According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Frenchie’s tail should be short, hung low, with a thick root and fine tip [14]. The tail may be straight or screwed, but never curly [15]. Curly tails are a sign of crossbreeding with other dogs, such as Boston Terriers or Pugs [16].

The AKC also states that the tail should cover the anus, and should not be able to rise above the horizontal [17]. This is to prevent health issues such as Hemivertebrae, which is a condition where the vertebrae in the tail are malformed and can cause spinal problems [18].

The Frenchie’s tail is a natural feature of the breed, and it is not docked or cropped. Docking or cropping the tail is considered unethical and illegal in many countries [15]. Docking or cropping the tails of French bulldogs can cause pain, infection, nerve damage, and behavioral problems [4]. The Frenchie’s tail is part of his charm and personality, and it should be cared for properly.

Some of the countries where docking or cropping the tails of dogs is illegal or restricted are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom [5].

People have a lot of questions about French bulldog tails such as how they show their emotions without wagging their tails, what are the possible health issues related to their tails, and how to clean and care for their tail pockets [1][2].

French Bulldog Tails: Related Health Issues

What is a French Bulldog Tail Pocket?

A tail pocket is a fold of skin under the tail that can get infected if not cleaned properly. Not all French bulldogs have a tail pocket, but those who do need extra attention and hygiene.

To clean and care for French bulldog tail pockets, owners should check their dogs’ tails regularly for any signs of infection, irritation, or injury. They should also clean their dogs’ tail pockets with a wet wipe or a cloth after every potty break. If the tail pocket is infected, they should apply an antibiotic cream or consult a vet for treatment. See the video below to get some great tips on how and how often to do this.

French bulldogs show their emotions through their facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations. They can’t wag their tails because they are too short. Instead, they wiggle their whole butts or use other cues to express their happiness [2]. They may also tilt their heads, raise their eyebrows, lick their lips, or snort to communicate their feelings [8].

Cleaning a Frenchie’s Tail Pocket

Hemivertebrae Spinal Condition

The Hemivertebrae Spinal condition affects the shape and alignment of the spine and can cause pain, weakness, or incontinence. It is caused by the failure of one of the lateral centers of the vertebrae to develop, so the vertebra is missing one side [9]. It is a common cause of congenital scoliosis in French bulldogs. Wagging their tail does not influence this condition, but it may indicate discomfort or pain if the tail movement is abnormal or limited. Hemivertebrae is a genetic disorder that can be diagnosed by X-rays or MRI and treated by surgery or medication [8].

Affects of Other Cosmetic Changes to French Bulldogs

Some owners may modify their French bulldog’s ears by cropping them to make them look more pointed and alert. However, this is also illegal in many countries and considered cruel and unnecessary by many animal welfare organizations. Cropping the ears of French bulldogs can cause bleeding, infection, inflammation, and chronic ear problems [6].

Other cosmetic changes that are commonly made by owners of French bulldogs are tattooing, dyeing, piercing, and gluing. These are also controversial and potentially harmful practices that can cause pain, infection, allergic reactions, and psychological stress to dogs [7].

At Javi’s French Bulldogs & American XL Bullies Breeder, we not only want to provide you with the best value in your choice of the dogs we offer; we want to help inform you so that you make a choice that will be best for you and your pet – even if that means you realize that a French Bulldog or American XL Bullie is not for you!

In this article, “The French Bulldog Tail: All you need to know about your Frenchie’s Tail”, we hope to help you make an informed decision about tail docking, and will be better prepared to properly care for you to care for your Frenchie’s unique needs.

SUGGESTED READING: More information about French bulldog’s tails and ears:

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