Do Chihuahuas Have Curly Tails? Plus Things You Must Know About Tails!

Chihuahuas are a proud breed of dog, often given a bad rap for being yappy and biting. However, if you have ever met a Chihuahua in person, you know that they are just as fallible and lovable as any other dog.

But do you ever wonder if chihuahuas are one of the dogs with curly tails? Let’s find out.

Some chihuahuas do have curly tails. As a continuation of their spine, the shape of their tails is usually sickle upwards or outwards with a little curling at the end that sometimes reaches their backs. The shape of their tails is usually influenced by genetics or the shape of their parents’ tails.

In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the tail shape of chihuahuas and their variations. We’ll also discuss how chihuahuas use their tails for communication.

Chihuahua: The Basics

The chihuahua is a small breed of dog that was originated in Mexico. They are sometimes called apple heads or deer heads because of the shape their heads take.

The American Kennel Club recognizes two coat types for chihuahuas: smooth and long-haired. Chihuahuas can come in either long or short hair. Their coats are usually very fine and soft to the touch, with colors like white, brown, tan, fawn, or black.

Chihuahuas usually grow to be between three and six pounds, with an average height of about seven or eight inches. Their tails are often sickle-shaped and curly at the end. Chihuahuas also have a distinctively splayed stance because of their long backs and short legs. 

Many people get chihuahuas as companions or lap dogs because of their size, but they are just as capable of acting as guard dogs.

Chihuahua: Personality and Temperament

Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as yappy or snappy dogs because of their small size. In fact, chihuahuas have personalities just as big as other breeds. They’re usually very affectionate and loyal to their owners, but do not enjoy being held or cuddled all the time.

Instead of being yappy, chihuahuas usually make noises like low-pitched whining, grunting, wheezing, and snorting. They also make a variety of cute sounds when greeting you or wanting something. 

Chihuahuas are very intelligent dogs and can learn to sit, shake hands, roll over and dance with little training. They’re also known for their courage and stubbornness. They are very protective of their people and will bark to alert them if someone is approaching the house or yard. Chihuahuas can usually be trained without much difficulty, but they do need consistency because of their temperaments. 

Chihuahua: The Science of Dog Tails

As we mentioned earlier, some chihuahuas actually do have kinked and curly tails because of their spines and genetics. The spine of a canine is made up of vertebrae and discs.

The tail of a canine is usually an extension of the backbone that includes vertebrae and has muscles to move it. Some breeds have more developed muscles in their tails than others. Tails are usually slightly curved at the end to form a hook, but some are completely straight.

The shape of their tails is highly influenced by their parents’ tails. Most chihuahuas have tails that are sickle-shaped or curled at the end, but some do not. If you’re looking to purchase a Chihuahua, look for one with a curly tail if you prefer this type of dog.

Do Chihuahuas Get Their Tails Docked?

Docking is the process of removing the tail with surgical scissors or a scalpel blade. The tail is usually removed about 2-3 days after birth to avoid infection. Some breeders will dock the tails of their puppies if they believe that the shape or size of the tail is not ideal for breeding.

Chihuahua owners usually do not dock the tails of their dogs. Instead, they are born with naturally short, stubby tails or long tails that curl slightly at the end. The tail is usually not docked because it’s believed to be harmless. Also, docking the tails of puppies can increase their chances of injury later in life.

Moreover, docking a dog’s tail is now illegal in many countries because it is considered an unnecessary procedure. The process of docking can be painful to puppies who are less than a week old.

Can Chihuahuas Be Born Tailless?

It’s possible for Chihuahuas to be born without a tail.

Tailless puppies are usually the result of gene mutations that cause their tail to fail to grow. Some tailless breeds include spaniels, corgis, terriers, dachshunds, and others.

A few dogs who are new mothers may accidentally chew off their pup’s tail when cleaning them; however, it will not cause any lasting damage or problems as long as they’re groomed regularly!

Since chihuahuas are not classified as breeds without tails, it is highly unlikely that they will be born without a tail.

Why Do Some Chihuahuas Have Bob Tails?

Bobtails are dogs with short, stumpy tails that are usually not visible when the dog is in motion. The tail may curl up or bend to one side when it’s being still, but it will extend out horizontally when the dog is at rest.

The bob tail gene is a dominant trait that can be passed down from generation to generation. It can occur in various breeds including Australian shepherds, corgis, spitzes, and chihuahuas.

The bobtail gene is an incomplete dominant mutation that causes the end of the tail to be stubby, like a nub. It can also affect other parts of a dog’s body such as their head and toes, causing a kink in their ears and short digits with thick claws.

Chihuahuas that have bobtails are usually born with straight tails that can curl slightly at the end due to genetics. The curve may be small or large, depending on which parent they get it from.

Chihuahua: Tails and Communication

Chihuahuas have a variety of ways to communicate with their owners and other animals. Because chihuahua tails can be long or short, their tails are often used for feedback.

Firstly, chihuahuas who are feeling happy and excited will usually perform excessive tail wagging while standing up tall. But if they’re not happy with something you’re doing, they may tuck their tail between their legs or even snap at you!

Chihuahua owners sometimes feel that their dogs are angry when this happens. However, it’s actually a sign of fear or submission. Chihuahuas are very small dogs with big personalities; therefore, they may act out sometimes to get their point across!

Final Words

There’s a variety of chihuahua tails that can curl or grow straight depending on genetics. Chihuahuas with bobtails and docked tails are born with these traits and will not change as they age; however, those who have naturally curly tails may find it difficult to keep them coiled up all the time.

Owners of naturally curly-tailed chihuahuas may need to purchase a grooming glove or brush in order to keep their dogs’ coats free of tangles.do chihuahuas have curly tails