Most of us will be aware that some animals have distinctive physical features, and when it comes to French bulldogs, this is no exception. Frenchies have little tails that are extremely adorable to look at!
Of course, along with their little cropped tails, they have bat ears and flat skulls – but are these characteristics always the same?
Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work and answered your question. French bulldogs shouldn’t actually have tails at all – and if they do, they will always be short.
If your Frenchie has a longer tail, the chances are it is not a purebred. But there’s lots more to know than just this, so we’ve got much more information below!
What’s The Deal With Their Tails?
So, as we mentioned – Frenchies shouldn’t have tails at all, but rather what is known as a tail pocket. These areas require regular maintenance and regular cleaning.
If you have a Frenchie and you notice a strong odor coming from them, then there’s a high chance that this smell is coming from their tail pocket!
Tail pockets can quickly become clogged with dirt, debris and feces and this can get extremely smelly. It’s therefore critical that you clean this area very regularly because if you leave it for too long, your furry friend can develop an infection.
First time owners of these unique canines can often overlook this important thing to do, and as a result, they can often notice that their dog’s backside is getting very swollen and red – which is very worrying.
If your Frenchie has a longer tail though, then as we mentioned – there’s a high probability that the dog is not a purebred Frenchie.
Purebred Frenchies
Purebred Frenchies will not have tails, but if they do – they’ll be inch long tails, and it’s important at this point that we note that not all Frenchie’s tails will be the same size – so if your Frenchie’s tail is very little, then don’t panic!
Normally when you purchase a purebred French bulldog, the breeder will give you a pedigree certificate, which will also show all of your furry friend’s health and general history.
Speaking of a Frenchie’s history, if you look into the history of French bulldogs – we learn that once, they actually had longer tails. But due to years of interbreeding with much smaller dog breeds, their tails became smaller and smaller.
On top of this, forced breeding took place due to a horrific sport known as “bull baiting” and owners made their dogs have smaller tails to avoid injury.
If you have a purebred Frenchie, their tail will not be able to rise above the horizontal. They will be thick and cover the dog’s anus.
How Do I Know If I Have A Purebred Frenchie?
Along with the signs we’ve stated above, you could request a DNA test from your vet. This is usually performed if you do not have a purebred pedigree certificate, which can be common if you have a rescue dog.
Since breeders spend a lot of money and their own time on things like a specific diet, health checks, vaccinations and supplements – purebred Frenchies tend to cost a lot more money than other types.
It’s always a good idea to find out if your Frenchie is a purebred or not and it doesn’t cost too much money either – so we’d certainly recommend speaking with your veterinarian to get this performed.
How To Avoid Tail Problems With Your Frenchie?
As we mentioned earlier, without regular cleaning and maintenance, your Frenchie’s anus area can quickly become inflamed, smelly and possibly lead to infection.
So, it’s important that you keep up with a good schedule with their tail pocket and get a routine to help keep your Frenchie safe and clean.
You can use a baby wipe or at least a damp, wet cloth which can clean their tail pocket. If you do not do this properly, you might notice that your Frenchie starts to rub its butt on the ground.
This is usually a sign of worms with other dogs, but with Frenchies – it’s a way for them to get some relief from the significant pain and discomfort that they are feeling.
If left untreated over time, this area can close and they will struggle to defecate. If you notice any of these signs – take your Frenchie to the veterinarian immediately.
Final Thoughts
Frenchies should not have long tails, so if yours does – then it’s not a purebred Frenchie. Most importantly to remember though is to maintain their hygiene and keep your dog happy and healthy!
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