French Bulldog Tail: Everything You Need to Know

Do French bulldogs have tails? Are French bulldogs’ tails docked?  A lot of people ask these questions when they see a cute little French bulldog walk past them. Even though it really does look like a cropped tail, it is not cropped. Their tail is naturally short. They are born with short tails and stumpy tails. Some of them are born with little curvy tails, and some are born with screw-shaped tails, while others have short and straight tails. These Frenchie tails are a result of the early days of selective breeding.

Nonetheless, before you decide to bring a French bulldog home, keep this in mind. You are supposed to be aware of the predicaments with French bulldog tails and the tiny Frenchie tail pocket.

French Bulldog Tail Types

 

Frenchton tails primarily come in three different types. They are as follows:

 

Stumpy and screwed tail

This is also a common type of tail; however, it is not as common as the stumpy and straight down. This type of tail is screwed but not curly at the bottom end. It is also called the corkscrew tail.

 

Tail with a thin tip and a thick root

Tails with a fine tip are comparatively rare. They are thick as they begin and become thin at the end.

 

Stumpy and straight down the tail

This is one of the most commonly found tail types. They are short and thick. The tail does not turn or twist as they are straight at the bottom.

French Bulldog Tail- A Brief History

This dog breed was used for bullbaiting and fights during the old times. French bulldog with long tails was the norm until people started selectively breeding these furry animals for short tails. 

Since shorter tails meant lesser possibilities of tail injuries, fortunately, dogfighting is prohibited. However, these adorable Frenchies have retained these short tails.

French bulldogs were also bred for ratting or rat baiting. It is where people bet on how long a dog takes to kill a rat captured in sunken pits. 

This led to the selective breeding of short tail bulldogs to prevent rat bites. The short tail also gave them increased speed.

The French bulldog flourished in Europe, especially in France, and its charm was promptly discovered by Americans later. Now, they are the desired pet of people from around the world. Furthermore, they are adorably called Frenchie.

French bulldog tail pocket

 

A tail pocket is a small pocket-like indentation that is located just under the dog’s tail. It is created by a fold of wrinkly skin. It can be found on the top of the tail or around the tail.

These tail pockets look like a dimple on the dog’s butt or a wrinkled face. It is easy to spot with just a little attention and concentration.

You can find out if your French bulldog’s tail has a pocket or not by touching the base of its tail. If you can feel any space above or below the anus of your puppy, there is a tail pocket.

Not all of them are born with a tail pocket. Many of them do not have it. However, English bulldogs and French Bulldogs generally have a tail pocket.

Additionally, you will feel on the base of the tail if your puppy does not have a tail pocket as well. 

A few dogs do not have a tail pocket in the first six months of their birth. However, they may grow a tail pocket with time as they start to become bigger and healthier. This happens as they get enough nutrients as their bones grow thicker and wider.

Regardless of this, some bulldogs do not grow a tail pocket until they come to a mature age.

Do French bulldog tail cause health problems?

According to numerous veterinary journals, this sort of tailbone sometimes does not align correctly with the spine. This can lead to nerve damage of the abinal. This could cause bad pain to your pet.

Some of the commonly found diseases among French bulldogs to be cautious about are Hip dysplasia, Brachycephalic Syndrome, and Hemivertebrae. Patellar Luxation, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cleft Palate, Elongated Soft Palate, bulldog tail pocket infection, and allergies are also common.

A screw tail bulldog is more prone to hemivertebrae, a genetic condition, than other types. The vertebrae of the spine are clasped together more firmly than in dogs with normal tails. Hence, they need extra care.

Hemivertebrae can be discovered by conducting an X-ray and a physical examination. Apart from these two processes, you can get a CT scan or MRI to find the exact condition. It can be treated. 

In most circumstances, vets prescribe various anti-inflammatory medicines. However, bulldogs with severe pains may need to go through surgery.

Usually, a healthy French Bulldog is about eleven to thirteen inches tall. Male dogs weigh up to 20 to 29 pounds, and female dogs 15 to 25 pounds. If there is any random weight loss or gain, ensure to take your pet to the vet.

Not all French bulldogs will get any of these diseases. However, it is important to know if you want a French bulldog.

What are the symptoms to watch out for?

 

When you bring home a French bulldog, you need to be conscious of the health issues these cute little animals can bring. French bulldogs usually experience various health problems with their short tails and tail pockets. 

Checking up on them often and looking for any symptoms of any infections can prevent many diseases. Following are some of the symptoms.

• Immediately call your vet if you find any swelling in and around the tail or tail pocket.
• If there is a bad odor that does not go away, it is a sign of infection.
• Oozing of pus-like material is also a bad symptom that could mean allergy.
• If your dog is scratching and scooting too much, make sure to check why it has been doing so.

It is advised to give your dog a regular and consistent cleaning of the tails and tail pocket. This almost always avoids most infections and allergies. 

Take advice from your vet every time before you choose a product, or ask the customer care executive about the ingredients. This is to make sure the products you use on your dog do not end up causing any infections.

How Do You Take Care of French Bulldog Tails?

In contrast to common knowledge, short tails require more attention and care. This is especially true in the case of French bulldog screw tail.

Poo and dirt can possibly gather in tail pockets, which can lead to serious infections and other diseases. So, how do you take care of French bulldog tails?

Here are some of the processes you can follow to keep your French bulldog’s tail and, indeed, your dog’s hygiene and health.

• These tails are prone to sunburn. Hence apply suitable pet sunscreen before letting them play in the sun all afternoon.
• You can also avoid sending them out in the sun when the sun’s rays are the strongest, usually from 11 am to 2 pm.
• Always clean your dog’s tail when he goes to poo. You can use alcohol-free wet baby wipes or ones made especially for your furry friends.
• Clean the skin around the tail using a cotton ball or a cotton cloth soaked in a mixture of water and mild soap. Repeat the process for the tail pocket as well.
• You can use apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts instead of soap and water. It has antibiotic properties that can be effective against pathogens.
• Apple baby diaper rash cream if you find any tail pocket that looks inflamed or red.
• Always contact your vet if you find any rashes, allergies, or anything unusual with your French bulldog wagging tail.

Common Questions regarding French Bulldog Tails

 

Some of the frequently asked questions about French bulldog tail are as follows.

Are French bulldogs born with tails?

Yes, they are born with tails. However, the tails are very short.

Are French bulldogs born with short tails?

Yes, Frenchies are born with short tails. They are not docked or cropped to provide a certain look. It is naturally that short.

Do French bulldogs have docked tails?

They do not have docked tails. The tails are naturally short.

Are French bulldogs born with short tails?

Yes. French bulldogs are born with short tails. Tiny and cute newborn puppies have short tails as well.

Closing thoughts on French bulldog tails

French bulldogs have small tails that can bring big trouble. Some of them can be easily affected by diseases. It can be very hard for you to see your dog in pain or discomfort. 

Hence, always take care of them. You can always do so many things from your end to prevent any of the troubles. Moreover, French bulldogs are one the cutest dog you can have as a pet.

Hopefully, this article answers your questions and more!