Type Follows
Function
Key Elements of
the Breed
Shape
Forequarters
& Hindquarters
Head
Tail
Coat
Other Matters
Back to Toveri
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The Tail |
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| Set on and shape |
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The tail is often described as the ‘crown’ of the breed. This is what it should look like. It should not curve too much and never have a double curl as is seen in the Elkhound, Keeshond or Basenji. Neither should there be any gap between the tail and the back – even when the dog is out of coat. Let us begin with what the tail should look like. The tail is set on high and there is an immediate curve up, forward and then back. But the the curve straightens so that the end of the tail rests flat and virtually straight against the thigh.
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It is so easy for the tail not be be quite right. These two circles and the straight line are what you need to keep in mind. There should never be a ‘kink’ in the tail.
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| Remembering the last image these are all clearly quite wrong. They are all too short and the set on and curvature of each one is greatly removed from what is desirable. They are extreme. The usual problem is a tail that is slightly slack at the root and one that should too much curve throughout the lower half. |
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However, the important elements are the set on and shape. Do not be deceived by a tail that does not look right because the dog lacks coat or because the coat may be a little long and straggly as in this example. The two circles and the straight line are clearly evident here. Like the shape of the eye being more important than the colour the shape and set on of the tail is more important that the impression given by the coat |