Yes, almost all Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are born with tails. Few Pembrokes are naturally tailless. However, in countries like the US and Japan, tail docking is allowed and is actively encouraged. According to the American Kennel Club, the ‘official standard’ of the Pembroke Corgi is a tail “as short as possible without being indented.”
Want to know one of my favorite things about my Corgi, Winston? His fluffy, fox-like tail.
I couldn’t imagine him without it and yet so many Corgis (particularly those we see online) are walking around without one!
It’s no surprise that many people believe Corgis are born without tails.
But this is completely untrue.
Almost all Corgis, Pembrokes included, are born with tails. Those without their tail have had it docked.
Tail docking is the removal of a dog’s tail. It involves cutting through muscle and bone without anesthesia in puppies less than 5 days old. Many vets and breeders consider it an outdated and cruel practice.
This is almost always for cosmetic reasons and because the AKC’s official standard for Pembroke Corgis is a tail “as short as possible”.
This means that if you want to show your Corgi at an event and you live in the US, you may not be allowed to enter if your Corgi has a long tail.
Crazy, right?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of tail docking, why (some of) the Queen’s Corgis have tails, and why our obsession with the “Corgi butt” is a problem.
Key Takeaways
- Most Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with tails, but docking is still practiced in some countries like China and the US.
- Tail docking is a cosmetic choice and is rarely done for a legitimate medical reason.
- The article highlights the issues associated with the “Corgi butt” craze and its impact on Corgi tail perceptions.
The Tale of Two Breeds
There are two main breeds of Corgi: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Both breeds have tails, but many of us are more familiar with Pembroke Welsh Corgis that sport shorter tails like Maxine from New York.
These short tails are not a natural characteristic of the breed; in fact, most Corgis are born with longer tails. There are two possible reasons for a Corgi to have a short tail:
- A natural mutation that causes the puppy to be born with a bobtail (rare).
- The breeder or vet docks the tail 2-3 days after birth (most likely).
It is crucial to clarify that almost all Corgis are born with tails.
Why Don’t Corgis Have Tails?
If most Corgis aren’t born tailless, why are so many of them missing their tail?
Great question.
The reason why you see so many Corgis without their tails today is purely aesthetic. It’s not for health reasons and most of the time, it doesn’t occur naturally.
In countries where docking is legal (like the US and Japan), Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their tails docked as young as 2 or 3 days old.
By docking the tail, Corgis meet AKC standards and, sadly, fit the trend of tailless Corgi butts that we’ve grown familiar seeing online and on TV in recent years.
Check out this video to find out more about Corgi tails and why they don’t have them!
The History Of Corgi Tail Docking
Many years ago, Corgis were primarily bred and used as herding dogs, for which their tails were docked. Docking their tails ensured that cattle wouldn’t accidentally step on them.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis were also used as herding dogs, but their tails were never docked. You won’t find a short or docked tail included in the AKC’s standards for Cardigans.
In the 17th century, a ‘tail tax’ was introduced in the UK. Non-herding dogs were considered a luxury, and therefore owners were liable to pay taxes on them. To demonstrate that their dogs were herding dogs and avoid having to pay, owners docked their Corgi’s tails.
Now that the majority of Corgis are not working dogs, there is no practical need to have their tails docked. Despite this, the practice continues in various countries. In the UK and Europe, tail docking for aesthetic reasons is banned.
This law was implemented across most of Europe (excluding France) in 1987 and in England and Wales in 2007. A UK dog breeder found to be illegally docking a Corgi’s tail may face up to two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
As a herding dog, the Corgi’s history holds a significant role in the docking of their tails. With changing laws and a shift from herding to companionship, the necessity of tail docking has been questioned in recent years.
The Modern Debate: To Dock or Not?
In recent years, tail docking has become a controversial issue in many countries.
While some dock their Corgis’ tails for cosmetic purposes and to prevent injuries, others argue that the practice is unnecessary and cruel.
