Huskies are a great mix of wild features coming from wolves and the cuteness and loyalty of dogs. There is no question about this peaceful breed except the tail. It is natural to wonder why husky tail curls, what it means, and whether it is normal or not.
In this guide, let us discuss all about the tail curls of huskies. We try to find out whether all huskies have curled tails and other things associated with this breed and their tails.
Husky Tail Curl Meaning – A Complete Guide
Huskies are a breed from the North and belong to a family of Spitz genetic known to have sickle or curly tails due to the climate the breed originates from. Huskies were bred in Siberia and used to live in the cold climatic conditions for centuries. Their tail curl served the purpose of covering their face and head to keep them warm when resting.
This type of tail curl is common in other northern breeds exposed to such climatic conditions. This sickle tail can be held in several ways and can be used to understand the dog’s physical and emotional state. The pet’s tail is likely to be held up when it is in a normal, happy state of mind. It may curl it over the back and wag it gently to show joy.
If you notice your husky when it settles down to sleep on a cold night, it curls up in a ball shape with the tail clamped tightly over the back and front paws folded near the body. The shape of its tail allows keeping the end over the nose to protect the face from cold.
Husky Tail Not Curled? Here’s What It Means
The curl of the tail is one of the most common concerns among husky owners. Most husky puppies start developing a sickle or curly tail at the age of 4-6 months before which they have trailing tails. So, if you own a pup and it doesn’t have a tail curled up yet, there is no need to worry. Dogs grow at different paces and your pet can develop the curl later in its life.
The form of the tail of a husky depends on the breeding, lineage, and parents of the pup. If both the parents of your husky had finely curled tails, the pup has good chances of developing a similar curl. If you are worried that your husky’s tail is not curled, you can consult a vet who would explain to you various possibilities for the tail curls of the breed.
However, if your husky has a sickle tail but does not curl it and rather keeps it low all the time, it is an indicator that it is feeling stressed or depressed. A sad pup is likely to have a dragged-out tail. Some other signs to look for include lack of excitement, lethargy, and withdrawal. If you see such symptoms in addition to a tail without curl, you should consult a vet to rule out the underlying condition.
Husky Tail Up
Not all huskies have curly tails and the curl of the tail can vary depending on several factors. Some huskies have tails that don’t curl at all and look like that of a Labrador. You may also see huskies who change the tail position from hanging to curling based on their emotional and physical condition. When alert and excited, these pups raise their tails from hanging to the sickle position. Your pup’s tail is likely to be up when you take it out for a walk or exercise.
You can tell a lot about the pup’s health and mood by looking at the curl of its tail. When the husky’s tail is held in a gentle curve over the back, it is easy to say that it is in a normal, happy, calm state. The curl in this case is flexible and soft. However, if the dog coils its tail in a tight arc over the back, it denotes that the pup has become alert and apprehensive. The curl is rigid and bristly in this condition. If the tail is low and straight instead of curly, the dog is likely to be defensive and it is best to stay away from it.
Do Huskies Wag Their Tails?
Most huskies can wag their tails even when in a curled position. When the dog is happy, it holds up the tail in a soft curl and wags gently. On the other hand, if the husky is overjoyed, it wags the tail so hard and fast that it no longer remains in a curly position. It can straighten out while still maintaining its sickle shape.
Sometimes, if your husky does not wag its tail, it can denote something serious about its condition. Some common reasons why the pup may not wag the tail include tiredness, injury, boredom, or depression. Your dog may stop wagging its tail for one or more of these reasons. A wagging tail is generally an indication of a friendly greeting. If your husky does not wag its tail, you can look for other signs and symptoms to identify what is wrong.
Final Thoughts
Huskies have a unique tail curl that adds a nice touch to their appearance. This shape of the tail comes from its origins in cold climatic regions. We hope this guide gives you a good knowledge of the significance of husky tail curl and answers some of the questions you might have about this trait specific to the breed.