Are Corgis Born With Tails? A Look at the Tail Characteristics of Pembrokes and Cardigans
7 February 2024 • Updated 6 February 2024
Corgis are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, but has selective breeding impacted the presence of their tails? While corgis are famous for their short legs, they are not born without tails. However, the tails of Pembroke Welsh Corgis are often docked, which makes them look like they are tailless. On the other hand, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are not docked and have full, long tails as dictated by the breed standard.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of dog genetics, veterinary research, and breed history to explain why some corgis have tails and others don’t. We will also discuss the science and controversy of tail docking, the genetics of tail length, and the impact on animal welfare.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of this topic and a more well-rounded view of this unique aspect of one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Are Corgis born with tails?
Corgi Breeds and Tail Traits
The Welsh Corgis are actually two separate breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The most obvious difference in tail traits between the two breeds is the Pembroke’s docked tail, which is a result of breed standards that specify a preference for a shorter tail.
The Cardigan, on the other hand, has a long, fox-like tail that adheres to the breed standard, which does not call for docking. A report by A-Z Animals noted that Pembrokes are known for their popularity and characteristic docked tails, while Cardigans are known for their larger size and distinctive, full tails.
The tails of Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally docked by breeders for practical purposes related to herding and to avoid taxes that were imposed on working dogs with tails. Today, tail docking is done primarily for cosmetic reasons, in accordance with breed standards set by organizations like the Welsh Corgi League.
These standards originally stated that if the tail was left undocked, it should appear to follow the topline, and it may be set on above or below the topline when the dog is alert.
These breed standards have had a major impact on the look of Pembroke Welsh Corgis and have helped to maintain the naturally long-tailed appearance of the Cardigan Welsh Corgis, shaping both their physical attributes and cultural significance. Understanding these breed-specific tail traits can help shed light on the larger issue of genetics and how it has been used to shape the ideal appearance of each breed.
Genetics of the Corgi Tail
The bobtail gene in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is more than just a fun genetic mutation. It has been traced to a mutation in the T-box transcription factor T gene (C189G) that is closely linked to the natural bobtail trait in the breed.
A paper in the Journal of Heredity showed that the mutation affects the development of the tail, leading to a range of tail lengths from short to almost nonexistent. However, the mutation is not found in all dog breeds with the bobtail trait, indicating that other genes are involved.
Breeders have worked to maintain the gene in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi population, especially after the ban on tail docking. However, there is a common misconception that the natural bobtail gene is associated with spinal issues. A study in Welsh Corgi News from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute disproved this idea, finding no evidence of congenital spinal issues associated with the bobtail gene.
Genetic testing is an important part of breeding programs, allowing breeders to identify carriers of the bobtail gene and make informed decisions about which dogs to breed. This helps ensure the health of the dogs and that breed standards are met.
As tail docking becomes less common, the importance of genetics and ethical breeding will only grow, and it will have an impact on the future of the breed and the well-being of these popular pets.
The History and Controversy of Tail Docking
The origins of tail docking, the surgical removal of part or all of a dog’s tail, are complex and can be traced to a number of historical beliefs and practices.
Throughout history, tail docking has been used to prevent rabies, help working dogs, and denote social status, as well as for cosmetic reasons in certain breeds.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), while the procedure was historically justified by its benefits to working dogs, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The pain caused by docking is well-documented, but the severity of the pain is difficult to measure.
In addition to the acute pain caused by the procedure, which can have long-term consequences, including impaired communication and behavioral changes.
In light of the evidence, many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations have changed their positions and now oppose tail docking unless it is medically necessary. A study in BMC Veterinary Research found that tail docking causes severe acute pain and the potential for chronic pain and is often performed without anesthesia.
Meanwhile, research published in PMC found that the tail is an important part of canine communication, which means that tail docking could impair a dog’s ability to communicate with others.
Around the world, the legal status of tail docking is changing, with many countries enacting bans or restrictions. This change reflects growing concerns about animal welfare and the fact that the procedure has little relevance to modern dog breeding. As a result, it’s important to understand the controversy and impact of tail docking in order to find a balance between breed standards and the welfare of dogs.
Evolutionary Function and Tail Diversity in Dogs
Tails have been important for the evolutionary survival of dogs due to their role in balance during movement, steering during swimming, and counterbalance during climbing and descending. Dogs also use their tails to communicate, and Modern Dog Magazine explains that dogs use the position and movement of their tails to send clear signals about their mood. A tail held high can indicate confidence, while a tail tucked between the legs can signal fear.
The range of tail shapes and sizes across dog breeds is also striking, from the tightly curled tail of a Pomeranian to the long, whip-like tail of a Greyhound. Reader’s Digest explains that breeders have selected for these differences, including the natural bobtail, based on both functional and aesthetic considerations in dog breeding.
For example, the bushy tails of spitz-type dogs in cold climates help keep them warm, and the unique tails of water dogs help them swim more effectively.
In the case of corgis, knowing about the general functions and importance of tails in dogs helps explain why the tail characteristics of the Pembroke and Cardigan corgis are so different. Whether a tail is present or absent, which is important for balance, movement, or communicative signaling, can have a big impact on a dog’s life, which underscores the importance of responsible breeding.
What the Corgi Tails Tell Us
In this final look at corgi tails, we can see that Breeders often dock the tails of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a practice that is deeply rooted in history and breed standards.
On the other hand, Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a long, fluffy tail that is an important part of their breed standard. Breeders are working to maintain the genetic mutation in the T gene that causes the natural bobtail in Pembrokes, even though there are ethical concerns and animal welfare issues associated with tail docking.
It is important to recognize the role tails play in canine communication and behavior. Tails are essential for balance, movement, and expressing emotions, and they are not just cosmetic. As a result, the consequences of tail docking go beyond looks to the very heart of how dogs interact with one another.
It is important to stress the need for responsible breeding and informed decisions about tail docking in order to find a balance between breed standards and animal welfare. In doing so, we can ensure that we are respecting the heritage and future of these beloved breeds. And let’s celebrate every wag, bob, and swish, because those movements mean more than just a tail—it’s a dog’s joy and identity.
