French Bulldog With A Long Tail: Is it Rare or Normal Occurrence?

If you’ve ever seen a French Bulldog with a long tail and thought, “Wait… do Frenchies even have tails like that?”, you’re not alone! We’re so used to seeing these little cuties with short, stumpy tails that a long tail on a Frenchie might make you double-take. So, is it rare? Is it normal?

Do French Bulldogs Normally Have Long Tails?

French bulldogs should not have long tails. The typical French Bulldog has either a screw tail, straight tail, or a short corkscrew tail. These tails are one of the breed’s signature features, adding to their quirky, adorable look. Long tails aren’t part of the breed standard according to major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC). Instead of tails, Frenchies have so-called tail pockets that require regular cleaning. If you don’t clean them regularly, they can become infected, swollen, and painful. 

If you’re an inexperienced dog owner, then you’re probably not familiar with this feature on the French bulldog breed. 

So, Why Do Some French Bulldogs Have Long Tails?

Here’s where things get interesting! A Frenchie with a long tail is likely the result of one of these situations:

1. A Genetic Throwback – Somewhere in their lineage, there might have been a French Bulldog ancestor with a longer tail. Occasionally, those genetics pop back up. However, before buying a French bulldog with a long tail, make sure you ask the breeder for the pedigree certificate. Check who are the puppy’s parents and recorded health certification such as OFA. 
2. Mixed Breeding – It’s possible the French Bulldog could have been crossbred with another breed (perhaps one with a longer tail), especially if you didn’t get your pup from a registered breeder. In most cases, Frenchies are cross breed with Pugs. Pugs have curly and short tails and Frenchies can inherit those traits from them.
3. Healthier Breeding Practices – Lately, some breeders have focused on producing French Bulldogs with longer tails to avoid health problems associated with the traditional screw tail, like hemivertebrae (a spinal disorder). So, a longer tail could actually be a sign of a healthier pup!

Types of French Bulldog Tails: Explained

While French Bulldogs aren’t known for having long, flowing tails, their short tails come in a few different shapes. These cute tails are part of their charm, but they can also affect their health. Here’s a breakdown of the three common types of French Bulldog tails:

1. Screw Tail

The screw tail is one of the most iconic French Bulldog tail types. It’s a short, thick tail that appears tightly twisted or coiled—almost like a little cinnamon roll on their backside.

What It Looks Like:

• Short and tightly curled.
• The twist can be subtle or more pronounced.
• Often looks like it’s “stuck” in a spiral shape close to the body.

Fun Fact:

The screw tail is super cute but can cause health problems. Some Frenchies with extreme screw tails may develop spinal issues (like hemivertebrae) or have a tail pocket—a fold underneath the tail that can trap dirt and moisture. This needs regular cleaning to avoid infections.

2. Straight Tail

A straight tail is less common in French Bulldogs but is considered the healthiest tail type. Unlike the screw tail, it’s short and sticks out from the body without curling.

What It Looks Like:

• Straight and stubby, with little or no curve.
• Often tapers to a slight point.
• Sits low on the body.

Why It’s Preferred:

Breeders and veterinarians often favor straight tails because they’re less likely to cause health issues like tail pocket infections or spinal deformities. This type of tail requires less maintenance.

3. Short Corkscrew Tail

The short corkscrew tail is a mix between a screw tail and a straight tail. It has a slight twist, but it isn’t as tightly coiled as a true screw tail.

What It Looks Like:

• Short with a gentle curve or twist.
• Less tightly wound than a screw tail.
• Sits low on the body, sometimes resembling a little hook.

Health Considerations:

While corkscrew tails aren’t as risky as extreme screw tails, they can still cause tail pocket issues if the fold beneath the tail isn’t cleaned regularly.

Is a French Bulldog with a Long Tail Rare?

Yes, it’s definitely uncommon, but not unheard of. Most French Bulldogs you’ll see around the park or on Instagram will have the standard short tail. A long tail isn’t exactly what people expect in a Frenchie, which makes it stand out.

However, if you’re thinking about showing your dog in competitions, keep in mind that a long tail doesn’t meet the official breed standard. Judges are gonna look for that little nub!

Does a Long Tail Affect a Frenchie’s Health or Personality?

Honestly? Nope! A French Bulldog with a long tail is just as lovable, goofy, and stubborn as any other Frenchie. In fact, some breeders and veterinarians argue that longer tails are healthier because they reduce the risk of spinal issues.

Here’s the thing: French Bulldogs with short, corkscrew tails can suffer from spinal deformities, skin infections, and other problems related to their tightly curled tails. So if your Frenchie has a long tail, it could actually be a blessing in disguise!

Frenchies without tails will be more prone to infections, so you’ll have to clean those nasty-smelling tail pockets with wet wipes or damp cloth. 

What Should You Do If Your French Bulldog Has a Long Tail?

If your French Bulldog has a long tail, first of all, don’t worry—it’s not a bad thing at all! While most Frenchies have a short, stumpy tail or a screw tail, a long-tailed French Bulldog can be perfectly healthy and just as adorable as their short-tailed cousins. In fact, many vets believe longer tails are healthier because they reduce the risk of certain health issues associated with short tails and Frenchie tail pockets.

But what should you do if your Frenchie is rocking that long tail? Here are a few tips to keep them happy and healthy:

1. Regular Tail and Tail Pocket Checks

Even though your French Bulldog has a longer tail, you’ll still want to check for any signs of irritation, infection, or buildup around the base of the tail. Some French Bulldogs have a tail pocket, which is a little fold or indentation underneath the tail. This spot can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, causing skin infections if it’s not kept clean. Therefore, if you see your French bulldog scooting, make sure its tail pocket is not irritated.

What to do:

• Check the tail pocket every few days.
• Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to gently clean the area.
• Make sure it’s completely dry afterward.
• If this area started to release some fluid or blood, then you definitely need to take your dog to the vet. He will prescribe you antibiotic cream to treat the infected spot. Note that the swollen and infected area under the tail is very painful. 

2. Keep an Eye on Their Tail for Injuries

Since long tails are more exposed, they can be prone to injuries—especially if your Frenchie is an excited little wiggle-butt. Pay attention to the tip of their Frenchie tail to make sure it isn’t getting caught on furniture or wagged into hard surfaces. If you notice any redness, swelling, or bleeding, it’s best to consult your vet.

3. Grooming and Hygiene

A French Bulldog tail—long or short—needs a bit of grooming to stay healthy. For a long tail, keep the fur around it clean, especially after bathroom breaks. If your French bulldog with a long tail is prone to messes, you might want to trim the fur around the tail base to make cleaning easier.

4. Monitor for Spinal Health

French bulldog with a Long tail is less likely to spinal issues compared to the traditional corkscrew tail, which can be linked to conditions like hemivertebrae. Still, it’s always a good idea to watch for any signs of pain or mobility issues, especially as your French Bulldog grows. Regular vet checkups will help catch any potential problems early.

French Bulldog With a Long Tail: Conclusion

So, is a French Bulldog with a long tail rare or normal? Well, it’s not typical, but it’s not something to freak out about either. Whether your Frenchie has a short, curly tail or a long, waggy one, they’re still the same lovable goofball at heart. Just remember—unique is cool, and your long-tailed Frenchie is totally one of a kind!