There is a classic image that comes to mind when most people think about a German Shepherd, a large black and tan dog, with a thick straight coat, a long bushy tail, and a wolf-like face. What if your German Shepherd doesn’t fit this description? Is it normal to have a German Shepherd with a curly tail?
If your German Shepherd dog or puppy has a curly tail, it is natural and not a health concern. A curly tail in German Shepherds is an inherited genetic feature, most commonly undesirable in the show circuit. The curly tail is classified as a tail held up higher than the normal position and exhibits an upward curl.
Keep reading to find out more about why your German Shepherd has a curly tail, common problems with tails, and the tail’s common body language cues.
Why Does My German Shepherd’s Tail Curl?
A German Shepherd tail can have a slight curve to it or a prominent loop of a curl. The two types are different in the sense that a dog with a straight tail can still choose to hold its tail with a slight curve.
If your German Shepherd’s tail has a slight curve when the tail is hanging in a relaxed state, this is considered normal by the AKC and it’s just your dog holding its tail to support it (source). This curve is not considered a curly tail provided that the tail does not raise above the horizontal.
However, if your German Shepherd’s tail is curling into more of a loop and is often held up above the tail’s normal horizontal position, they have a fully curled tail.
The way that the tail looks comes down to genetic factors, for the most part. It can also be caused by tail breakage upon birth or problems in the womb.
Is A Curly Tail In German Shepherds Normal?
It is perfectly normal for your German Shepherd to have a curly tail. The curly tail is most often merely an inherited trait. However, it is considered a defect or genetic fault by the AKC standards.
A tail affected by breakage or problems in the womb has less of a smooth curve and possibly a kink in the tail, causing it to bend, giving the appearance of a curl.
Can A Purebred German Shepherd Still Have A Curly Tail?
A curly tail does not mean that your German Shepherd isn’t a purebred dog. The curl is a genetic trait carried down by one or both parents.
Contrary to popular belief, even well-bred German Shepherds are born with defects at times, and this not necessarily the result of backyard breeders.
Although it is considered a genetic defect by the AKC, there is nothing inherently wrong with German Shepherds with a curly tail.
A curly tail is only a problem when you intend to show your dog and hope to win prizes for their appearance, as a curly tail often results in disqualification from shows.
Can You Avoid Breeding Puppies With Curly Tails?
For the most part, it is impossible to completely avoid breeding puppies with a tail defect.
Unless one of the parents had a tail defect before breeding with them, there is no way of determining whether or not two parents will produce puppies with or without tail defects.
If one of the dogs you intend to breed with has a curly tail, you can take preventative action and abstain from breeding to avoid passing on the defect.
Is A Curly Tail Reversible In German Shepherds?
If your German Shepherd is born with a curly tail, it may feel tempting to have it reversed or fixed to pursue a career in the show ring.
There are many ill practices performed on German Shepherd tails, including surgery to the tendon and even breaking the tail.
Changing the tail in any way unnatural to your dog is considered malpractice and should be strictly avoided.
If the defect occurred in the womb, it is still unlikely that there is any humane procedure to reverse the kink or curl.
Are Curly Tails More Prone To Tail Problems?
A curly tail in itself is unlikely to have an impact on the recurrence of tail problems; however, poorly selected breeding pairs could have an effect.
In general, good breeders carefully select the two parents before breeding, taking into account defects, hereditary diseases, and conditions.
In the case that inexperienced breeders breed two German Shepherds, defects, including tail defects and problems, are substantially more likely.
Common Tail Problems In German Shepherds
There are three tail problems common to the German Shepherd breed. It is always wise to be aware of these conditions to care for your German Shepherd dog properly.
Anal Furunculosis In German Shepherds
A common hereditary problem that German Shepherds get affecting their tails is anal furunculosis. An astounding 84% of cases are in the German Shepherd breed. (source)
Anal furunculosis is a long-term progressive inflammatory disease, causing ulcers and fistulas or cavities in the skin around the underneath area of the tail and around the anus of the dog.
The disease is carried down by either one or both parents and can be avoided with selective breeding and genetic testing, although neither can guarantee the disease won’t spread to the puppies.
This disease is aggravated by the common tail position of a classic German Shepherd. The bushy tail is held close to the anus when in a normal position. The disease thrives in areas like these with constant moisture and lack of air movement.
In this case, having a highly held or curly tail held above the horizontal may decrease the disease’s recurrence or severity to some degree in German Shepherds. The skin under the tail is better exposed to oxygen. It can remain dry easily with less contact against the anus, as is the case in dogs with a highly held or curly tail.
German Shepherds And Limber Tail Syndrome
Limber tail syndrome is a condition common in working dogs, including the German Shepherd dog, often referred to as cold tail, water tail, or limp tail. (Source)
A limber tail syndrome is a condition caused by overworked tail muscles. The most common causes for over-exerted tail muscles are swimming in water that is too cold, exposure to hot temperatures, or intense exercise. (Source)
The most common signs of Limber tail syndrome are:
- A limp or hanging tail that could appear broken.
- Pain or aggression when touching the tail.
- Swollen tail tissue.
The condition is generally treated with anti-inflammatories, and symptoms can subside within a week or two.
Skin Infections On A German Shepherd’s Tail
German Shepherd dogs are known for having problematic and sensitive skin and are prone to skin diseases and infections.
A common area of inflammation is the skin on the tail. You may notice your dog is chewing and scratching their tail a lot. Watch out for hair loss and signs of itchiness if you suspect your dog has a skin infection on his tail.
If you notice symptoms associated with a skin infection of the tail, visit your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will most likely treat your dog with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for the infection and itching.
Ultimately, curly tails are just as prone to skin infections as straight or curved tails.
Body Language: Curly Tail Vs. Straight Tail
The easiest way to understand your German Shepherd’s mood is through their tail movements and positions, along with their eyes and ears. (Source)
Reading A Dog With A Curly Tail
With a curly tail that is above the vertical, some tail positions may appear slightly different. However, the movements of a curly tail hold the same meaning as straight tails.
A tail position that may confuse you with a curly-tailed German Shepherd is when the tail is held up to express excitement.
When a German Shepherd with a straight tail is alert or excited, they erect their tale, holding it higher in the air.
A curly tail that is naturally held above the horizontal may appear excited or alert when this is merely the relaxed tail position.
What Do My German Shepherd’s Tail Movements Mean?
As mentioned above, the meaning of tail movements between a curly tail and a straight tail is the same.
A tail that is swinging or swaying side to side in a slower way shows that your dog is insecure of something in its environment.
When your German Shepherds tail is raised higher than its normal position, something has grabbed its attention.
Of course, the one we all know so well is when your dog’s tail is swaying from side to side with a faster motion, they are happy to see you or excited.
Final Thoughts
If your German Shepherd has a curly tail, don’t feel that they are imperfect or need changing; that is how they were born, and it is merely a quirky trait to set them apart from the rest.
There are no side-effects to having a curly tail, and, at the end of the day, all that matters is that their tail wags when they see you.