Yes — English Bulldogs do have tails. They are born with them, and depending on genetics, the tail can be straight, screwed, short, or even surprisingly long.
For 10 years, I owned an English Bulldog named Zeus — a purebred CKBC dog who had one of the rarest natural tail types: a long, straight, expressive tail. His tail was a conversation starter everywhere we went. People from all over the world asked about it on social media, and he became a small Internet celebrity thanks to an early start in the “influencer dog lifestyle”.
This topic is just one small part of the breed’s unique structure and temperament. If you want a complete understanding of the English Bulldog — including personality, health, lifestyle, and care — make sure to read our full guide: English Bulldog Guide.
2. What the CBKC/FCI Breed Standard Says About Bulldog Tails
According to the FCI Standard No. 149 (recognized by the CBKC), an English Bulldog’s tail must be:
- Low-set and carried down
- Thick at the base, tapering toward the tip
- Straight or screwed (both acceptable)
- Short to moderate in length
The standard also notes that complete absence of a tail is not desirable. Extremely tight screw tails that cause irritation are considered a fault.
3. Real Examples: Zeus and His Natural Long Tail
Zeus’s tail was long, straight, and expressive — something that sparked curiosity everywhere we went.
His tail made it easier to read his emotions, because unlike Bulldogs with extremely short tails, he could wag visibly and enthusiastically.
4. Why Do Some Bulldogs Look Tailless?
Bulldogs often look tailless because:
- The tail is naturally very short
- The tail is tightly screwed against the body
- The surrounding folds hide it
These are natural variations — not docking — and they align with the official standard as long as the tail does not cause irritation or interfere with hygiene.
5. Bulldog Tail Health: What Owners Should Watch For
Most Bulldogs with straight or moderately screwed tails have no issues.
But tight, compact screw tails can trap moisture and cause irritation.
Signs to watch for:
- Bad odor under the tail
- Redness or irritation
- Excessive licking
- Difficulty cleaning
Zeus’s tail type was extremely easy to maintain (almost zero maintance) — one of the big advantages of a long, straight tail.
6. Final Thoughts
English Bulldogs do have tails — and while many are short or screwed, long tails like Zeus’s are completely natural and within the breed standard. These variations are just one example of how structurally unique and misunderstood the breed can be.
To truly understand the English Bulldog beyond isolated traits, we recommend reading our complete guide: English Bulldog Guide.
It covers temperament, health considerations, lifestyle compatibility, and what living with the breed is really like.
And if you’re curious about how physical structure affects daily activities, especially water safety, this related article adds important context: Can English and French Bulldogs Swim?
Zeus lived a long, happy, and healthy life. His story is a reminder that Bulldogs are far more diverse than stereotypes suggest — and that each one becomes, in its own way, a true lifelong companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bulldog Tails
Yes. All English Bulldogs are born with natural tails, which may be straight, screwed, short, or long.
According to the FCI Standard 149, Bulldog tails must be low-set, thick at the base, tapering to the tip, and may be straight or screwed. Complete absence of a tail is not desirable.
Yes. Although rarer, some Bulldogs are born with naturally long and straight tails, which are fully within breed standard.
Very short tails, tight screw tails, or surrounding wrinkles can make a bulldog appear tailless, even though the tail is present.
