Why Do Goldendoodles Tails Curl? 5 Reasons and Solutions

Goldendoodles have various appearances given that they are the offspring of poodles and golden retrievers so you might see a lot of looks to this breed, whether in their coat color, fur texture, or even tails.

So, why do Goldendoodles’ tails curl? Goldendoodles’ tails curl as a result of a hereditary defect; The AKC has precise requirements for how a tail should look in both Poodles and Golden Retrievers, so a curly tail might be deemed a genetic fault. For both breeds, it should be kept erect and behind the dog’s hocks, not curled at all.

Continue reading this article to know why Goldendoodles tails curl, whether it happens naturally or not, and everything about how Goldendoodle tails should look like

Why do Goldendoodles Tails curl?

Goldendoodle tails curl due to a congenital problem; the AKC has certain standards for how a tail should look in both Poodles and Golden Retrievers, thus a curly tail may be considered a genetic flaw. According to the breed standards of both poodles and Goldens, the tail should be kept upright and behind the dog’s hocks in both breeds, not curled at all.

The tails of Goldendoodles do not normally curl. If you see your dog’s tail curling, you should investigate it further, as it can be a sign of a serious issue.

Do Goldendoodles have curly tails naturally?

Some Goldendoodles have curly tails naturally that curl neatly over their backs, others have tails that extend behind in golden retriever fashion. A few Goldendoodles have tails that stand straight up. Goldendoodles tails tend to vary in appearance depending on the dog

Curling tails are common in Goldendoodles. However, not every Goldendoodle tail is alike. Some Goldendoodles have tails that wrap neatly over their backs, while others have tails that stretch behind them like a golden retriever.

Many Goldendoodles have tails that curl neatly over their backs, while others have tails that stretch behind them like a golden retriever. The tails of some Goldendoodles stand straight up. Although a tiny number of Goldendoodles are born with a little stub tail, it is likely that it has been docked if your Goldendoodle has a very short stub tail.

Don’t be concerned if your Goldendoodle’s tail has very little hair. Some of the owners I spoke with who had many doodles from various breeders had doodles with large fluffy and hairy tails as well as a doodle with no tail hair at all. It all depends on which genes are more prevalent.

Do Goldendoodles get their tails docked?

Goldendoodles rarely get their tails docked; To minimize injury back in the day, working dogs used to have their tails clipped. Because Goldendoodles are designed to be companion dogs, they have no need to have their tails docked.

There is a lot of debate over docking tails, but there is no need for any Goldendoodle puppies to have their tails docked because Goldendoodles aren’t officially recognized by the AKC and won’t have any conforming appearance criteria to uphold.

Goldendoodles’ tails aren’t docked very often. Working dogs used to have their tails docked to avoid damage. There’s no reason for Goldendoodles to have their tails docked because they’re intended to be companion dogs, not working dogs.

It’s possible that a breeder with a lot of experience with poodles would dock the tails of their Goldendoodle litter to comply with the poodle breed standard, but it’s not required.

some pups have their tails clipped as puppies by a breeder that follows the AKC industry standard for tail docking poodles and opted to do the same for their Goldendoodle litter.

It also must be mentioned that tail-docking is considered cruel, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly opposes docking and cropping. The AVMA previously stated:

“The most common reason for cropping and docking is to give a dog a certain look. … Docked tails can also develop a neuroma or nerve tumor. This can cause pain and make your dog snappy if their tail is touched.
Ear Cropping and Tail Docking – Pets.webmd

And yes, dogs can absolutely feel the pain in their tails. You can click the link underlines to learn more.

How long are Goldendoodle tails?

Goldendoodle tails are typically 12 to 14 inches long, although they can vary from 3.5 to 16 inches, depending on the dog, and the breed it favors as Goldendoodles are a combination of a poodle and a golden retriever.

Because Goldendoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, their tails can vary in appearance and length depending on which breed they prefer.

Many Goldendoodles have tails that curl neatly over their backs, while others have tails that stretch behind them like a golden retriever. The tails of some Goldendoodles stand straight up.

Although a tiny number of Goldendoodles are born with a little stub tail, it is likely that it has been docked if your Goldendoodle has a very short stub tail.

How should a Goldendoodle tail look like?

When upright, the tip of the tail should be the same height as the top of the dog’s head, according to the AKC standard for Poodles. The tail is docked anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down. The tail length of a poodle varies according to its size (mini, toy, or standard).

