Do German Shepherds’ Tails Curl? A Complete Guide
Max, my German Shepherd, had a tail that moved differently from other dogs I saw, and I noted this right away when I first got him. Not always straight, it sometimes cracked a little, especially when he was happy.
You’re in the right place if you’ve found yourself with the same issue. I’ll go into the reasons behind German Shepherd tail curling in this blog, plus with some important information on tail behavior.
German Shepherd Tail Basics
German Shepherds are known for their typical tails and powerful, high backs. They commonly have long, straight tails that, when at rest, bend somewhat near the end. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, this is normal for the breed. German Shepherds are often used in security or military environments, so the tail is intended to help with speed and movement by acting as a balance support.
Why Do Some German Shepherd’s Tails Curl?
With Max, I observed that in some situations max tail was curl such as when he was very active or excited. For the breed, this is not uncommon, and there are several possible causes:
Excitement or Alertness
Dogs may display emotion by their body language, just like people can. A German Shepherd’s tail may lift and curve gently when they are extremely alert or happy. it’s normal, so there’s usually no need to be worried.
Genetics
Commonly German Shepherds change their shape and size. Some may have a long tail that curls little more than others, but the majority will have a tail that is largely straight with a turn at the end. Their family background also can impact on this, especially when they have a mixed breeding background.
Physical Condition
Sometimes, a dog’s curled tail means some kind of issue or injury. In that case, ask your veterinarian if you notice that your German Shepherd’s tail is suddenly curling or holding in an odd position. Because the tail is a growth of the back, damage to it sometimes point to more serious issues.
Is a Curled Tail a Problem?
When I first noticed Max’s tail curling more than I thought was typical, I recall being worried. But after reading up on it and speaking with my veterinarian, I discovered that, usually, it’s not a major problem. A small curl in your German Shepherd’s tail shouldn’t cause you worry if they are happy, healthy, and active.
However, there are a few conditions in which you may want to look into more seriously:
- Sudden Changes: if your german shepherd has a normally straight tail and suddenly starts to curl, it’s possible that Your dog may have some kind of back problem or maybe tail injury, especially when they feel pain or are hard to move.
- Limp Tails or Unusual Positions: German Shepherds are highly expressive dogs, an unsteady or unusually high tail may be a sign of discomfort or damage.
How to Care for Your German Shepherd’s Tail
The most important aspect of your German Shepherd’s general health is tail maintenance. During our brushing appointments, I always make care to gently check Max’s tail to make sure there are no symptoms of damage, swelling, or odd hardness. The following advice can help maintain the health of your dog’s tail:
Regular Check-Ups
Set the routine of regularly checking your dog’s tail, especially when they play hard and active like Max. Keep an eye out for any injuries, swelling, or position changes.
Grooming
If you own a German Shepherd, you likely already know how much they lost and their tails attract hair and dirt. Frequent brushing helps you spot problems in the tail in addition to maintaining the fur in check.
Watch for Injury
It’s easy for your dog to damage themselves if they become extremely excited and accidentally hit their tail against tables or something else. Even though they are not usually dangerous, tail injuries can still cause pain, so watch out for any unusual movements or walking.
My Final Thoughts
So, do the tails of German Shepherds curl? They do at times, although typically not to much of an extent. According to my observations, it usually occurs when they are energetic, alert or when they have a small variation in their genes that causes their tail to curl somewhat more than usual. But carefully watch your dog’s tail for any unusual hardness or symptoms of injury.
