You may have seen many dogs without tails, but not all of them are born this way. Most of the tailless dogs you see every day have their tails docked. Tail docking is quite a controversial topic because it is sometimes carried out in the absence of anesthesia. The process is thought to be painful and has been banned in many countries.
So, are you the one who prefers cute tailless dogs? You might be uneasy with the idea of having your dog’s tail docked. To avoid this painful process, why not go with a breed that’s naturally born with no tail or bobtail? Here we’ve selected the 5 cutest dogs that are born without tails.
1. Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are everyone’s favorite and make perfect family pets. Their distinctive coat is black and white and looks like a tuxedo jacket. The Boston terrier’s coat and well-mannered nature are what give them the title “The American Gentleman.”
These dogs have strong and slim builds. They have warm, mischievous eyes that are wide and round. Their distinctively little tails are known as “nubs”. A few Boston terriers are born with tails, but the breed’s current standards do not recognize them as purebreds.
- Average height: 15-17 inches
- Average weight: 12-25 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-13 years
2. Brittany Spaniel
Brittany Spaniels are medium-sized dogs. Compared to other spaniel breeds, they are smaller. These canines are famous for their energy, intelligence, and alertness. This is why they have a long history of being trained as gun dogs for hunting. The speckled patterns and feathery coats of Brittany Spaniels are distinctive.
Brittanys enjoy playing, swimming, and going on adventures with their owners. These dogs take part in dog sports frequently. While some of this breed’s dogs are tailless, the majority have bobtails. Inbreeding or a genetic mutation may be the reason for their shorter tails.
- Average height: 17.5-20.5 inches
- Average weight: 30-40 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
3. French Bulldog
With a short face and a small nose, the French bulldog is undoubtedly the cutest among the dogs without tails. It is the fourth most popular dog breed in the US. The petite stature, wrinkly face, and laid-back give it an irresistible look. This dog breed is as friendly as other bulldog breeds.
The tail of the modern French Bulldog is short and stubby, hardly covering its rear. The early dogs of this breed often had their tails docked. Later, they were inbred to develop bobtails. These days, you can often spot this cutie dozing on a couch. Surprisingly, they were first bred to eradicate rats from houses and factories.
- Average height: 12 inches
- Average weight: 16-28 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the most adorable and popular of dogs without tails. It is popular because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was also Queen Elizabeth’s pet. This pooch is very affectionate and friendly, making it the perfect family pet.
Originally this dog was docked but later breeders developed bobtailed ones. The short tail has now been included in the breed standard. Its little tail and short, pudgy physique just enhance its adorableness. This house dog is small but sturdy.
- Average height: 10-12 inches
- Average weight: 28-30 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-13 years
5. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is an exotic breed only found in Australia and Canada. These “cattle dogs” are kept on Australian farms to herd cattle and sheep. They are very active and intelligent. The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is tough enough to survive in the harsh climate of Australia.
Some people mistake this dog for an Australian Cattle Dog with a docked tail. But these two breeds aren’t the same. This breed, unlike the others, is born with a short, stumpy tail. Well, there’s a reason why it’s called a “stumpy tail.” The standard tail size of this breed is less than 10 cm.
- Average height: 17-20 inches
- Average weight: 32-45 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
How are Tailless Dogs Born This Way?
Wagging is unique to dogs, and so are the tails. So, how come some breeds are born without tails? Naturally, dogs are born with tails. Dogs without tails first appeared due to a mutation in the T-box gene. Later, scientists used the idea to develop genetically engineered dogs. Breeders selectively bred these bobtail dogs with other breeds to increase the variety. As a result of this genetic engineering, we now have about 170 tailless dog breeds.
Conclusion
From Boston Terrier to Pembroke Welsh Corgi, these are the 5 cutest dogs without tails. You can have any of these dogs if you love tailless dogs but don’t want to go for the docking option.
