Which dogs have curly tails? In our breed data, 36 breeds have a natural tail that curls, sickles or is carried over the back. Most of them are spitz-type dogs, like the Akita, Samoyed and Pomeranian, plus a handful of toy and flat-faced breeds, like the Pug and the Shih Tzu.
Not every curl is the same. In our data, 15 breeds have a tail that curls over the back, 17 carry a plumed (feathery) tail over the back, and 4 have a sickle tail. The AKC glossary describes a sickle tail as one "carried in a semicircle."
Below, the 15 best-known breeds get their own section, with size, temperament and lifespan from our data. The other breeds are in a table at the end. If you are curious about tails that are short instead, see dog breeds with short tails. For tip color, see dog breeds with white-tipped tails.
Akita
The Akita carries a thick tail curled over its back, a trait of the Japanese spitz breeds. It is a giant breed at 70 to 130 pounds, standing 24 to 28 inches tall. The lifespan is 10 to 14 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as dignified, courageous and profoundly loyal.
Practical note: the thick double coat sheds heavily (the AKC rates shedding 3 out of 5), so plan on brushing often.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has a plumed tail carried over the back like a waving plume. It is a large, powerful sled dog at 65 to 95 pounds, 22 to 26 inches tall. It lives 10 to 14 years, and the AKC temperament words are loyal, playful and affectionate.
Practical note: Malamutes were bred to pull, so they need a lot of exercise, and they often dig and howl.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog has a plumed tail that lies over its back. The breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard), which is why the weight range is so wide: 6 to 35 pounds, 9 to 19 inches tall. The lifespan is 13 to 15 years, and the AKC temperament words are loyal, smart and versatile. The coat is white, or white and biscuit.
Practical note: they are smart and need regular training and play, or they get bored.
Basenji
The Basenji has a tightly curled tail, and a white tip is common in our data. It is a medium, short-coated hound at 20 to 26 pounds, 15 to 18 inches tall. The lifespan is 13 to 14 years, and the AKC calls the breed poised, independent and smart.
Practical note: the Basenji is known as the "barkless dog" because it yodels and makes other sounds instead. It is independent, so patience helps in training.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a plumed tail carried in a curve over the back, on a fluffy white curly coat.
It is a small dog at 12 to 18 pounds, 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall. The lifespan is 14 to 15 years, and the AKC temperament words are curious, playful and peppy.
Practical note: that coat needs regular brushing and trimming every few weeks.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has a sickle tail, carried up in a curve. It is the smallest breed in this guide at 3 to 6 pounds, 5 to 8 inches tall, and it has one of the longest lifespans at 14 to 16 years. The AKC temperament words are charming, graceful and sassy.
Practical note: tiny dogs get cold easily and are fragile around rough play, so supervise children.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow has a tail that curls tightly over the back, set high on a thick, lion-like ruff of fur. It is a large dog at 45 to 70 pounds, 17 to 20 inches tall. The lifespan is 8 to 12 years, and the AKC temperament words are dignified, bright and serious-minded.
Practical note: Chows are reserved and need early socialization. They also overheat easily in warm weather.
Keeshond
The Keeshond carries a plumed tail in a tight curl over the back. It is a medium dog at 35 to 45 pounds, 16 to 19 inches tall. The lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC temperament words are friendly, lively and outgoing.
Practical note: brush the thick double coat weekly, and more often during the seasonal shed.
Papillon
The Papillon has a plumed tail that arches over the back and lies on it. It is a toy dog at 5 to 10 pounds, 8 to 11 inches tall. The lifespan is 14 to 16 years, and the AKC temperament words are alert, friendly and happy.
Practical note: Papillons are quick learners and do well in agility, despite their small size.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian has a plumed tail that lies flat over its back. It is a toy dog with a famously fluffy coat, at 3 to 7 pounds, 6 to 7 inches tall. The lifespan is 12 to 16 years, and the AKC temperament words are inquisitive, lively and bold.
Practical note: Poms often bark, so teach a "quiet" cue early. Brush the double coat several times a week.
Pug
The Pug has a tail curled tightly over the hip. It is a small dog at 14 to 18 pounds, 10 to 13 inches tall, with a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. The AKC temperament words are charming, loving and mischievous.
Practical note: Pugs have flat faces and overheat easily. Keep walks short in hot weather and use a harness, not a collar.
Samoyed
The Samoyed carries its plumed tail curled over its back. It is a medium dog at 35 to 65 pounds, 19 to 23.5 inches tall. The lifespan is 12 to 14 years, and the AKC temperament words are friendly, gentle and adaptable. Its coat is white, cream or biscuit.
Practical note: the double coat is dense, so brush often and expect heavy seasonal shedding.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu has a curled tail carried over its back. It is a small dog at 15 to 25 pounds, 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall. It lives 13 to 16 years, and the AKC temperament words are alert, active and attentive. Its colors are red, black and tan, sesame and cream.
Practical note: Shibas are independent and can be hard to train off leash, so use a secure fence.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a plumed tail that curves over the back.
It is a small dog at 9 to 16 pounds, 9 to 10.5 inches tall, with one of the widest lifespans in our data at 10 to 18 years. The AKC temperament words are playful, affectionate and outgoing.
