Learn all about the pups with this adorable feature.
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Few traits rival the charm of a dog with a curly tail. This trait arises from the unique structure of a dog'stailvertebrae. Normally,the vertebrae that make up a dog's tailare somewhat rounded, but dogs with curly tails have tail vertebrae that resemble wedges(called hemivertebrae). When these wedge-shaped vertebrae stack on top of one another, a curl is formed.
Curly tails come in various forms, ranging from tightly coiled corkscrews to loosely curled shapes with more flexibility. You can find curly tails on dogs of all sizes, from small to large.
Despite sharing a common trait, each curly-tailed breed brings its own unique qualities and personalities to the table, so we can’t generalize their characteristics. Instead, let’s dive deeper into the individual breeds. (And don’t worry—curly tails can still wag—as best as they can, at least!)
Here are 14 dogs with curly tails that are sure to wind their way into your heart.
01 of 14
Pug
With their iconic wrinkled faces and compact bodies, pugs are small dogs that were originally bred to be companions to China’s ruling families. They have a tight, spiral-like tail that curls over their back, resembling a cinnamon roll. The tail sometimes uncurls, a sign that the dog may be tired, stressed, relaxed, unwell, or (some pet parents swear) guilty of something. An elderly pug can have a looser tail, too.Pugs are known for their outgoing, goofy personalities and tend to get along well with a wide variety of humans (including kids) and animals.
Breed Overview
Group:Toy (AKC)
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Charming, funny, loving, mischievous, laid-back
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat in fawn or black
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
02 of 14
Siberian Husky
Medium to large-sized, Siberian huskies were originally bred in Siberia for sled pulling and companionship. They have striking blue or multi-colored eyes and a thick double coat. Their tail can appear mostly straight, curved, or kinked, usually depending on their mood. When curled, their fluffy tail gracefully curves over their back. Siberian huskies tend to do well with kids and other dogs but require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re best suited for active individuals or families.
Breed Overview
Group:Working (AKC)
Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (male); 20 to 22 inches (female)
Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (male); 35 to 50 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Outgoing, mischievous, playful, vocal, independent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat in white, black, or a combination of white with red, black & tan, gray, brown, agouti, black, or sable
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
03 of 14
Pomeranian
These pint-sized bundles of fluff are toy-sized dogs that were made popular by royal pet parents in the 18th century. A Pomeranian’s heavily plumed tail curls upward and rolls backward, resting on the dog’s back like a fan. This compact breed often forms strong bonds with their families, delighting those around them with their charming antics. A Pomeranian is an excellent choice for those seeking a quirky companion with moderate exercise needs and a lot of love to give.
Breed Overview
Group:Toy (AKC)
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Inquisitive, lively, bold, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, double coat in red, orange, white, cream, blue, sable, brindle, black, chocolate, and tri-colored
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
04 of 14
Akita
Akitas are large dogs that were originally bred in Japan as hunting and guard dogs. Akitas have a plush tail that typically curls over their back. The set of each dog’s tail is unique and very few look the same. Akitas require consistent, positive-reinforcement training due to their strong-willed personalities, and may not always get along well with other animals. With their high energy, they also require long, daily walks.
Breed Overview
Group:Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 28 inches (male); 24 to 26 inches (female)
Weight: 100-130 pounds (male); 70-100 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, introverted, intelligent, protective, independent
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat in fawn, red, white, brown brindle, with or without a black overlay, and all black.
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
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05 of 14
Finnish Spitz
The Finnish spitz (aka Finkie) is a rare, medium-sized dog breed that was originally used in Finland for hunting birds and small game. They have a fox-like appearance with a striking red coat, pointed ears, and a plumedtailthat curls over their back. Finnish spitz dogs are intelligent and independent and often exhibit a strong prey drive. They're a good choice for active individuals or families, including those with kids.
Breed Overview
Group:Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17.5 to 20 inches (male); 15.5 to 18 inches (female)
Weight: 25 to 33 pounds (male); 20 to 28 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Good-natured, friendly, lively, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat in red, gold, or red gold
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
06 of 14
Basenji
Not particularly well-known, Basenjis are small dogs that were originally bred in Central Africa for hunting small game. This ancient breed shares many characteristics with wild dogs, but interestingly, they don’t bark—they produce a yodel-like sound instead. A Basenji’s distinctive features include a wrinkled forehead, erect ears, short, fine fur, and a tightly curled tail that loops back over the dog’s backside. They’re energetic and alert dogs that bond closely with their humans but may be less friendly toward other animals.
Breed Overview
Group:Hound (AKC)
Height: 17 inches (male); 16 inches (female)
Weight: 24 pounds (male); 22 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Independent, intelligent, poised, active
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in white with sable, black, black tan, brindle, red, black brindle, blue cream, mahogany tan, or cream
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
07 of 14
American Eskimo Dog
Despite their name, American Eskimo dogs are small dogs that originated in Germany as companions and guard dogs. This breed comes in three varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. Distinctive features include a dense, bright white coat with a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders and a plumed tail that curves over the back. American Eskimo dogs are eager to please, but they can be a bit territorial. They’re well-suited for active individuals and families looking for a loyal playmate.
