Do Corgis Have Tails and Why Some Are Born Without

Corgis are known for their adorable short stature, but did you know that some corgis are born without tails? This is because natural tail docking, a practice that removes a portion of a puppy's tail, was once common in the breed.

The majority of corgis are born with tails. In fact, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed standard specifies that the tail should be docked, but the practice is now largely discouraged due to animal welfare concerns.

Corgis have tails that are usually docked when they're just a few days old. This is because the breed was originally developed to herd cattle and sheep, and a shorter tail was thought to be beneficial for this purpose.

See what others are reading: Mini Schnauzer Tail Docking

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are usually born without tails, but some may have a "nub" or a short tail.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, on the other hand, are typically born with full-length tails that are not docked, giving them a fox-like appearance.

A corgi with a tail is simply called a corgi, regardless of the breed, and both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis share similar physical characteristics like short legs and long bodies.

The main difference between the two breeds lies in their origins and certain physical characteristics, but their spirited personality and lovable nature remain the same.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are typically born without tails, while Cardigan Welsh Corgis have full-length tails that are often fluffy and fox-like.

The absence of a tail in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is due to natural selection and selective breeding practices throughout history.

Some Pembroke Corgis may have a "nub" or a short tail, but this is not as common as the tailless variety.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their full-length tails, which are not typically docked.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis may have their short tail docked surgically when they are still puppies.

The tailless trait of Pembroke Welsh Corgis has become a defining characteristic of the breed.

Their charming appearance and delightful personalities are part of what makes them so endearing to dog lovers and prospective owners.

Consider reading: Dog Tail Length Determine Size

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has specific standards for both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Pembroke Corgis are required to have a docked tail according to the AKC standard, which is a result of selective breeding practices.

You'll rarely find a Pembroke Corgi with an intact tail, especially if it's AKC registered.

However, it's possible to find a Pembroke Corgi with a tail if it's not registered with the AKC or if the breeder intentionally bred it with a gene that allows for a natural tail.

Cardigan Corgis, on the other hand, are allowed to have an intact tail according to the AKC standard.

This is why you're more likely to see Cardigans with tails, especially if they're AKC registered.

A smaller percentage of Pembroke Corgis are born with tails, but they often get their tails docked regardless.

It's getting harder to find Pembroke Corgis without the gene that makes them naturally tailless.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are typically born without tails, a genetic trait that has been present in their ancestors for centuries. This is due to selective breeding to prevent injuries and improve their herding capabilities.

The exact reason behind the absence of tails in Pembroke Corgis is not fully understood. However, it's believed that early breeders bred Corgis without tails to prevent injuries and improve their herding capabilities.

Most Pembroke Corgis are tailless, but there are occasional exceptions. Some individuals may have a short tail, referred to as a "nub", but this is not as common as the tailless variety.

Pembroke Corgis were bred with a gene that affects about two-thirds of all Pembrokes, where they'll naturally have no tail. This gene is a result of selective breeding.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) requires that Pembroke Corgis have a docked tail. This is why most AKC-registered Pembrokes will have a docked tail.

On a similar theme: What Were Corgis Bred to Do

The controversy surrounding tail docking in Corgis stems from ethical concerns and differing opinions on the necessity of the procedure.

While some breed standards still require tail docking for Pembroke Corgis, others have shifted towards allowing natural tails, reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of animal welfare and the desire to preserve a dog's natural appearance and abilities.

The practice of tail docking has been banned entirely in some countries, such as Europe and the United Kingdom, due to concerns over animal welfare.

In the United States, tail docking is still widely practiced among most US breeders, largely due to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) breed standards.

Many people find the docked tail look on Pembrokes to be pointless and cruel, and believe that all dogs should have their tails intact.

The AKC's breed standards for Pembroke Corgis require a docked tail, but if you don't buy an AKC-registered dog, you may end up getting a Pembroke with its tail intact.

You might enjoy: Doberman Pinscher Tail Docking

The debate over tail docking is legitimate and raging on, with some breeders claiming that puppies don't feel pain at 3 days old, while others argue that this is untrue and that the practice is inhumane.

Ultimately, it's up to individual owners to consider the ethical implications of tail docking and make an informed decision based on their personal values.

Recommended read: Tail Docking Ear Cropping

Some Corgis are naturally tailless. In fact, up to two-thirds of all Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with no tail due to a gene they carry.

Their tails are docked, either surgically or intentionally bred out, to meet AKC standards.

However, if you're looking for a Corgi with a tail, it's not impossible. Some Pembrokes are born with tails, and if you don't buy an AKC-registered dog, you may end up with one.

The chances of finding a Pembroke with an intact tail aren't bad, but it's still a bit of a rarity.

It's worth noting that Cardigan Welsh Corgis are typically born with full-length tails that are not docked.

Their tails are often described as fox-like and fluffy, adding to their overall cuteness factor.

Corgis with tails are actually quite rare. This is because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which is the breed most commonly associated with having no tail, is born with a naturally short tail or no tail at all.

The genetic mutation that causes this is due to selective breeding over generations. Pembroke Welsh Corgis with full tails or naturally long tails are instances of this genetic variation.

These corgis are often referred to as “Cardigan-like” corgis, as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the other breed of corgi that does have a natural long tail. The presence or absence of a tail does not affect the corgi’s personality or temperament.

Finding a corgi with a tail can be quite difficult, and they often come with a higher price tag due to their rarity.

Discover more: Why Does My Cat's Tail Shake When He Pees?