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Tails

Shih Tzu Tails

Shih Tzu tail curls over back

Overview

A Shih Tzu's tail is an extension of their spine, composed of vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and covered in skin and hair, serving as a crucial tool for communication and balance. Through its movement and positioning, a tail can express a wide range of emotions and emotional states. 

This article aims to cover every aspect of a Shih Tzu's tail, from expected tail set to interpreting tail language to tail injuries. And, if you have a question regarding your Shih Tzu’s tail, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve complied the most frequently asked questions about tails – from shaving to wagging to tail set... curling and chewing issues, and everything in between.

Chances are you will learn something new and this information will help you be prepared for issues that may arise. After all, these canine appendages used for both balance and communication are important to our dogs, and should be to you as well. 
Shih Tzu showing their tail
Shih Tzu showing their tail

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Shih Tzu Tail Set: Show vs Pet

Show: The AKC's breed standard for the Shih Tzu is: Tail - Set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back. Too loose, too tight, too flat, or too low set a tail is undesirable and should be penalized to extent of deviation.


In simpler terms, this means that a Shih Tzu's tail should start high up on its back and have lots of hair, forming a nice curve that arches over the body. If the tail hangs too loosely, is curled too tightly, lays too flat, or starts too low on the body, it's not what the standard looks for and could affect the dog's score in a show. The degree to which the tail differs from this ideal will determine how much it counts against the dog.


Pet: For a pet Shih Tzu, not being in the show ring, the tail's appearance can vary more widely than the strict standards set for competition. Typically, a Shih Tzu's tail is still set high on its back and may carry a plume of hair, but the degree of the curve over the back can differ. Some Shih Tzu dogs may have tails that curl loosely, while others might have tails that don't arch as prominently. The tail might not always be as heavily plumed or perfectly positioned as described in show standards, depending on grooming, genetics, and overall health.


In everyday life, the appearance of a Shih Tzu's tail is more about health and happiness than meeting specific aesthetic criteria. A lively Shih Tzu will wag their tail energetically, regardless of its curve or plume. So, while a show Shih Tzu's tail is a work of art crafted to meet precise standards, a pet Shih Tzu's tail is more about expression and character, often reflecting the dog's mood and well-being rather than conforming to a breed standard.

Interpreting the Tail Language of a Shih Tzu

For a Shih Tzu, a breed known for its distinctive tail carriage over its back, tail positions can reveal much about their mood and health. This breed's tail set is not merely a breed characteristic but an expressive tool, providing insights into their emotional state and well-being. This is what various tail positions can communicate:


  • Tail Curled Over the Back: This is the typical posture of a Shih Tzu's tail, indicating a state of contentment, confidence, and alertness. When a Shih Tzu holds their tail high and curled over its back, it usually means they are in a good mood, feeling secure and happy in their environment.
  • Tail Relaxed and Lowered: If the tail is relaxed and not held as tightly over the back, it can suggest a state of calmness or neutrality. This position may indicate that the Shih Tzu is relaxed, comfortable, and not feeling particularly alert or engaged.
  • Subtly Lowered Tail: For the Shih Tzu, a breed characterized by a tail that naturally curls over the back, a full tuck under the body as seen in other dog breeds is less common due to their anatomical structure. Instead, a Shih Tzu may show signs of fear, anxiety, or submission through a subtly lowered tail. Rather than curling over the back, the tail might slightly uncurl and lower towards the body, but not fully tuck under. This more subdued gesture still communicates discomfort or a desire to avoid conflict, indicating that the dog feels uneasy or threatened in certain situations.
  • Wagging Tail: A wagging tail is the body language that signifies joy or excitement. The speed and manner of the wag can further refine what emotion the dog is experiencing.
  • Stiff Tail: A tail that is stiffly held over the back, especially if combined with a rigid body posture, can indicate alertness or aggression. This position may suggest that the Shih Tzu is focusing intently on something or might be feeling defensive.

Are Shih Tzu dogs supposed to have curled tails? 

Can a Shih Tzu's Tail Set be Hereditary?

