If you’ve ever seen a French Bulldog, you’ve probably found yourself wondering whether they have a tail or not. Read on to find the answer!
The French Bulldog is born with a tail, but it’s a short, stumpy tail that look’s as if it’s been docked. They have three different types of tails and many of them are born with a tail pocket which can cause some health-related issues.
In this article, I’ll describe why French Bulldogs aren’t born with long tails like most other breeds of dogs, and the history surrounding their tiny tail. You’ll also get to learn about the three different types of tails the French Bulldog is born with and some of the common health issues that can arise because of having a tail pocket. Let’s dive into the article and see just what the whole deal is about the French Bulldog’s tail.
Table of Contents
French Bulldogs Are Born Without Long Tails
It’s a common misconception that French Bulldogs are born with long tails which are later docked off. This couldn’t be far from the truth. Docking is mostly done for cosmetic purposes and is, in fact, illegal in many countries. French Bulldogs are born with short tails and they remain with them throughout their entire lives.
Historically, French Bulldogs were bred as toy dogs and they looked quite different than what they look like now. When they found their way into France, they were bred with terriers and pugs and that’s how the modern Frenchie was born. Their ancestors had longer tails, but years and years of selective breeding resulted in their tails becoming shorter. French Bulldogs were used for dog fights, because of which they were bred to get smaller tails so they wouldn’t get injured. Today, if a French Bulldog is born with a tail that’s too long, it’s considered a defect.
Not all French Bulldogs have the same type of tail, though. They come in three different types: straight tails, corkscrew tails, and wavy tails. Straight tails, as evident by the name, are straight. Corkscrew tails are curly at birth, but they become straight as the dog grows older. Wavy tails are long and they usually grow downward as the dogs become older.
How French Bulldogs Show Excitement Without the Tail
Dogs usually express their excitement by wagging their tails. Since French Bulldogs don’t have a long tail, you’re probably wondering how they show they’re happy.
French Bulldogs show their happiness by wiggling their entire back. That’s not the only sign you should be looking out for, though. They also raise their eyebrows to make their puppy eyes look bigger, as well as look as if they’re smiling.
Puppy Dog Eyes
If you notice your Frenchie looking at you with their big eyes that are clearly filled with love, it means they’re happy. Dogs that are happy have relaxed eyes and the French Bulldog is no exception to this. They raise their eyebrows which makes their eyes look bigger.
They Look As If They’re Smiling
Look out for signs of a relaxed mouth, as it means your Frenchie likes being around you. When the French Bulldog has a relaxed mouth, it almost looks as if they’re smiling. Their lips usually curl up when their mouths are relaxed.
Tail Pocket and Its Cleaning Procedure
A tail pocket is a pocket that’s located beneath the dog’s tail. Some French Bulldogs are born with them, but just like their tails, they’re not easily visible. In puppies, it’s even more difficult to tell if they have a tail pocket.
Tail pockets need to be cleaned regularly, otherwise, they can become infected. French Bulldogs have tail pockets that are sensitive, so you have to be gentle when cleaning them. In many cases, you won’t even notice the infection until your Frenchie starts showing signs that it’s in pain.
To clean the tail pocket, you can use a paper towel. Clean the tail pocket area and make sure you’re able to get all the dirt out. Dry your dog’s tail pocket using a dry cloth. If the area isn’t thoroughly dried, it can become infected again. If you’re having difficulty with cleaning your Frenchie’s tail pocket, you should take them to a vet.
Don’t forget to give your pup a treat once you’re done cleaning their tail pocket so they can learn to enjoy the cleaning process.
Health Issues Because of French Bulldog’s Tails and Tail Pockets
French Bulldogs are one of the most adorable breeds of dogs out there, but because of their small tails, they’re susceptible to quite a lot of health issues. One of the most common health issues among French Bulldogs is hemivertebrae.
Hemivertebrae
French Bulldogs develop this congenital disorder when the vertebrae of their spine are deformed. Instead of a straight spine, Frenchies with hemivertebrae have a twisting spine. This twisting of the spine can affect the central nervous system of the dog.
Hemivertebrae can result in a “screw tail” in French Bulldogs and the dog might not start showing symptoms until they’re 9 months old, when their spine becomes fully developed. If it’s not severe, only one or two vertebrae will be affected.
The first thing you should do when you notice any signs of hemivertebrae in your dog is take them to a vet. The vet will perform an X-ray scan and use a CT scanner to examine your dog’s spine. When they are diagnosed with hemivertebrae, they’re given anti-inflammatory medicines. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Tail Pocket Infection
Tail pocket infection is another issue that’s common in French Bulldogs. The tail pocket can easily collect dirt and germs and become infected as a result. With some French Bulldogs, you might have to clean their tail pockets every time they defecate.
An infected tail pocket can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful for the dog. It can result in itchy skin and the area surrounding the tail pocket can start to smell. In most cases, the infection will go away if you use antibiotic creams, but in severe cases, your Frenchie might need to undergo surgery.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s all there is you need to know about the tails of French Bulldogs! They’re adorable creatures, but years of selective breeding has left them with tiny tails that can sometimes cause health problems. Historically, they were used for dog fights which is why they were bred to have shorter tails, but today, that’s one of their most well-recognized physical traits.
Contrary to what most people believe, their tails aren’t docked and tail docking is now illegal in many countries. Since they don’t have a long tail that they can wag like most other dogs, French Bulldogs express their excitement by wiggling their rear. As sad as that sounds, the sight of this dog moving their entire back to show how happy they are is just as adorable as other dogs wagging their tails!
Many French Bulldogs have a tail pocket that can easily become infected if you don’t clean it regularly. Frenchies are also prone to hemivertebrae, a congenital disorder that results in the twisting of the spine. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort. If you see any, take your Frenchie to a vet.
Hi! My name is Hamza, I studied Japanese in Tokyo for a year and just moved back to Pakistan. I spend most of my time playing and writing about my pups Milo and Yuki.