Practical note: the long coat mats easily, so brush daily or keep it in a short clip.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has a sickle tail, which it carries curved over the back when alert and trails when relaxed. It is a medium dog at 35 to 60 pounds, 20 to 23.5 inches tall. The lifespan is 12 to 14 years, and the AKC temperament words are loyal, outgoing and mischievous.
Practical note: Huskies need a lot of exercise and a secure yard.
The other breeds with curly tails
These breeds also have a natural tail that curls, sickles or is carried over the back.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Tail | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Klee Kai | Small | 6–25 lb | curled over the back | 13–16 years |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 80–150 lb | curled over the back | 11–13 years |
| Biewer Terrier | Toy | 4–8 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–16 years |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 99–170 lb | sickle | 10–12 years |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Large | 45–60 lb | curled over the back | 8–12 years |
| Coton de Tulear | Toy | 8–15 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 15–19 years |
| Finnish Lapphund | Medium | 33–53 lb | curled over the back | 12–15 years |
| Havanese | Toy | 7–13 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 14–16 years |
| Japanese Chin | Toy | 7–11 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 10–12 years |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | Giant | 90–145 lb | curled over the back | 11–13 years |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 12–18 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–15 years |
| Maltese | Toy | 4–7 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–15 years |
| Maltipoo | Small | 5–20 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–15 years |
| Norwegian Elkhound | Large | 43–60 lb | curled over the back | 12–15 years |
| Pekingese | Toy | 8–14 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–14 years |
| Pomsky | Medium | 20–30 lb | sickle | 12–15 years |
| Puggle | Medium | 15–30 lb | curled over the back | 10–15 years |
| Shih-poo | Small | 8–18 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–16 years |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Giant | 70–150 lb | curled over the back | 10–12 years |
| Tibetan Spaniel | Toy | 9–15 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 12–15 years |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 18–30 lb | plumed, carried over the back | 15–16 years |
Why do some dogs have curly tails?
The tail is a part of the spine, and the number and shape of the tail bones decide how it carries. A curl over the back is a breed trait, and it is typical of spitz-type dogs.
The AKC glossary describes a sickle tail as one "carried in a semicircle." Our data splits the 36 breeds by AKC group as Non-Sporting (10), Toy (10), Working (6), Not AKC (5). Check each breed's page in the AKC breed directory and the AKC glossary of breed standard terms for the exact wording of each standard.
A tail with a kink or spiral is a different thing from a curl. Those belong to the screw tails covered in dog breeds with short tails.
All 36 breeds with curly tails at a glance
| Breed | Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akita | Giant | 70–130 lb | 10–14 years |
| Alaskan Klee Kai | Small | 6–25 lb | 13–16 years |
| Alaskan Malamute | Large | 65–95 lb | 10–14 years |
| American Eskimo Dog | Medium | 6–35 lb | 13–15 years |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 80–150 lb | 11–13 years |
| Basenji | Medium | 20–26 lb | 13–14 years |
| Bichon Frise | Small | 12–18 lb | 14–15 years |
| Biewer Terrier | Toy | 4–8 lb | 12–16 years |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 99–170 lb | 10–12 years |
| Chihuahua | Toy | 3–6 lb | 14–16 years |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Large | 45–60 lb | 8–12 years |
| Chow Chow | Large | 45–70 lb | 8–12 years |
| Coton de Tulear | Toy | 8–15 lb | 15–19 years |
| Finnish Lapphund | Medium | 33–53 lb | 12–15 years |
| Havanese | Toy | 7–13 lb | 14–16 years |
| Japanese Chin | Toy | 7–11 lb | 10–12 years |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | Giant | 90–145 lb | 11–13 years |
| Keeshond | Medium | 35–45 lb | 12–15 years |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 12–18 lb | 12–15 years |
| Maltese | Toy | 4–7 lb | 12–15 years |
| Maltipoo | Small | 5–20 lb | 12–15 years |
| Norwegian Elkhound | Large | 43–60 lb | 12–15 years |
| Papillon | Toy | 5–10 lb | 14–16 years |
| Pekingese | Toy | 8–14 lb | 12–14 years |
| Pomeranian | Toy | 3–7 lb | 12–16 years |
| Pomsky | Medium | 20–30 lb | 12–15 years |
| Pug | Small | 14–18 lb | 13–15 years |
| Puggle | Medium | 15–30 lb | 10–15 years |
| Samoyed | Medium | 35–65 lb | 12–14 years |
| Shiba Inu | Small | 15–25 lb | 13–16 years |
| Shih Tzu | Small | 9–16 lb | 10–18 years |
| Shih-poo | Small | 8–18 lb | 12–16 years |
| Siberian Husky | Medium | 35–60 lb | 12–14 years |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Giant | 70–150 lb | 10–12 years |
| Tibetan Spaniel | Toy | 9–15 lb | 12–15 years |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 18–30 lb | 15–16 years |
Use the dog breeds by trait tool to filter this list by size, shedding and energy. To compare two breeds side by side, use the dog breed comparison tool.
Choosing a breed with a curly tail
A curly tail tells you little about temperament, because the group includes calm lap dogs and independent sled dogs. Look at size, coat and energy first. If you are still deciding, our dog breed selector narrows the list by lifestyle.
