A Beagle’s tail is one of the breed’s most distinctive features. It can be long or medium in length. This comprehensive guide will explore all aspects of beagle tails – from their appearance and length to docking and health problems.
We will also discuss how to groom and care for your Beagle’s tail properly and what you should do if you notice any health issues.
- What does a beagle's tail look like?
- What is the average length of beagle tails?
- Docking a beagle's tail - pros and cons
- How to groom and care for the beagle tails
- Common health problems associated with beagles tails
- How Should a Beagle hold his tail?
- Do Beagle have curled tails?
- Can a Beagle Be Born With a Stub Tail?
- How do beagles communicate with their tails?
- Conclusion: Beagle Tail
What does a beagle’s tail look like?
The Beagle tail is one of the breed’s most distinctive features; It can be long or medium in length. The tail is covered in hair and has a rounded tip.
The tail of a Beagle is usually long, sleek and thick. It should be directed upward from the back end to where it becomes thinner at an angle before reaching its highest point.

The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale ) describes the Beagle tail as Sturdy and moderately long, set on high carried gaily but not curled over the back or inclined forward from root.
The main functions of the Beagle’s tail are to help the dog balance and keep its body temperature regulated. The tail also plays an important role in communication – it can be used to express happiness, excitement, anger, or fear.
They carry their tail higher than most other breeds, and it is typically long, tapering to a point.
Beagle Tail Color
It is known that most beagles have white-tipped tails known as flags. This is why beagle puppies are easy to spot when they’re born. However, the tip may be difficult to notice or see in some cases. Beagle tails can come in tan, white, lemon-white, and tri-color)
What is the average length of beagle tails?
The average length of beagle tails is about 8-13 inches long. However, there can be some variation in the size of tails, as they can be anywhere from short to quite long.
The taller your Beagle is, the longer its tail is likely to be. And as beagles are a hunting breed, their tails play an important role in helping them balance and steer when they’re running through dense undergrowth.
So, if you have a beagle who likes to chase after things, it’s important to keep its tail healthy and free from any injuries.
Docking a beagle’s tail – pros and cons
Docking beagle tails is a controversial topic. Some beagles have their tail docked when they are puppies, while others have theirs naturally bobbed or maybe curled. There is no real consensus on whether docking a beagle tail is better than leaving it.
The beagle breed standard recommends that the animal’s tail be ‘thickly set and of good length.’ A beagle with a short tail is more likely to suffer from some problems, as the tail is used for balance and communication.
On the other hand, there are some pros to docking beagle tails. For one, it makes cleaning behind the dog much easier. It can also prevent injuries if the dog is in a fight or gets into a brawl with another animal.
Ultimately, the decision to dock beagle tails lies with the dog’s owner. Some people believe that docking a beagle’s tail is cruel, while others think it’s a good way to prevent health problems. If you are considering having your Beagle’s tail docked, be sure to do your research and make an informed decision.
Some cons to docking beagle tails:
1. Beagles use their tail for balance and communication; a bobbed or curled tail can adversely affect these abilities
2. Some people believe that docking beagles’ tail is inhumane due to the pains.
3. It can be difficult to find a qualified veterinarian who will dock a beagle’s tail

How to groom and care for the beagle tails
Grooming beagle tails is relatively easy. You can use a brush or comb to remove any loose hair, and you can also trim the hair around the base of the tail if it becomes too long.
It’s important to keep an eye on your Beagle’s tail for signs of infection or other health problems. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to take your Beagle in for a check-up.
Ask your Veterinarian or dog groomer for advice if you’re unsure how to groom and care for beagles’ tails. They will be able to show you the best way of grooming beagles’ tails so that they stay healthy and look their best.
Some tips for grooming beagle tails:
1. Use a brush or comb to remove any loose hair
2. Trim the hair around the base of the tail if it becomes too long
3. Keep an eye on your Beagle’s tail for signs of infection or other health problems
4. Ask your Veterinarian or dog groomer for advice on how to groom beagles’ tails
5. Be sure to take your Beagle in for a check-up if you notice anything unusual
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Common health problems associated with beagles tails
Some common health problems associated with beagle tails include the limber tail, broken tail, swollen tail, IVDD and infection.
1. Limber Tail
A limber tail is a condition that beagles suffer from where the tail becomes limp or floppy. The Beagle may be lethargic and have trouble walking or sitting down.
2. Broken Tail
Broken tails can be caused by many things, such as falling off of furniture or being hit by a car. If your Beagle has broken its tail, be sure to take it to the vet for treatment.
3. Swollen Tail
Beagles with swollen tails may suffer from an infection or other health problems. It’s important to get your Beagle seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice that its tail appears swollen.
4. IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD is condition Beagles suffer from where their spinal discs are not functioning properly. This can be caused by trauma, aging or other factors. It’s important to get your Beagle checked out by a veterinarian if you suspect they might be suffering from IVDD. IVDD can make your pet tail malfunction.
