A tail is quite an important part of the Husky’s anatomy. Besides boosting the appearance of the already enchanting breed, the tail plays a crucial role in balance, communication, and temperature regulation.
So if you want to understand your dog’s behavior and anatomy, this simple Husky tails guide will be perfect for you. Check it out, and learn all there is to know about the Husky tail.
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Husky Tail Shape
Huskies typically have a long, thick, and fluffy tail. It’s similar to a fox’s tail, which has a gentle, natural curve.
You’ll hear that Husky tails are often described as curly, which is both right and wrong. Although they appear curly, the tails are sickle-shaped (like a crescent moon or a banana).
But don’t panic if your dog doesn’t have this ‘out of the book’ tail shape. Just like us humans, not every Husky is alike. Some dogs have a more curly tail, while some have a straight tail. That could be due to genetics, or maybe your Husky simply prefers to carry its tail like that.
Why Do Huskies Have Curly Tails?
The most common question regarding Husky tails is, “why do they curl?”
Well, as explained above, their tails aren’t necessarily curly but sickle-shaped. You can use the word curly to describe the intensity of the tail bend.
However, the reason their tails bend in such a manner is that the Husky was originally bred in Siberia. Their ancestors, the Spitz family, have a curly or sickle tail, which they’ve genetically adapted to have due to arctic conditions.
Their tails helped them stay warm and comfortable. Because of the curved shape, they could easily cover their faces when resting. Hence, their tails were used as protection from extreme temperatures.
Is Curly Tail a Sign of a Medical Condition?
A curly tail is not a breed trait but more of an abnormality. It’s caused by a genetic mutation. The dog breeds with such tails are Pugs, Bulldogs, Shiba Inus, and Pomeranians. You might even find this abnormality in a Husky Pug mix or Pomeranian Husky mix.
A Husky should have a tail that’s flexible and soft. However, puppies born with a curly tail usually keep it like that throughout their lives. That’s most likely due to genetics, but in some cases (albeit rarely), a curly tail is a sign that your Husky has medical issues such as:
- Hip problems
- Incontinence
- Neurological disorder
If you have concerns regarding your Husky’s health, make sure to take them to the vet for a complete check-up.
Meaning of Husky Tail Positions
As mentioned above, Huskies use their tails to communicate, so it’s highly important to pay attention to the different positions of the tail.
In that way, the dogs give you an insight into their physical and emotional state. And if you can read those insights properly, you’ll be able to get more in tune with your furry buddy.
So let’s observe husky body language a bit more closely and examine the meaning of Husky tail positions.
Trailing Tail
A trailing tail is a tail that’s hanging down, with the body and face relaxed. That usually means that your Husky is happy and satisfied.
For instance, if you see your Husky walking towards you in such a manner, you’ll know they‘re relaxed and perhaps in need of a little cuddle.
Our Husky Lexa often takes this position if she wants to think something through, for example, whether to sit and rest or pick up her toys to play a bit.
Curved Tail
A curved or sickle tail is a sign your dog is alert but not in an angry, aggressive or threatening way. It’s usually their way to express happiness and excitement. Our Huskies, for example, tend to wag and curve their tails whenever it’s time to eat.
Always try to give them attention when they’re excited. Because if you tend to ignore them, they might, in time, become less and less happy.
Arrow Tail
If the tail is straight like an arrow, it means your Husky is likely ready to hunt or is on the prowl. If they hold their tail like that while keeping the body and the face tense, and especially if your Husky’s neck hair starts to stand up, they might be ready to attack.
Hence, their body language is very important to pay attention to. If you see your Husky like this, they are probably hunting animals in the backyard. Our Husky Lexa loves hunting mice, lizards and sometimes birds (but only if they swoop her!).
Wagging Tail
If you see your Husky wagging its tail while keeping its body and face relaxed, well then, you have a happy dog.
But a wagging tail can be more than just a sign of happiness. It might mean your Husky is hunting (you’ll probably see him digging something up) or that they’re nervous.
You’ll know they’re nervous because the body tends to be rigid and tense. That usually occurs when it encounters a dog it’s not familiar with. If that’s the case, you should move your dog away from that situation.
Tail Between the Legs
When a Husky keeps its tail between its legs, it usually means it’s scared or in pain. You’ll usually hear them whining or see them stepping back. Your Husky might also become aggressive, acting out of fear.
Understanding your Husky’s body language is actually one of the first steps towards dealing with an aggressive Husky.
If your Husky has their tail between their legs for a long period of time (e.g. days), take them to your local vet.
Final Thoughts
Each Husky is unique, having its own individual characteristics. The same can be said about their tails, which come in all shapes and sizes.
Whether it’s more curly or more straight, your main goal should be getting to know how your Husky communicates through its tail. So observe, play with your dog, and appreciate their uniqueness. 😍
Further reading: 👉 How can you tell if a husky is purebred?
FAQ about Husky Tails
Do Huskies have curly tails?
Yes, Huskies have curly tails. However, their tails only curl upwards when they are alert, happy, excited, etc.
Do all Huskies have curly tails?
Yes, all Huskies have curly tails unless they are a Husky mix with another breed that does not have a curly tail.
Do Huskies wag their tails?
Yes, Huskies certainly do wag their tails! They wag them when they are happy and even when they are hunting!!
Why is my Husky’s tail down?
If your Husky’s tail is down with a relaxed body and face, also known as the ‘trailing tail’, they are likely happy and satisifed.