The tail of a Golden Retriever should reach the hock but not below it. The tail swings down naturally when the dog is calm, rather than curling. Some Goldendoodle tails curl up and over their back and produce a big, bushy plume that adds to their overall appeal when properly groomed.

How to Groom a Goldendoodle tail?

Brushing a doodle requires two basic tools: a slicker brush and a steel comb. For fluffing your doodle’s exterior coat, a slicker brush comes in useful. Your doodle’s coat will look silky and fluffy after a brief run-over with a slicker. Slickers are wonderful for discovering your doodle’s mats, but not so much for untangling them. That’s when the grooming rake and metal comb come in handy.

Curly-coated doodles should use a metal comb, whereas wavy-coated doodles should use a grooming rake. If you come upon a mat, remove it with a pair of thinning shears or blunt-tipped scissors. You may also try using a detangler. When mats are tiny, it’s easier to untangle them.

You’ll need the following tools:

Dog Clippers with a #10 detachable blade for cutting your doodle’s tummy, bottom, and beneath their ears.
Coolant for blade cleaning
Steel Comb
Scissors – ballpoint (or blunt-tipped) is preferable for your pooch’s safety
Shears for Thinning
Conditioner & Shampoo
Detangler is required for dogs with coarse hair
A leash or other method of restraint for your dog

You can find the best shampoos for your dog here, the best clippers for your dog here, and the best brushes for your dog here.

I also have a complete, step-by-step guide to groom your dog’s tail here that you should definitely check out.

The 5 most common Goldendoodle Tail Styles

Pom Tail or Lion Style

Two–thirds of the tail is clipped carefully, beginning at the base and ending with a tall plume of hair. The point where the tail begins to fold over the dog’s back is roughly where the plume should start.

This style is preferred by owners because it is easier to groom because there is less hair at the end of the tail to tangle and less possibility of the hair getting trodden on or stuck in something.

Plume Tail

Beginning from the base and finishing with a towering plume of hair, two-thirds of the tail is trimmed gently. The plume should start about where the tail folds over the dog’s back.

Owners love this style because there is less hair at the end of the tail to tangle and less chance of the hair getting stomped on or trapped in anything.

Bottle Brush

Hair is neat and cut short in the same way as the rest of the body. It may be anywhere from 2-4 inches long and is the same length throughout the tail.

Owners who are highly active and don’t want their hair to be tangled or pulled. Owners who don’t want to spend as much time brushing their dogs’ tails out many times a week will appreciate this. Brushing will still be required once a week, but it should be quick and simple.

Fluffy and Long

This has nothing to do with cutting or trimming. This style is supposed to be all-natural, displaying your lovely doodle’s inherent beauty. You’ll need to devote some extra effort to combing and tangle-freeing this tail mat.

Owners who prefer their Goldendoodles’ natural appearance and long billowy tail should choose this option. It’s ideal for owners who don’t want to take their dogs to the groomer as frequently, but it does require brushing at least twice a week, if not daily, to maintain it clear of matts and bugs.

Flag Tail

a playful appearance that is named by its resemblance to the shape of a flag. For the first 2-3 inches, the base of the tail and surrounding the anus are cut short, then the rest of the tail is trimmed into a rectangular shape.

This design is for those who like a tidy appearance while still appreciating the beauty of nature. To prevent mats from developing, this style should be brushed out at least once a week.

Common Goldendoodle Tail problems

Bites

Dogs are social love playing with other dogs, whether on a stroll or in a dog park. Once that enjoyment becomes painful, then it can become uncomfortable very quickly.

When dogs play with other dogs or flee from an animal attempting to hurt them, the tail is an easy target for injury. It is frequently bitten when one dog is fleeing from the other.

This might induce damage at the base of the tail or elsewhere down the tail.

Cleaning the wound, topical medicine, oral antibiotics, and pain killers are some of the usual treatments for dog bites, according to him.

Infections

Infections of the Skin

Skin infections on a dog’s tail can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies or infections from cuts and scrapes caused by trauma.

Because the tail generally has very little additional skin, if the skin is split into an open sore, it can be difficult to get it to heal. Many illnesses caused by allergies lead the cat to gnaw and itch at their tails.

Skin infections are difficult to treat because, even if the dog is wearing an Elizabethan collar to keep them from licking their tails, they will still wag their tails, aggravating the wound.

Oral antibiotics will likely be required in many cases.

Tumors/Masses in the Tail

These lumps are commonly caused by cysts, warts, contaminated sebaceous glands, and benign malignancies. Malignant tail tumors include mast cell tumors, which are the malignant form of hair follicle tumors, sebaceous tumors, and soft tissue sarcoma.