Breed Overview
Group:Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 9 to 12 inches (toy); 12 to 15 inches (miniature); 15 to 19 inches (standard)
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds (toy); 10 to 20 pounds (miniature); 25 to 35 pounds (standard)
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, smart, social, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat in white or white and biscuit
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
08 of 14
Shiba Inu
With their thick, red coat and pointed ears, Shiba Inus are small dogs that were originally bred in Japan for hunting small game. They are the smallest and oldest of the native Japanese breeds. A Shiba Inu’s tail curls upward toward the back to form a small curl. These dogs are intelligent and fiercely loyal to their families. They’re best suited for experienced pet parents who can provide consistent training, exercise, and socialization.
Breed Overview
Group:Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 14.5 to 16.5 inches (male); 13.5 to 15.5 inches (female)
Weight: 23 pounds (male); 17 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Active, attentive, affectionate, protective, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, double coat in cream, red, sesame, or black & tan
Life Span: 13 to 16 years
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09 of 14
Samoyed
Samoyeds originated in Siberia where they were used by the Samoyedic people as sled dogs and reindeer herders. You can’t miss their fluffy, cloud-like tail that curls over the back. This breed tends to have a gentle and affectionate nature (they aren’t called “smiling Sammies” for nothing). Samoyeds are active, intelligent, social, and good with children, thriving in the company of their people.
Breed Overview
Group:Working (AKC)
Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (male); 19 to 21 inches (female)
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds (male); 35 to 50 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Social, cheery, gentle, adaptable, affectionate, protective, playful
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Long, double coat in white, biscuit, cream, and white & biscuit
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Chow Chow
Chow Chows are medium-sized dogs that first came on the scene in China where they were used for hunting, guarding, and pulling carts. They’re powerful, compactly built dogs with dense fur, a lion-like mane, a distinctive blue-black tongue, and a thickly furred tail that curls over their back. They’re affectionate with their people but can sometimes be aggressive with other animals. They do best in calm homes with experienced pet parents who can provide consistent training and lots of grooming.
Breed Overview
Group:Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, loyal, intelligent, independent, protective
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, smooth or rough double coat in cream, red, cinnamon, black, and blue
Life Span: 8 to 12 years
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Alaskan Malamute
Immensely strong, Alaskan Malamutes originated in Alaska as sled dogs and hunting companions for the Inuit people. With a wolf-like appearance, defining characteristics of this breed include a very thick coat, pointed ears, a broad head, and a plume-like tail that curls over their back. They have a friendly and outgoing personality and love outdoor adventures, making them excellent for families or individuals looking for an active dog who loves to play and explore.
Breed Overview
Group:Working (AKC)
Height: 25 inches (male); 23 inches (female)
Weight: 85 pounds (male); 75 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, playful, independent, strong-willed
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat in white with gray, black, red, seal, silver, sable, blue, or agouti, or all white
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
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Keeshond
Small to medium-sized with a plumed and gracefully curled tail, the Keeshond breed was established in Holland in the 18th century as watchdogs and companions. They’re known for their alertness, affectionate nature, and adaptability. They tend to get along with most humans (including kids) and animals, making them a seamless addition to the family.
Breed Overview
Group:Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 18 inches (male); 17 inches (female)
Weight: 35 to 45 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, devoted, affectionate, protective
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Long, double coat in black with silver, gray, or gray cream
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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13 of 14
Norwegian Elkhound
Friendly, confident, and dependable, this medium-sized breed originally helped their human companions with hunting large game such as elk and bear. But, their friendly nature makes them excellent modern-day companions for a variety of people. Norwegian elkhounds have dense, silver-gray coats, sturdy, muscular builds, and tails curling tightly over their backs.
Breed Overview
Group:Hound (AKC)
Height: 20.5 inches (male); 19.5 inches (female)
Weight: 55 pounds (male); 48 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, confident, dependable, affectionate, playful, protective
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat in black with gray black, silver gray, gray, or silver
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Buhunds are medium-sized dogs that were originally used by the Vikings to herd reindeer and other similar livestock. This breed is still used for their herding expertise today. They’re a cold-weather breed characterized by a dense coat, erect ears, and a high-set tail curled in a tight arc over their back. Norwegian Buhunds are known for their intelligence and strong work ethic, so they do best with experienced, active pet parents who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Breed Overview
Group:Herding (AKC)
Height: 17 to 18.5 inches (male); 16 to 17.5 inches (female)
Weight: 31 to 40 pounds (male); 26 to 35 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Confident, smart, perceptive, affectionate, devoted
Energy Level: Medium-high
Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat in wheaten or black
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Besalti, O., Ozak, A., Pekcan, Z.et al.Nasca classification of hemivertebra in five dogs.Irish Veterinary Journal, vol58, no. 688, 2005., doi:10.1186/2046-0481-58-12-688
