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7 Dog Breeds That Don’t Have Tails: Pictures, Info, Traits & More (Vet-Reviewed)

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

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Dogs come in a large variety of different shapes and sizes. Most have tails, but not all of them do, for one reason or another. Some dog breeds are born with tails, but have their tails docked for aesthetic and agility purposes. Some other dog breeds have lost their tails through the process of selective breeding. They’re born without tails and there is no need for docking. Here are eight impressive dog breeds that don’t have tails.

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How Are Dogs Without Tails Classified?

There is no special classification for dogs that have no tails. They are like any other breed out there in every other aspect. However, one thing that most dogs without tails have in common is that they were originally bred to hunt in some form or fashion.

The 7 Dog Breeds That Don’t Have Tails

1. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier
Image Credit: Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock
Origin: United States (the first non-sporting breed)
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Height and Weight: 9–15 inches (23–38 cm), 15–25 pounds (6.8–11 kg)

Boston Terriers are categorized into three different weight classes even though they are all about the same height. These dogs have compact yet agile bodies with square heads and short muzzles. Good-natured and loyal, the typical Boston Terrier gets along well in family environments that include children.

This playful breed enjoys problem-solving and adventuring outdoors. They can get along well with other animals living in the household, even cats! They do not require much exercise, and they don’t mind spending time alone at home during the day.


2. Brittany Spaniel

brittany spaniel
Image Credit: Skeeze, Pixabay
Origin: Brittany in Northwestern France
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height and Weight: 17.5–20.5 inches (44.5–52 cm), 30–40 pounds (13.6–18 kg)

Originally bred as a gun dog, the Brittany Spaniel is an agile and athletic breed that enjoys spending time with family indoors but lives for outdoor adventures. These dogs sport beautiful coats of hair that are typically white and orange or liver in color. Please note that most Brittany Spaniels are born with naturally long tails, but some are born with bobtail lines, which can appear as docked tails.

This intelligent breed tends to take well to obedience and agility training. They can make an excellent hunting companion but are happy sporting on the agility field, going on hiking trails, and even swimming in the ocean. These dogs can get along well with people and children of all ages.


3. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
Origin: Australia, created with the help of Australian Dingo DNA
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Height and Weight: 17–20 inches (43–51 cm), 30–45 pounds (13.6–20 kg)

These dogs technically have tails, but most sport nothing more than a small stump. Some puppies are born with long tails. At times, breeders still keep such puppies if they have other physical traits that are desirable and re-cross them with “stumpy” individuals to produce the breed’s namesake puppies.

Not surprisingly, this breed is popularly and lovingly referred to as “Stumpy.” This is an alert dog that shows loyalty and protective tendencies toward their human companions. They are usually responsive to obedience commands, making them easier to handle in public settings.

However, they anecdotally tend to be wary of strangers, so they should be socialized as soon as possible as puppies. They enjoy spending time with kids but do not tolerate teasing well. As a working breed, every Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog requires consistent training and extensive daily exercise.


4. French Bulldog

Sable French Bulldog standing in the driveway
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Origin: Paris, France
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Height and Weight: 11–13 inches (28–33 cm), 15–30 pounds (6.8–13.6 kg)

This little dog breed has a muscular build and cute, bat-like ears that enhance their expressive face and large, loving eyes. The average French Bulldog is naturally sociable and enjoys meeting new people and dogs as they explore their outdoor environments.

These are not particularly athletic dogs, but they do enjoy small adventures and daily exercise. Their short snouts make them vulnerable to the heat, so care must be taken to ensure that they’re protected from excessive sun and provided with plenty of water while spending time outside.


5. English Bulldog

Pregnant English Bulldog white background
Image Credit: WilleeCole Photography, Shutterstock
Origin: England
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Height and Weight: 12–16 inches (30–41 cm), 40–55 pounds (18–25 kg)

With a sweet disposition and a predictable temperament, the English Bulldog has become a popular household pet all around the world. This breed is known for their loving behavior toward children and never-ending loyalty to their older human companions.

Due to their small stature and the need for minimal exercise, these dogs can get along well in apartment settings. That said, they won’t complain about living in a house with a fenced yard. One quirky attribute of this breed is their tendency to breathe loudly.


6. Braque Du Bourbonnais

Braque du Bourbonnais in the kitchen
Image Credit: Aiste Stankeviciute, Shutterstock
Origin: France, specifically in the historic area of Bourbonnais
Lifespan: 13–15 years
Height and Weight: 18–23 inches (46–58 cm), 35–55 pounds (16–25 kg)

Although agile and athletic, the Braque du Bourbonnais is typically a gentle and loving breed that makes both a great hunting companion and a family pet. These dogs have become so popular in the United States that more of them are registered there than in their original home of France.

This is a smart breed that can be easily trained in obedience, hunting, and agility. They are eager to please their human companions, and their propensity to protect makes them good watchdogs in their home environment. Due to their natural predatory tendencies, these dogs tend to have high prey drives and may not get along well with cats and other small animals. Also, some varieties of this breed do have longer tails.


7. Mudi

mudi dog outdoors in autumn
Image Credit: Inesmeierfotografie, Shutterstock
Origin: Hungary in the 19th century
Lifespan: 13–14 years
Height and Weight: 15–18 inches (38–46 cm), 18–30 pounds (8–13.6 kg)

This rare dog breed doesn’t get nearly as much attention as most of the other breeds on this list. The typical Mudi is an active, athletic, and smart working dog that predominantly resides in Hungary today, though Europe and the United States have developed small populations of the breed too.

These dogs are not bred as household pets but instead are typically maintained for sporting purposes. However, these loyal dogs enjoy the company of human companions and can get along fairly well in household settings. Some varieties of this breed have full-length tails instead of being tailless.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t have a tail, look no further than this list. At least one of the seven dogs featured here is sure to meet your expectations! It’s always a good idea to take the time to learn more about a breed before deciding if it’s the best option for you.


Featured Image Credit: Sandy Avocado Surf, Shutterstock

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