Tail Problems: A true bulldog tail is a dream to look after, ideally he should have a nice straight spiked tail, moderate in length, that can be easily lifted away from the body - however, screw tails in bulldogs are not uncommon (many people assume the bulldog should have a screw tail which is not correct) and this and/or an inverted tail (where the tail is growing back into the body) can cause your bulldog a few problems. You should endeavour to keep tight tails clean and DRY, but if this proves to be a problem you should consult your vet. Bulldog tails ARE NOT docked and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, pay particular attention to tightly screwed or close fitting tails as these will need regular attention in order to prevent infection, some tails sit inside themselves (what I call a thumb in a belly button) and can look like there is no tail at all until you look closer.

It is very important to keep tight screw tails dry. I would highly recommened not buying or selling a screw tail into a humid area! If your dogs tight screw gets irritated/infected twice daily wipes with Cetramide anitseptic wash diluted 10:1 and Ilium Neocort...an antibiotic, anti inflammatory. Also a course of antibiotics as the implications for the condition worsening is horrible....amputation!

There are a variety of tails
Inverted Tail Often these tails go un-noticed as a quick glance looks like there isn't a tail. I call these tails "Thumb In A Belly Button" as often the tail bone is hidden inside a pocket. You need to ensure the pocket is kept clean and dry and if this proves to be difficult or painful amputation may need to be seriously considered.
Tight Tail As with Inverted tails, you need to make sure that the underside of a tight tail is kept clean and dry. If you cannot get your finger up under the tail you may find that you will seriously need to consider amputation as the area will quickly become sore and infected, especially during the Summer. After a bath, this area should be dried thoroughly. Tails which press tightly against the anus will quickly become dirty and may in the most serious cases cause internal nerve damage within the rectum. It's worth keeping an eye on pups with tight tails as they invariably get tighter as the dog grows bigger.
Screw Tail Or Pig Tail. Sadly many newcomers to the breed assume these tails to be correct. A tail which simply curls will probably cause no problem whatsoever, but a tail the screws tight round on itself should be treated the same as an inverted or tight tail.
Spike Tail A Spike Tail is a correct tail. Measuring approximately 3" in length, tapering to a point a Spike Tail can be easily lifted away from the body but is not carried above the dogs top line. These tails require very little attention and are pleasing to see as the dog is able to wag his tail.
Bun Tail A Bun Tail sits almost on top of the dogs back, often they are tightly screwed or inverted.
Curved Tail A straight tail that decided against becoming a screw tail. Sometimes there is a kink which may get a bit sweaty but on the most part these tails cause little problems.
Bald Tails Bulldog tails tend to go bald at some stage, I understand that this is due to the gland in the tail packing up and fur growth stops. The age this occurs varies from dog to dog, some are quite old before the tail goes bald whereas other start losing fur on the tail quite young, there is little that can be done and in most cases the problem is purely cosmetic.
Short Tails Bulldog tails are never docked but it's not unusual for a bulldog to be born with a short stumpy tail. These dogs usually wag their entire back ends when attempting to wag their tail.
Gay Tail A Gay Tail will almost definitely be straight, but will be carried above the dog's top line. Although incorrect for the show ring will cause the dog no problems and will require very little attention.