.

Echomeadows and Bob-O, as usual you have given very useful information. DesertRangers, you also speak with authority and your assertions make a lot of sense. I take it that all your descriptions involve the GSD being stuck in a "flight or fight" decision point because he is easily stressed and somewhat frozen with fear, ready to bite out of that fear. As described, it makwes perfect sense that it would always be better to deal with a rock solid dog that is not easily stressed. I assume that you would not be impressed with such a GSD even though it was "ring trained" to get advanced Sch. degrees. Again, it appears that there is no substitute for the experienced judgement of a long time breeder, fancier and/or trainer of the breed. There sure is a lot to know if one is an informed buyer of an adult GSD and especially any puppy! Unfortunately I have seen some high priced GSD with Sch and KK1 that didn't deserve either. As always, good dogs are worth their weight in gold!

Thank You Preston, glad to be of any help :-)