Do Corgis Have Tails? A Veterinarian Weighs In

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m often asked a variety of canine questions by curious owners. One that comes up surprisingly often is: "Do corgis have tails?" The answer, as with many things in life, is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. In this article, we‘ll dive snout-first into the curly world of corgis and their ever-elusive tails.

The Corgi Tail Tale: Long, Short and Nonexistent

To start, we need to clarify that there are actually two distinct breeds of corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. While quite similar in build and personality, they do differ in one very noticeable way. Virtually all Cardigan corgis are born with and keep their long, fluffy tails throughout their lives. Pembrokes, on the other hand, are a different story – er, tail.

You see, while all corgis are born with tails, the majority of Pembroke corgis have them docked (surgically removed) within a few days of birth. As a result, most Pembrokes you encounter will have either a very short nub of a tail or no visible tail at all.

So in summary: most Cardigan corgis have full tails, most Pembrokes have docked tails, but they are all born with tails. Got it? Good. Now let‘s wag on.

What Does a Natural Corgi Tail Look Like?

For those not well-versed in corgi cabooses, you may be wondering what their natural, undocked tails actually look like. In a word: majestic. Corgi tails are surprisingly long and fluffy, usually reaching down to or past their hocks (ankles). They‘re fairly thick and covered in the same thick, medium-length double coat as the rest of their body.

When relaxed, a corgi‘s tail hangs down and curves slightly upward at the end, vaguely resembling a capital "J" shape. When alert or excited, they carry their tails high and curved over their back, much like a husky or malamute. It‘s quite a sight to behold, especially in motion as they zoom around.

Interestingly, some naturally bob-tailed (short-tailed) corgi breeds have also started popping up, notably the Swedish Vallhund. However, these are separate and much rarer breeds, distinct from the traditional Welsh corgis.

A Tale of Docking: The History and Controversy

So why do so many Pembrokes have their tails docked in the first place? The practice originated centuries ago when corgis were primarily used as herding dogs. Farmers believed that the long tails posed a risk of injuries when the short dogs were nipping at the heels of much larger cattle. To protect their precious pups, they began docking the tails shortly after birth.

However, as corgis shifted from farmhands to companions, the justification for docking became much less clear. Yet the practice persisted, primarily for cosmetic and breed standard reasons. Until very recently, a docked tail was actually required for Pembrokes to compete in American Kennel Club conformation shows or be registered with the UK Kennel Club.

In recent years, the tides have started to turn against tail docking. As of 2024, over 35 countries have banned or restricted the practice for cosmetic purposes, including Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Africa, and most of Europe. In the United States, some states like New York and Vermont have also moved to prohibit docking and cropping.

Major veterinary organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK have all released statements opposing tail docking for non-medical reasons, labeling it an unnecessary and painful procedure.

Even among breeders and kennel clubs, attitudes are shifting. As of 2024, the American Kennel Club now allows for natural tails in the Pembroke breed standard. Many breeders are choosing to keep tails intact, and some expect naturally tailed Pems to become the norm within the next decade.

Does Docking Hurt? The Research Says Yes

One of the most common historic justifications for tail docking was that it didn‘t cause pain or distress to puppies if done shortly after birth. However, a growing body of veterinary research has shown this to be demonstrably false.

Multiple studies using various metrics like cortisol levels, vocalization, and pain behaviors have shown conclusively that tail docking does indeed cause significant acute pain and distress to puppies, even with the use of local anesthetics or analgesics. This pain can persist for days or even weeks during the healing process.

Some research also suggests that neonatal docking may have longer term consequences. One study found that dogs docked as puppies had a significantly higher sensitivity to pain as adults. Another noted an elevated risk of post-docking neuroma formation, a type of residual nerve pain.

While the evidence of long-term physical and behavioral impacts is still limited, there is an increasing consensus among veterinary and behavior experts that docking is not a benign procedure and should only be done for clear medical necessity.

Caring for a Corgi Tail – Natural or Nubby

So what does this mean for you as a current or prospective corgi owner? Whether you have a Cardigan with a glorious floofy tail, a Pembroke with a natural tail, or a Pem with a docked nub, one thing is certain – that corgi butt deserves boops and love just the same!

However, there are a few practical considerations depending on your corgi‘s caboose situation. For natural tails, regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep the fluff looking fabulous. This is especially true if your corgi‘s tail tends to collect burrs and debris on outdoor adventures.

Some corgi owners worry that a long tail will be a magnet for injuries or get caught on things. While it‘s wise to do a tail safety check of your home environment, a healthy corgi tail is actually quite resilient and flexible. Serious tail injuries are quite rare, especially compared to the risk of post-docking complications.

If your corgi does have a docked tail, you‘ll want to keep an eye on it, especially when they‘re young. While rare, infection, prolonged pain, or other healing issues can occur. Some docked dogs may also be more sensitive about having their tail area touched. Always check with your vet if something seems amiss.

The Bottom Line on Corgi Bottoms

As we‘ve seen, the question of "Do corgis have tails?" has a multi-faceted answer. But here‘s the tail-wagging takeaway:

Corgis of both breeds do all start life with tails. Pembrokes frequently have them docked for historical and cosmetic reasons, while Cardigans almost always keep their glorious natural tails. This practice has become increasingly controversial, with many countries banning it and veterinary groups opposing it as an unnecessary cosmetic procedure.

Ultimately, as long as your corgi is healthy and happy, the status of their tail is secondary. But if you ask this dog lover and vet, I say let those corgi tails fly free! Their quirky, adorable personalities shine through with or without a few extra inches of fluff.

Comparison of Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis

As of 2024, it‘s estimated that around 60% of Pembrokes worldwide still have docked tails, though this number is decreasing each year as more breeders and owners opt for natural tails. In some countries like Sweden and Norway, over 90% of Pems now have full length tails thanks to docking bans.

So whether you‘re team nub, team floof, or team any-corgi-butt-is-a-cute-butt, rest assured – your corgi bestie will wag their way into your heart no matter what!