Ingrown tail
French Bulldogs should have a tail according to to breed standard
The FCI-standard for French Bulldogs allows a tapered tail that reaches the hock.
Corkscrew tails with kinks are allowed, as long as the dog has no hinder from it.
For English Bulldogs the breed standerd was changed in 2004 to the extent that an ingrown tail excluded the animal from the breeding population. Unfortunately there are many many dogs with this problem. Above all, it affects French Bulldogs, whose breed standard demands knotted or kinked tails.
The problem is not always obvious from the outside...
The next image shows how the animals suffer.
Unfortunately the owners often do not notice the problems until its almost too late. Veterinarians also report problems of anal glands, skin issues and parasites.
Dermatitis
Bulldogs have been presented with open wounds and severe inflammation, well hidden by an immobile tail!
"Once I saw the maggots coming out of the wound under the tail and the owner thought the dog was badly wounded! "
The regulation of English Bulldog should also be adapted for the French Bulldog without FCI immersion! The dogs suffer from this defect thought their lives. The only relief is often the amputation of the tail.
A true dog lover's breeding goal includes a dog with a tail that can move and is loose from the body.
Even though longer tails ofter do not lose their corkscrew in the first generation, he x-ray shows that the first vertebrae of the tail are completely formed. Unfortunately many breeders feel repulsed by the look of a longer tail.
Important for owners of affected dogs:
- On a tight tail, inspect regularly underneath the tail.
Tip: Regular cleaning, use baby wipes for infected areas. Zinc ointment helps. For inflammation, please consult your veterinarian!
- In case of an ingrown tail or a suspicion of it, please urgently visit you veterinarian.
- Alert others, also breeders and judges, when you see an ingrown tail!
