On the subject of tails...

[fireangel]

Now don't take this to heart cuz it is just my opinion but I would imagine that the tail up is a learned thing. The only dogs (of any breed) that I have noticed carrying their tails up are dogs with curly ones. I have been around alot of dog shows in my day and even those pups have them down when they aren't actually showing. I imagine it would be a bit like walking around holding your arm up but then again that is just my opinion. Anyway just my guess I am sure there is a real explanation. If you aren't showing your pup I don't think it matters.

 

[elindave]

Just to let you all know...I have not taken my eyes off Nikita's tail today! She must be wondering why I'm following her tail!?!?

Eli
Nikita (Aug 28 07) fawn, floppy, docked

 

[puppysplogs]

Now don't take this to heart cuz it is just my opinion but I would imagine that the tail up is a learned thing. The only dogs (of any breed) that I have noticed carrying their tails up are dogs with curly ones. I have been around alot of dog shows in my day and even those pups have them down when they aren't actually showing. I imagine it would be a bit like walking around holding your arm up but then again that is just my opinion. Anyway just my guess I am sure there is a real explanation. If you aren't showing your pup I don't think it matters.

Now that we're seeing them with tails more here it almost appears as though it might be breeding/type and/or temperament...

Archie's tail was up from day one. His dad holds his like a flag as do his brothers and sisters - always up like a bent up arm! Bred out to another dog and this doesn't seem to happen so much. Many or most from his dad's litters appear to have this trait...

My guess is that it's an individual thing or has something to do with their line maybe...

 

[kate529]

My Gunner can't even lift his tail. I call it a bears tail, its such a short, fat nub, maybe 1 1/2 long at most. Hazel has a longer, maybe 3 inch tail, I think hers is up most of the time but she is such wiggly thing so she seems to always be excited.

 

[Shane72]

Rocky's is usually up unless he thinks he's in trouble or the vet tries to take a stool sample - it's pretty funny watching that little nub slam down, then he sits :D

 

[kidzarme]

Shae's nub is probaby up just about as much as down.
Kirby's is usually down unless he's waggling it but it's never very straight up. Also, the hair on his nub grows in a 'downward' shape so it makes it look even more 'down' and people have even thought he had NO tail before, since it's all shaped down/under and clamps even more tightly against his bottom giving him a 'tail-less' look!

 

[jzaun]

Betty carries her nubbins up, unless she is scared or unsure. She has always carried it up, especially high when she does her Boxer strut. I have never seen a boxer with a tail. I would imagine in the states if you had a boxer that had a tail and natural ears, you would constantly be asked what kind of dog it was. It's bad enough now...Is it illegal to dock all breeds? I find it interesting and wonder if that will ever become the case in the U.S.
Julie
Mom to Betty, flashy fawn, cropped, docked

 

[Chiefsmom]

With Chief, the nubbin is always wagging (along with the bum), unless.... he knows he's done something wrong... then it curls somewhat downward! I can read him like a book now! Tail down-"oops I screwed up somewhere!"

 

[kymh]

floyd and belle both have there tails and cary them down unless playing/happy/eating or walking. i find they are really cute with there tails however they dont go well with kidney beaning as they are like little whips x

 

[Mega's Mom]

OK, I had to go home and watch Cornelius' tail after reading these posts. He carries his up, well not really up but straight out! But if you pinch his hiney (which I like to do cus it's so darn cute), his little nubbin slams down like he's trying to guard Fort Knox!