Shih Tzu adult and puppy same tail set
Shih Tzu adult and puppy same tail set
A Shih Tzu's tail set is hereditary. The set of the tail, whether too high, too low, or ‘just right’ is an inherited trait just like a dog’s bite set, size, color, etc. If a Shih Tzu has a tail that is much too short, too long or is not carried correctly, barring any sort of injury or surgery that was done, you can almost always find this ‘flaw’ in the bloodline. 

So, if breeding, it's important to know that a Shih Tzu with a highly flawed tail set can pass this on to potential litters. Since the goal of producing puppies should be to maintain the integrity of the breed, that dog should be excluded from any breeding program. 

This said, if a Shih Tzu’s tail is so off that it is considered a fault, that puppy or dog will still make an amazing canine family member. 

Do Shih Tzu Dogs Have Docked Tails?

We have heard from quite a few people that think that they have seen this, but know that the tails are not customarily docked. So, what's happening? 

While there are a few breeds that do have docked tails (mostly in the US, since many other countries have banned this practice), the Shih Tzu is not one of them. Docking a Shih Tzu’s tail has never been a custom or practice at any time during its development or in today’s modern world.  However, there are circumstances in which a surgical docking may have been necessary such as severe injury or infection to the dog’s tail. 

Is it Okay to Shave a Shih Tzu's Tail?

This is a question that we are asked quite often. If you are planning on having your Shih Tzu shaved down to a close puppy cut, it is your own personal choice to have this include the tail. Carefully shaving the tail down to match the length of the coat for this hair style is perfectly fine to do. 

The only real risk would be for an inexperienced groomer to shave too close and nick the skin; a cut on the tail can take a long time to heal. 

There is a rather widespread myth that shaving a Shih Tzu's tail can throw off the dog’s balance and make it difficult for them to walk straight, etc.; however this is not true… in just about every case of that sort of issue, it is a matter of some type of tail injury (razor burn, cut, handled too rough, etc.).

The ‘all body’ puppy cut, including a shaved tail, is a preferred look for many owners and puppies and dogs do not seem to mind less hair on the tail. 

Can I Shave the Hair Right Under My Shih Tzu's Tail?

Some pet parents like to have the area under their Shih Tzu's tail shaved for hygiene purposes, since feces can get stuck on those hairs. And yes, it can be done. In fact, this sort of clipping is done quite often for these reasons. 

As with any sort of clipping, you’ll want to be very careful. Since the anal glands are located in this area as well, do be vigilant or opt to have a trusted groomer perform this task if you are not comfortable with the clippers. In addition, while the goal is to have the hair under the tail be short, you will want to keep some length (1/4 inch at least) so that there is no bare skin showing.
Shih Tzu tail differences

If a Shih Tzu Chews on the Tip of Their Tail:

Dogs in general tend to chew at their paws and their tails, simply because these are the most accessible parts of the body that can be reached. In most cases of a Shih Tzu obsessively chewing the end of their tail, the reason is an intense itch. Though, it should be mentioned that what once started off as an itching problem may turn into a habit.

In regard to itching, in most cases this can be traced back to some sort of allergy. All 3 main types of allergies: Food, contact, and seasonal can cause itching all over the body and it is then that the tail and paws may be gnawed at in an attempt to find relief.
Fleas are another possible cause (it only takes 1 flea bite to cause severe itching if a Shih Tzu is allergic to the flea saliva). With so many possible culprits as the allergen, you may wish to speak with the vet to help diagnose allergy issues.

At-home treatment: An effective hot spot spray directed onto the tail can almost immediately stop itching and allow the area to heal. Don't use this if there are any open cuts; but for general issues with hot spots on the tail and itching, a spray like Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot and Itch Relief Medicated Spray can work very well. This contains lidocaine to numb pain, hydrocortisone to reduce itching, and allantoin to moisturize the skin. Apply this spray twice a day for consistent relief, targeting the tail. 
Red flags: If the skin is red, swollen or otherwise looks very raw, you’ll want to have the vet take a look since the constant chewing may have led to an infection. In some cases, the tail will need to be dabbed with an antibiotic gel and then bandaged to allow it to heal. This is often done each day with a fresh wrapping for 2 weeks.

