Tail Trimming…

[saba]

I am showing both Ochre and Saba, but, I have been unable to get any help in the tail trimming issues, (my dogs breeder is in another state, and there is only so much you can do via a phone or the internet :D).

Im not so much asking for help, here, I was just wondering how an untrimmed tail would go in the ring, in America, Canada, and also the European Countries ??? At this stage no judge has mentioned their trimless tails, nor has any one else commented on their tails. Now Im not sure if that is a good thing or not :p. There is only one other exhibitor in the state, who do trim their dogs tails…

What is the reason for the trimming too, curious, is all ??? Is it just for aesthetic reasons, or was there a definite reason ???

Thanks in advance...

[JazzysMom]

I'm not a show-er so I probably shouldn't answer, but Jazzy has a very fluffy tail.
I know a few times before she went into the ring Bryan would just trim off a few wild hairs but the tail was still pretty darned fuzzy and she managed to finish, so…

She also actually showed -- with success -- a few times with a big bald spot on her tail from squeezing through the cat door, LOL. Picture a big, fluffy tail with a bald spot right on the top of the curl. NOT lovely!

[kiroja]

I think pretty much everyone trims in the US, minus maybe a handful of folks. But everyone trims to various degrees. Some just level it out, some give it a good clip, and some practically shave it bald. lol I don't think it affects judging too much. It is mostly done for aesthetic reasons, but a good trim job can make a significant difference in the "look" of the dog. That's where it might affect judging. A close trim does help the tail curl a bit better as well as lie flatter on the hip. And depending on their topline/tailset/rear angles/muscling, a fluffy tail vs. buzz cut look can help accentuate good traits in the rear or help hide some faults. For example if you have a puppy that's high in the rear, a big fluffy tail that draws your eye to the rear and makes it appear even higher is probably not a good idea. lol I'm sure folks that have shown lots of dogs over the years can give you a bunch of tips and secrets on "corrective trimming".

The dog's coat also makes a big difference. I have a couple dogs who have that razor short nice Basenji coat. Their tails also stay pretty short and sparse naturally and could probably go in the ring without any touch ups, although I prefer to even it out and make it pretty. I also have a "shaggy" dog whose tail needs a good mowing all the time!

[renaultf1]

@kiroja:

The dog's coat also makes a big difference. I have a couple dogs who have that razor short nice Basenji coat. Their tails also stay pretty short and sparse naturally and could probably go in the ring without any touch ups, although I prefer to even it out and make it pretty. I also have a "shaggy" dog whose tail needs a good mowing all the time!

I have one whose coat (Brando) is that razor short coat…and ever since I've known him - before he came to live with me - his tail was really short. However, since he's living with me, his tail is HUGE...we constantly laugh that he's getting weighted down in the back because his tail has grown so much. So I guess Pam & Sheila trimmed it when they showed him. I know they trimmed Ruby's tail when they showed her...but not as much as Brando. Ruby's tail basically lays over her back (one loose curl)...Brando's is more of a tight cinnamon bun.

Question for you show people...is it more likely to keep a loose tail thicker, because wouldn't it look a little funny to have it too thin when it isn't curled?
Just curious.

[lvoss]

@saba:

What is the reason for the trimming too, curious, is all ??? Is it just for aesthetic reasons, or was there a definite reason ???
QUOTE]

I am one who for a long time did not trim tails. I still sometimes forget to do it before going to a show but my dogs tails are not really bushy like some but they do have some unruly hairs. Yes, the reason for trimming is aesthetic but doing the trimming and how it is done sends a message to the judge. Rally and Rio both have tight curls and trimming the wild hairs accentuates the curls and with Rio actually tightens her curl because the hairs aren't in the way. Sophie has a loose curl but even with her it helps to give a clean look to trim any stray hairs sticking out at odd angles.

Taking the time to trim the tail nicely does communicate a level of commitment to the judge and I think nicely hand trimmed tails do make an impression but an untrimmed tail isn't going keep a good dog from winning. Rally finished her championship without ever having her tail trimmed.

[Quercus]

@renaultf1:

I have one whose coat (Brando) is that razor short coat…and ever since I've known him - before he came to live with me - his tail was really short. However, since he's living with me, his tail is HUGE...we constantly laugh that he's getting weighted down in the back because his tail has grown so much. So I guess Pam & Sheila trimmed it when they showed him. I know they trimmed Ruby's tail when they showed her...but not as much as Brando. Ruby's tail basically lays over her back (one loose curl)...Brando's is more of a tight cinnamon bun.

Question for you show people…is it more likely to keep a loose tail thicker, because wouldn't it look a little funny to have it too thin when it isn't curled?
Just curious.

Nope, the trimming usually makes a loose tail curl a little tighter. It depends on how loose…if it is 'african loose' (not a BAD thing, mind you), there is nothing you can do to make it tighter. With a bushy tail the hair can get in the way of the curl...and also disguise the curl. But you can't make a single loop curl into a double curl...you can just make whatever they have a little tidier.

As Kelli said, with my dogs that have longer, or softer hair overall, the hair on their tail is copious. With the shorter coats, not so bushy. I usually do a little trimming for show. You can do it with clippers with a long hair guard, or thinning shears, or a combiniation.

[renaultf1]

@Quercus:

Nope, the trimming usually makes a loose tail curl a little tighter. It depends on how loose…if it is 'african loose' (not a BAD thing, mind you), there is nothing you can do to make it tighter. With a bushy tail the hair can get in the way of the curl...and also disguise the curl. But you can't make a single loop curl into a double curl...you can just make whatever they have a little tidier.

Interesting. Thanks Andrea…btw, Ruby's tail is 'African loose'...just one big loop that drapes over her back. I was looking at some of her show pics last night and can see that Pam & Sheila trimmed it up...unlike the unruly wild tail it has become :D.

[moetmum]

I never trim my dogs tails, I suspect other people in the UK may do, Kia has a very neat little tail but Rufus is a bit hairier but not untidy, its never gone against him.

[Janneke]

I don't trim Tillo's tail either. It's not that hairy and I will probably destroy his tail
I've seen some trimmed b-tails.. and it wasn't the prettiest look.. (prob done by someone not very good at it ;)) (btw I've also seen some very nice trimmed tails! :D)

[basi]

I don't trim any of my b's tails either. I have seen some in the UK trimmed and it has just looked so obvious that they have not made a good job of it. It isn't really expected in the UK with our breed unless it has a really untidy tail. I presonaly like them with a bushier tail.

[ibi_n_sane]

haha 2 tail trimming topics i will not repeat what I wrote down there haha
anyway some judges dont like a basenjis tail trimmed as well.