The Ideal Shih Tzu Tail

The tail of our Shih Tzu may not be the first thing we notice in them; but this appendage apparently needs some attention from time to time. It may look like a part of their fur because of the long mane attached to it but there is actually a proper way of analyzing whether there are vertebral issues with the tail. The canine tail is mainly used for balance and expression of a dog’s emotions. If you Shih Tzu is feeling a bit low, you will observe that his tail is also lifeless; but when he is in a jolly mood, the tail is up and going. Actually, animal behaviorists rely a lot on a dog’s tail to anticipate the action and interpret the mood of the dog. You, the owner must also know how to inspect you pooch’s tail for any problems or signs.

The shape of a Shih Tzu is called “tea cup”. Imagine an old fashioned tea cup with a gold handle carefully crafted in an ornate detail. The way the tea cup handle is angled toward the body is the same way a Shih Tzu must also be angled towards the dog’s body. Furthermore, a Shih Tzu tail must not be dropped while the animal is running or moving; it must be held in the tea cup position whether is it wagging or not. It must not lie flat on the back or angled upward in a 90 degree position. This is important in determining the Shih Tzu standard characteristics. Other tail abnormalities include the sickle or gay tail – where the tail is standing up and the half of it is slightly angled towards the back, set too low – where the tail almost looks like the correct position but the tip is too far from the back; flat – where the tail is literally resting on the back; and the curled or pig tail – where the tail is coiled around even if it is moving or wagging. Tail deformities are usually genetic in nature that can be passed on from one generation to another. There is nothing so alarming with a deformed tail in a Shih Tzu; but it is indicative of a risk with bone problems. Should you observe some of the mentioned tail issues, go and see your vet. Your Shih Tzu might need xray and monitoring to avoid further skeletal diseases in the future.