If a Shih Tzu Suddenly Stops Moving Their Tail:

If a Shih Tzu dog stops moving their tail, it can be a sign of various underlying issues, ranging from physical problems to emotional distress. Here are some reasons why this may occur:


  • Cold Weather: In very cold temperatures, dogs may hold their tails closer to their bodies to conserve heat, resulting in less tail movement. This is a natural response to maintain body temperature.
  • Injury or Pain: If a dog has injured their tail or is experiencing pain in or around the tail area, they may stop moving it to avoid further discomfort. Tail injuries can occur from accidents or even overexertion during play.
  • Depression: Similar to humans, dogs can experience depression, which may cause them to become less active and show less interest in things they usually enjoy, including wagging their tail. Signs of depression in dogs can include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and a general lack of enthusiasm for play or interaction.
  • Emotional Distress: Dogs communicate their emotions through their tails. A dog that is scared, anxious, or depressed might hold their tail still as a sign of their emotional state. This can be a temporary response to a stressful situation or a sign of a deeper issue.
  • Fatigue or Illness: Just like humans, dogs can have days where they feel tired or under the weather. A dog might not move their tail as much if they're feeling lethargic due to illness or exhaustion.
  • Anal Gland Issues: Dogs have anal glands that can sometimes become impacted or infected, causing discomfort or pain. When experiencing anal gland issues, a dog might stop wagging their tail to avoid exacerbating the pain and discomfort. You might also notice them scooting or licking the area excessively.
  • Back Problems: Dogs suffering from back problems, including issues like herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal injuries, may reduce their tail movement to minimize pain. These conditions can affect the spine's mobility and the nerves that control tail movement, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, or paralysis in severe cases.

Shih Tzu Tail Injury:

Tail injuries in Shih Tzu dogs can stem from a variety of incidents and can affect their ability to express emotions and maintain balance. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in your little guy or gal's recovery.


Signs of Tail Injury: First, it's crucial to recognize the symptoms of a tail injury in your Shih Tzu. These signs can include:


  • Limpness or Inability to Wag: A clear indication of discomfort or injury.
  • Swelling or Visible Bruises: These are physical signs of trauma to the tail.
  • Excessive Licking or Biting: At the tail area, suggesting pain or irritation.
  • Whimpering or Vocalizing: Especially when the tail is touched or moved.


Common Causes: Understanding how your Shih Tzu might have injured their tail is key to preventing future incidents. Typical causes include:


  • Accidents: Such as getting the tail caught in doors or experiencing falls.
  • Animal Bites: Can occur during fights or interactions with other pets.
  • Overexertion: Sometimes, vigorous wagging can lead to muscle strain.
  • Environmental Hazards: Like encountering thorns, burrs, or harsh weather conditions.


Home Treatment: If the injury appears minor, there are several steps you can take at home to help your Shih Tzu feel better. These include:


  • Rest: Reducing physical activity to prevent aggravating the injury.
  • Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the injured area to reduce swelling.
  • Clean Wounds: Cleaning minor cuts with pet-safe antiseptic solutions.
  • Pain Relief: Always consult with your vet before administering any OTC medication for pain relief.


When to See a Vet: Some situations require professional veterinary care to ensure proper healing. Seek a vet if you notice:


  • Severe Pain: If your Shih Tzu shows signs of significant distress.
  • Open Wounds: Deep cuts or profuse bleeding need professional attention.
  • Signs of Infection: Such as redness, swelling, or a foul odor from the injury.
  • Inability to Move the Tail: This could indicate a fracture or serious nerve damage.


Important Considerations: Promptly addressing tail injuries is crucial for a Shih Tzu’s well-being, given the importance of the tail in their communication and physical balance. Gentle care and attentiveness to their needs during recovery are paramount.

The tail contains mobile vertebrae that are connected to muscles via tendons. There are also paired nerves and blood vessels. 

So as you can imagine, the tail is not just ‘there’ and is an important part of the body used for both communication and for balance. 

While a bruised tail can heal at home, we do recommend that tail injuries be examined by the veterinarian, since you’ll want to know if the tail is bruised, broken or dislocated. 

In addition, depending on what caused the injury to the tail, it’s best to have a full checkup to examine the back, rib cage and so forth.

Tails that are injured can be very painful and most vets will prescribe some sort of pain medication to help a Shih Tzu during the healing process. 

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