Cold Tail or Limber

A limber tail, a painful muscle condition, is thought to be caused by overexertion. It causes discomfort at the tail’s base, which is sensitive to touch, as well as the remainder of the tail being limp.

Working dogs of large breeds are the most commonly afflicted. It’s possible that a damaged or sick tail will look the same.

Talking with your veterinarian about the best course of action is critical. If fractures and infections have been ruled out, rest and anti-inflammatory pain medications are prescribed.

While minor abrasions may be treated at home, many tail injuries require veterinary attention. Examine the problem and, if required, seek veterinary treatment.

Your dog’s veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics (oral or injectable) and pain medication, as well as perform surgery if required, to repair the injured tail.

Abrasion

Simple scratches can occur when dogs wag their tails against an abrasive surface or snag their tails beneath something.

If the hair has been rubbed out and red skin has been revealed, clean the area with mild soap and warm water.
Apply antibiotic ointment and loosely bandage the tail with a self-adhering wrap instead of using adhesive tape.
Wrap the bandage loosely enough to prevent blood flow restriction.
Replace the bandage on a regular basis and reapply the antibiotic ointment.
If there is severe bleeding or swelling, or if the tissue changes colour, take your dog to the veterinarian.
If the skin and muscle damage is severe, medical help is necessary.

Fecal Matter That Has Been trapped

Some dog tails allow feces to become stuck around the anus, which can cause discomfort and infection.

The perineum (the region surrounding the anus) and any other places prone to fecal and environmental waste-collecting should be cleaned every 12 hours or as needed by owners of dogs with difficulties where the tail retains fecal material.

Over-the-counter baby wipes or antiseptic wipes prescribed by a veterinarian are typically safe to use and do not damage the skin. It can also assist to keep the hair in that region cut short.

Injuries Caused by Wagging (Happy Tail)

If your enthusiastic dog wags her tail everywhere, these dogs, known as “fierce wagggers,” may have issues if they get their tail too close to furniture, walls, or other things that might injure it.

The tail can be traumatized to the point that the skin on the surface erodes and blood vessels are damaged. This is a fairly regular occurrence that, in some dogs, necessitates partial tail amputation.

If your dog has an issue with this, simply move any furniture out of the way. Also, make sure your dog gets enough of outside activity, as a weary dog will wag less “ferociously” than one with a lot of pent-up energy.

Fleas

Fleas frequently target the base of a dog’s tail, which might cause issues with the tail itself. Fleas irritate a dog’s skin by biting it.

The dog will lick or chew to relieve the discomfort of the bite and the inflammation it generates, causing additional irritation to the skin surrounding the base of the tail.

If your dog has fleas, there are various flea treatments and medicines that can help kill the fleas and keep your pet pest-free.

By the way, did you know that you can get fleas from your dog? You can learn how fleas move from dogs to humans here.

Fracturing

Any bone, even the tail vertebrae, can shatter. A dog’s tail is likely to be broken if he is hit, falls from, or has his tail caught in anything.

The site of a fracture plays an important role in determining its severity.

The fracture at the tail’s tip heals without therapy most of the time, although the tail may develop a hump or kink where the fracture occurred.

It may be required to amputate a section of the tail if the tail bones are crushed. Nerve damage is more prevalent and more significant in injuries at the tail’s base.

Take your dog to your veterinarian for a complete checkup if he is hit by a car or has a bad fall.

Lacerations

Lacerations are deep incisions that show underlying muscle and bone. Dogs that bite their tails because they are scared, bored, or have other behavioral difficulties can create lacerations.

Tail biting can also be caused by flea allergies or an issue with the anal glands. Infection is probable, especially in bite wounds, and some lacerations will require sutures.

To stop the bleeding, take your dog to a veterinary emergency clinic and cover his tail with a towel.

Dislocation or Fracture

If a tail is grabbed, walked on, or becomes trapped in a door, it can fracture or dislocate. Because bandaging a tail is tough, the best-case situation is for it to recover on its own, however, partial tail amputation may be required if enough healing does not occur.

Anesthesia is required if a partial tail amputation is necessary, and the skin will take 10 to 14 days to recover. Dogs must wear an Elizabethan collar after surgery, and owners must administer medicine as well as keep an eye on the surgical site.

If the fracture or dislocation is recent, the dog’s tail will usually not wag much and will be sensitive to touch.