In the US, the American Veterinary Medical Association opposes tail docking for cosmetic purposes. However, the procedure continues to be performed by some breeders.
Docking a Corgi’s tail is painful. It involves cutting through muscles, tendons, nerves, and bone, often without anesthesia, causing pain and potential complications like infections.
Additionally, a Corgi’s tail plays a vital role in communication, as dogs use their tails to express emotions and intentions. By removing a Corgi’s tail, we impair their ability to communicate effectively.
The debate on tail docking is still ongoing, with breeders and experts presenting arguments on both sides.
It’s crucial that, as pet owners and breeders, we carefully consider the ethical implications, veterinary advice, and potential consequences of tail docking.
The Legal Implications of Tail Docking
In recent years, many countries have taken steps to ban or restrict tail docking practices. This change has a direct impact on breed standards and dog show participation.
Here are some of the places where tail docking is banned or restricted:
- The European Union (excluding France)
- United Kingdom
- Norway
- Australia
- Brazil
- Croatia
- Latvia
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Turkey
These bans and restrictions have occurred due to concerns regarding animal welfare, as tail docking can cause pain and discomfort to puppies and is generally considered an unnecessary procedure.
Regarding breed standards and dog shows, these legal changes have led to discussions and modifications in countries where tail docking is banned.
Some kennel clubs have revised their breed standards to exclude docking as a requirement (for example, the UK), allowing Corgis with natural tails to compete on equal terms with their docked counterparts.
Did The Queen’s Corgis Have Tails?
Over her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 Corgis, Dorgis and Spaniels.
Her love for the breed began when her father, King George VI, bought home a Corgi puppy called Dookie.
The Queen fell head over heels for the breed, apparently preferring Dookie over two other puppies because he had a longer tail that showed whether he was pleased or not.
When the Queen died in 2022, she left behind two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Muick and Sandy, who both have long tails.
However, it appears that the majority of the Queen’s Corgis did not have their tails. That’s probably because up until 2007, tail docking was still legal (and socially acceptable) in the UK.
The Fetishization of The “Corgi Butt”
One of the reasons behind the continued practice of Corgi tail docking is the fascination with the iconic “Corgi butt.”
When you think of a Corgi, what do you see?
Probably an adorable dog with big ears, an even bigger smile, and a fluffy butt with no tail.
Social media and popular culture have contributed to the rise of the tailless Corgi butt as an ‘on trend‘ phenomenon.
If you type ‘Corgi’ into Google, the first images you’ll see are those of docked Pembrokes, not those with their natural tails.
This overwhelming portrayal has led people to associate Corgis with their tailless appearance more than their true, foxy look with tails intact.
By fetishizing the docked tail look, we may be overlooking the implications of altering a dog’s natural form.
Can I Get A Corgi With A Tail?
Yes, you can!
To get a Corgi with its tail, contact reputable breeders and inquire about their upcoming litters.
Express your preference for a Corgi with its tail kept intact, as some breeders are open to this request.
The screenshot below is from Curby’s Corgis, a reputable US-based breeder who gives owners the option to keep their Corgi’s tail.
Related questions
What is the difference between a Corgi with a tail vs. without a tail?
A Corgi with a tail has a natural tail, which may be long or short. On the other hand, a Corgi without a tail either has a naturally short tail (bobtail) or has had its tail docked.
Is it healthier to dock a Corgi’s tail?
No, it’s not, despite what some breeders might claim. On the contrary, tail docking is an incredibly painful procedure that involves slicing through a Corgi’s muscles, tendons, nerves, and bone.
What does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi tail look like?
A Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s tail is long and fluffy. It is very similar to a Pembroke’s tail, the only difference is that some Cardigan tails hang a little lower.
Do all Corgis have naturally short tails?
No, not all Corgis have naturally short tails. While some Pembrokes are born with shorter tails, very few are born with natural bobtails.
