The Siberian Husky is a mysterious and mystifying dog aside from being popular. And one of the many things about this breed that pique the interest of many aspiring Husky owners is the curly Husky tail.
Besides adding grandiose to the already beautiful Husky appearance, the curly Husky tail actually have a significant function to the breed.
Native to Siberia, the Husky adapted to the extreme cold weather. The Siberian Husky tail can curl around the body and face when sleeping. This helps the dog to rest better and also protect itself from the harsh winter winds.
A Husky puppy who has parents that are both curly or sickle-tailed may easily acquire this trait. Although most Huskies have sickle tails, the intensity of their tails’ “curliness” may vary.
What’s the Difference Between Sickle and Curly Tails?
To end the confusion, instead of two separate concepts, a sickle tail can actually be considered as a form or intensity of a curly tail.
These two are easily comparable, and you can identify their differences at one glance.
A sickle tail looks more curvy and loose than the curly one. It can be described as pointing towards the dog’s head and does not curl so much. It also looks more like a semi-circle and is said to be softer and more flexible.
On the other hand, a curly tail curves more intensely like a ring shape. If you observe more intently, the end of a curly tail sits gently on the dog’s rear. It may even curl so much that it extends past the ring shape.
Some breeds that have sickle tails include the Chihuahua, Malamute, Samoyed, Pomeranian, Akita, and Siberian Husky.
Yes, according to the AKC breed standard, the Husky tail is more of a sickle than curly. But in this article, we will use the terms sickle and curly interchangeably to refer to the Husky tail.
Meanwhile, some dog breeds that have extremely curly tails include Pugs and Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the extreme curliness of dog tails can be considered a deformity.
You can watch this video to have a better look at the curly Husky tail:
Why Do Huskies Have Curly Tails?
Huskies have sickle tails instead of curly ones. The word ‘curly’ may only describe the intensity with which their tails bend. Some Husky tails are not even bent at all.
But the reason why some Huskies have curly tails dates back to their ancestors and origin in Siberia.
Huskies are descendants of the Spitz that have the curly or sickle tail, which they have genetically adapted to have.
One of the main reasons why Huskies curl their tails is because they have lived in a place with extremely cold weather for so long.
Their long furry tails keep them warm and comfortable under extreme temperatures.
Huskies use their tails to cover their faces and heads when they are resting. Other breeds that originated from cold places also have these common traits with the Siberian Husky.
Enjoy this video of a Husky puppy wagging its tail:
Do All Huskies Have Curly Tails?
No, not all Siberian Huskies have curly tails. The way the Husky tail curls varies as well. You may observe that some huskies have extremely bent tails, while others don’t curl at all.
You may also notice that the intensity in which the Husky tail curls depends on their well-being and mood.
Their tail tends to curl higher than normal when they are feeling playful, but once they are sad, they may drag their tails across.
Again, whether or not their tails are curled depends on their parents. If both their parents have tails that bend towards their body more intensely, then expect your Husky puppy to acquire that trait as well.
What’s the Breed Standard of Husky Tails?
A Husky tail is usually compared to that of a fox’s. It should not be curled too tightly, nor should it be straight and flat. The hair surrounding its tail is of medium length and is the same length all over.
Also, a Husky tail should not be falling over to either left or right in such an extreme placement.
A Husky tail is seen grounded when the Husky is at work or in a responsive manner. This is often called the ‘trailing tail.’
When a Husky is picked up from the ground, its tail should not be too tightly curled and should remain in a semi-circle or sickle position. These breed standards exist for judging purposes in canine competitions.
Does the Curly Tail Represent the Quality of the Siberian Husky?
A lot of pet owners think that the way a Husky tail curls impact the quality of the breed. This is untrue because a Husky tail does not indicate the bloodline and health of the Husky.
Though its ‘curliness’ is an indicator, it is less likely to contribute to the dog’s overall breed quality. This confusion may be due to the breed standards for Siberian Huskies required for a dog show.
This is because the American Kennel Club (AKC) takes the Husky tail into consideration when judging their overall appearance.
Huskies that meet the breeding standards of the AKC have higher chances of winning in dog shows.
The curliness of the tail does not also indicate the purity of a Husky’s bloodline. Although the breed standards specify a sickle tail for the breed, not all purebred Huskies are born with curly tails.
Interestingly, extremely curly tails on canines are actually sometimes recognized as deformities rather than normal physical characteristics.
This is not a cause for alarm, though, since the way a Husky’s tail is bent has no bearing on its overall wellness.
Do Husky Puppies Have Curly Tails?
Whether or not your Husky puppy has a sickle, curly, or trailing tail depends on its genetics. However, if it does have a curly tail, it will take shape in its bent position at 4 to 6 months.
Some Husky tails can be curly or sickle, but it all depends on their parents’ blood lineage and the genes they’ve inherited.
If you’ve seen what the Husky’s parents look like, you will have a better idea of how their tails would be.
Not all Husky puppies have curly tails. Like all puppies of different breeds, each is unique in its own way. In fact, ‘curling’ is a method that Huskies do to protect themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Husky Have a Short Tail?
Huskies generally have long tails. If your Husky has a tail that is shorter than normal, it could be a sign of genetic disability or an injury from when your Husky puppy was still in the litter.
Keep in mind that a Husky’s tail must be long enough for it to curl, but if you can only see the top of its tailbone, then it may most likely be from an accident.
The quickest way to figure out why your Husky’s tail is short is to have it checked or ask for its medical history from the breeder you bought it from.
When Does the Tail of a Husky Become Curly?
A Husky tail becomes curly when they are experiencing positive emotions such as happiness or excitement. It may also curl its tail when it is ready to rest and protect its head from cold winds.
What Does It Mean When a Husky’s Tail Curls?
When a Husky tail curls, it usually means that it is contented and relaxed. It can also mean that it is trying to work, is alert, or is comfortable sharing territory with strangers and other animals.
Meanwhile, Husky tails that drag down or slide across the room may mean that your Husky is either tired, sleepy or simply not in the mood. Low dragging tails may even indicate signs of aggression.
Keep in mind that your Husky’s tail movement can also indicate a lot of things. It is best to know your Husky’s temperament and body language to better understand what it needs.
Final Thoughts
Husky tails are more sickle than curly. However, using the word curly to define its tail’s shape can be more understood by aspiring Husky owners.
Even today, the reason why a Husky tail curls the way it does is still unknown, and only a few scientific bases are present for us to look into. Regardless, it does not really matter how intensely it curls.
Since every Husky is different from each other, the formation of their tails can’t be generalized. After all, no matter the shape, size, or length of their tails, Huskies are still lovable as they are.
So, what do you think about your Siberian Husky tail? Is it curly, sickle, or trailing? Let us know in the comments below!
