Boston Terrier Tail Guide: Do They Have It Or Not?

If you have a Boston Terrier in your family, you might be wondering if their tail is just naturally short or they don't have one? Boston Terriers, or commonly known as the American Gentlemen, are brimming with energy and life. They will often make funny actions or different antics just to entertain you but sometimes you'll wonder whenever their wiggle their little furry bottoms, their tails just seem to disappear sometimes right? Worry not dog parents, we'll answer your questions!

Boston Terrier Tail Guide: Do They Have It Or Not?

Boston Terriers are dog breeds that you can describe to have "bobtails" which means that they may have a short tail or none at all. This phenomenon is actually caused by a mutated gene which is known as the T-box transcription factor T gene (C189G). In fact, this is quite a recurring characteristic for a lot of dog breeds and even cats. The common breeds that also acquired this are Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Shepherd, Croatian Sheep Dog, Mudi, Rottweilers, English Bulldogs, Boxers, and many more.

Usually, the average length of a Boston Terrier's tail is around two inches and not more than that; you won't usually see a Boston Terrier with a full-length tail. According to the official standard by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Boston Terriers that have full-length tails will be disqualified from registration. If you're Boston Terrier though have a longer tail than the standard 1/4 length between the hock and tail base, then they are still purebred.

In fact, this may be a Boston Terrier mixed breed with some characteristics of the other parent breed. Short tails for Boston Terriers are completely normal and you don't have to worry a lot if they are indeed a genuine breed!

Some breeders also practice tail docking so that they can acquire the natural bobtail look of Boston Terriers. However, this is a distasteful practice because it only upholds the aesthetic value and will also inflict pain on the dogs. Not only are they ineligible for AKC registration, but it can also affect the nervous system of Boston Terriers. Tail docking can also result in more health issues they can experience such as Tail infections, Dermatitis, and Hemivertebrae.

Generally, tail docking should not be practiced by anyone and if your Boston Terrier has an "unnatural" tale beyond the standard, we advise you that you won't alter it for cosmetic purposes.

There are also different kinds of tails that your Boston Terrier can have aside from the Bob Tail! Here are just some of them:

Curled or Screwed Tail

This kind of tail is characterized to be 1 - 2 inches long and is shaped like a curly screw on their bottoms. It can also look like a little bun but sometimes when curled tails seem tight, you'll have to monitor it because it might be a cause for infection.

Straight Tail

This is by far the rarest type of tail Boston Terriers have but it doesn't stand erect at all times. However, this definitely looks cute on them since they often wag it more.

Crooked Tail

This kind of tail is usually 2 - 3 inches long and can look awkward sometimes. Like curled or screw tails, you have to keep an eye out for this as well because this might be a cause for pain and health issues concerning their spine.

Boston Terriers are highly affectionate by nature and no matter what kind of tail they have, they are undoubtedly little angels in your life! If you want to learn more about different Boston Terrier health issues then you might want to check out this informative and detailed guide!