Posted by As explained on the Retriever Shub site, the tails of Goldendoodles are usually 12 to 14 inches long, but it can vary from 3.5 to 16 inches depending on the dog. Some owners usually shape the tail so that it has a style. You can read the 5 most common tail styles for Goldendoodles and some other information about Goldendoodle tails below.
Tail Styles for Goldendoodles
According to the Retriever Shub site, here are the 5 most common Goldendoodle tail styles.
- Pom Tail or Lion Style
To have this style, two-thirds of the tail is clipped where it starts from the base and at the end of the tail, there is a tall plume of hair. The area where the tail starts to fold over the back of the dog is where the plume should start. For people who like this style, usually their reason is because it is easier to groom since there is less hair at the end of the trail to tangle and also it is less possibility for the hair to get trodden on or stuck in something. - Plume Tail
With this style, starting from the base and finishing with a tall plume of hair, two-thirds of the tail is cut gently. The plume must start around the area where the tail folds over the back of the dog. For people who like this tail style on their dog because there is less hair at the end of the tail to tangle and less opportunity for the hair to get stepped on or get stuck in anything. - Bottle Brush
With this tail style, the hair is neat and it is cut short in the same way as the rest of the body. The length may be 2 to 4 inches long and it is the same length throughout the tail. Owners of Goldendoodles usually want this tail style because they are active and they do not want their hair to be tangled or pulled. Besides, owners who do not want to spend much time brushing the tails of their dogs many times a week also like this style. However, with this tail style, the owners still need to brush it once a week, but it should be simple and quick. - Fluffy and Long
This tail style is natural which means that there is no cutting. This style shows the owner’s Goldendoodle’s inherent beauty. If the owner wants to have this tail style for their Goldendoodle, they need to devote some extra effort to combing and freeing the tangle in this tail. For people who like the natural appearance of their Goldendoodle with a long tail, usually they like this tail style for their Goldendoodle. For people who also do not want to take their dogs to the groomer often, this tail style can be the option. Nevertheless, with this tail style, the Goldendoodle needs to be brushed at least twice a week. It is done to keep it from matts and bugs. - Flag Tail
This tail style is called flag tail because it resembles the shape of a flag. To have this tail style, the base of the tail and surrounding the anus are cut short for the first 2 to 3 inches and then the rest of the tail is cut into a rectangular shape. If the owners like a tidy appearance and also the beauty of nature, this tail style is suitable for their Goldendoodle. However, at least once a week, this style needs to be brushed out to prevent mats from developing.
Some Common Tail Problems on Goldendoodles
Talking about Goldendoodles tail styles, whatever the style that is chosen by the owner for their Goldendoodles, they also need to know about the tail problems on Goldendoodles. Here are some common tail problems on Goldendoodles according to the Retriever Shub site.
- Bites
When Goldendoodles or even other dogs play with other dogs or they try to flee from an animal which wants to hurt them, the target for injury is usually the tail. Their tail may be bitten by another dog or another animal and it can cause damage at the base of the tail or at the other area down the tail. The usual treatments for dog bites are cleaning the wound, oral antibiotics, topical medicine, and pain killers. - Skin Infections
If there are skin infections on the tail of a dog, it can happen because of a variety of factors such as allergies or infections from cuts and scrapes which are caused by trauma. Usually, the tail has very little additional skin. So, if the skin is split into an open sore, it is hard to cure it. In many cases, oral antibiotics may be needed. - Cold Tail or Limber
Overexertion can cause a limber tail or painful muscle condition. So, the base of the tail will not be comfortable where it is sensitive to touch and also the rest of the tail is limp. Usually, dogs which suffer from this illness are working dogs of large breeds. To heal this problem, the owner can visit a vet. Usually, if fractures and infections have been removed, the vet will prescribe rest and anti-inflammatory pain medications. Even if needed, the vet may perform surgery to repair the injured tail. - Fleas
Usually, one of the targets of fleas is the base of a dog’s tail. It can cause issues with the tail because fleas can irritate the skin of a dog by biting it. To relieve the discomfort of the fleas’ bites, the dog usually licks or chews and then the inflammation will happen where it causes additional irritation to the skin around the base of the tail. Let’s say that the dog has fleas. If so, the owner can do something to treat the dog from fleas. There are some treatments and medicines that can kill fleas and keep the dog free of pests.
Besides the problems above, the other tail problems are tumors/ masses in the tail, abrasion, fecal matter that has been trapped, injuries caused by wagging (happy tail), fracturing, lacerations, and dislocation or fracture.