5. Infection
Beagles with infected tails may have a swollen, red and sore tails. Bacteria, fungus or parasites may cause the infection. If you suspect your Beagle has an infection, take it to the vet for treatment.
6. Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is a condition that beagles can suffer from where their kneecap pops out of place. This can be caused by genetics or other factors.
If your Beagle is suffering from patellar Luxation, it may have trouble walking and require surgery to correct the problem. Patellar Luxation can also affect your Beagle’s tail.
7. Itchy tail
An itchy tail is a condition beagles can suffer from where their tails become itchy and inflamed. This may be caused by allergies, skin infections, or other health problems. If your Beagle is suffering from an itchy tail, be sure to take it to the vet for treatment.
8. Compulsive Chewing of the Tail
Compulsive Chewing of the Tail is a condition that beagles can suffer from where they obsessively chew on their tails. This may be caused by stress, anxiety or other factors. If your Beagle is chewing on its tail excessively, be sure to take it to the vet for a check-up and treatment.
Be sure to keep an eye on your Beagle’s tail for any signs of health problems. If you notice anything unusual, take your Beagle in for a check-up to ensure that everything is okay.
How Should a Beagle hold his tail?
A beagle should be holding his tail straight out behind him. The Beagle’s tail is not curled or kinked; it’s held in a long, stiff arc that ends at the end of your dog’s back.
A beagle may hold his tail high or low, but he will always have some kind of curve to it.
There are many different beagle tail positions, but the Beagle should be holding his tail in one of these three ways: up high, down low and to the side. If your Beagle is not holding his tail any other way than this, he may be sick or injured, so immediately take him to a vet!
A beagle will hold his tail high to show happiness or excitement. He may also be feeling anxious or scared, but he is trying hard not to let others notice it around him.
A Beagle holding his tail low means that something is bothering your dog, and he wants people’s attention so they can help fix whatever problem he might be having right now.
A beagle holding his tail to the side is a sign that something has happened recently, and he needs time alone with you or someone else who cares about him so they can talk it out without anyone else listening in on their conversation.
If your Beagle’s tail position changes from one of these three ways, be sure to take him in for a check-up immediately.
Also, a beagle may hold his tail low or down when relaxed. There are times when Beagle may sleep with a curled tail or tuck it around its body.
Do Beagle have curled tails?
Naturally, Beagles do not have curled tails; their tails are long and straight. This is the Beagle’s most distinctive feature. It is what makes Beagle unique from all other breeds of dogs.
However, some beagles may have slight curves on their tails, but this doesn’t mean the Beagle itself is not purebred, or something is wrong with the tail. The only time you should be worried is if there’s a change in the tail or the Beagle cannot hold its tails naturally the way it ought to.
Can a Beagle Be Born With a Stub Tail?
Generally, beagles are not born with stub tails. However, in some cases, a beagle may be born with a very short tail or no tail at all. If this is the case, be sure to take your Beagle to the vet for a check-up to ensure everything is okay.
Beagles are known for their long, straight tails. If your Beagle’s tail is not in one of the three positions described above, or if it changes from one position to another, be sure to consult your vet.
How do beagles communicate with their tails?
Beagles communicate with their tails in three main ways: low and relaxed, flagging, or wagging. Each way has a different meaning depending on the Beagle’s mood and situation. If your Beagle’s tail is not in one of these positions, or if it changes from one position to another, talk to your Veterinarian.
Beagle Tail Wagging and Communication
Tail wagging can signify many things, but be aware that the Beagle is not always happy.
The tail may be an indication of:
1. Beagle is happy and wants attention: Beagle is excited to see you because he’s been waiting all day! It could be something new or just another person coming over for dinner; either way, this means that your Beagle loves company so much that he’d gladly welcome any visitors into his home with open paws (or should we say feet?).
2. Aggression: is when your Beagle feels threatened by another dog or person and wants to show dominance over them. He might be saying something like, “Don’t come any closer! I don’t know you!” (And he doesn’t want to either.)
3. Nervous and scared: Beagle is trying to tell you that he’s not comfortable with the current situation and would like to be anywhere but where he currently is.
4. Calm and chilled: Beagle is relaxed and doesn’t want anything from anyone at that moment. He’s just chilling out in his bed or on the couch like any other beagle would do when they’re not feeling stressed about something going on outside of their house.
Conclusion: Beagle Tail
The beagle tail is one of the most expressive features of the dog’s body. It can communicate happiness, excitement, fear, and more.
Understanding how to read your Beagle’s tail will help you better connect with your pet and provide a deeper level of communication.
Have you ever seen your Beagle wag its tail in a certain way? What did it mean? Now that you know all about the different types of tails and what they mean, we hope you will take some time to watch your Beagle closely and learn what each movement means. And who knows, maybe next time someone asks you about your Beagle’s tail, you’ll have an answer for them!