Understanding Tail Variations in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are best known for their adorable faces, bat-like ears, and compact bodies. Traditionally, they’re pictured with a short, corkscrew tail—but did you know not all Frenchies have the same tail shape?

Some French Bulldogs are born with longer, straighter, or slightly curved tails, and while this may differ from the classic look, it’s not something to worry about. In fact, it can actually be a sign of strong structural health.

What Causes Different Tail Shapes?

Tail shape is determined by genetics and spinal structure. The typical “screw tail” is the result of shortened and sometimes malformed vertebrae in the tail. A Frenchie with a longer or slightly curved tail simply has a more traditionally shaped vertebrae chain in the tail area.

These variations are completely natural, and they don’t indicate anything is wrong—just that your pup is unique!

Are Longer Tails Healthier for French Bulldogs?

While the screw tail is part of the French Bulldog breed standard, a longer tail can come with some real benefits:

1. Better Spinal Alignment

Longer tails often suggest more normal vertebrae development, which can contribute to better overall spine health. Dogs with extremely twisted tails may be more prone to issues like hemivertebrae—a spinal condition caused by wedge-shaped vertebrae. A straighter tail often means straighter vertebrae all the way up the spine.

2. Easier Hygiene

Many Frenchies with screw tails have a tight tail pocket—a skin fold under the tail that can trap dirt and moisture. This area needs frequent cleaning and can become irritated or infected if not maintained. A longer or outward-curved tail often eliminates the pocket entirely, making hygiene much easier for pet parents.

3. No Impact on Personality or Health

Most importantly, your Frenchie’s tail shape does not impact their personality, energy level, or loving nature. Whether short and curled or long and curved, your French Bulldog is just as affectionate, loyal, and silly as ever.

Does a Longer Tail Disqualify a Frenchie?

If you’re considering showing your dog in conformation competitions, then yes—a longer tail is considered a fault under the breed standard. But if you’re welcoming a French Bulldog into your home as a beloved pet, this cosmetic difference is purely that: cosmetic.

In fact, many breeders are beginning to recognize the benefits of functional tails and are open to preserving genetic diversity that supports long-term health.

Celebrating Diversity in the French Bulldog Breed

No two Frenchies are alike, and that’s one of the many reasons people fall in love with them. From coat color to ear shape to tail length, these small differences are what make your pup one-of-a-kind.

So if your Frenchie has a tail that’s a bit longer or curves gently to the side—celebrate it! It’s a perfectly natural variation that often brings hidden health perks.

Final Thoughts

A longer or curved tail on a French Bulldog might not follow the textbook breed description, but it’s not a flaw. In fact, it might just mean your pup has stronger structure, fewer hygiene issues, and a tail that wags just a little more expressively.

As responsible breeders and Frenchie lovers, our goal is to prioritize health, temperament, and quality of life—and sometimes, that includes welcoming and appreciating these special variations.

Healthy French Bulldog puppy laying on back showing clean, round belly.m

Healthy Bellies, Happy Puppies: Our G.I. Protocol at The French Bulldog of Colorado

At The French Bulldog of Colorado, our number one priority is raising strong, healthy puppies—and that starts from the inside out. We take gut health seriously, which is why we follow a thorough gastrointestinal (G.I.) protocol to keep our puppies parasite-free and thriving.

Our Deworming Schedule

Parasites are a natural part of a puppy’s early environment, but we stay ahead of them with a proactive approach. We start our deworming program at two weeks of age and repeat it every two weeks until your puppy goes home—this means they receive treatments at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age.

Here’s what we use and what each product targets:

• Pyrantel Pamoate (Nemex® or similar)

Targets: Roundworms and hookworms

This gentle dewormer is safe for young puppies and effective at removing the most common intestinal worms.

• Fenbendazole (Panacur®)

Targets: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia (a common protozoan parasite)

This broad-spectrum dewormer is often given in a 3-day series to target stubborn parasites like Giardia.

• Toltrazuril or Ponazuril

Targets: Coccidia

If needed, we also give a preventative treatment for coccidia, another intestinal parasite that can cause loose stool in puppies, especially under stress.

Fecal Testing: Proof of Clean Health

Starting at 8 weeks old, we run routine fecal flotation tests on all our puppies every two weeks. These tests are performed under a microscope to check for any signs of intestinal parasites. We also complete one final fecal test just before pickup so you can be confident your puppy is healthy and parasite-free when they come home.

✅ Every puppy goes home with a full medical record, including documentation of all deworming medications and copies of their negative fecal test results.

Here’s an example of what we look for—and what we’re proud to see before each puppy leaves:

Why This Matters

Young puppies are more vulnerable to parasites, which can lead to diarrhea, poor weight gain, and even more serious health issues. By following this detailed G.I. protocol, we’re setting your puppy up for success—and saving you from potential stress and vet bills down the road.

Have questions about what’s included in your puppy’s wellness plan? We’re always happy to walk you through it.

Looking for a healthy, happy Frenchie? Check out our available puppies.

FAQ: Deworming & Puppy Health

Q: What parasites are most common in puppies?

A: Roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and Giardia are the most common intestinal parasites in young puppies.

Q: How do I know if my puppy has worms?

A: Symptoms can include soft stool, visible worms in feces, bloated belly, or scooting. However, many infected puppies show no signs—this is why testing is so important.

Q: What is a fecal flotation test?

A: It’s a microscopic test used to check for intestinal parasites. We perform this test starting at 8 weeks and provide a final negative test before your puppy goes home.