The English Bulldog's tail is a detail of great importance, both aesthetically and health-wise. Understanding its shape, potential problems, and how to care for it is essential to the well-being of this unique breed.

What should the English Bulldog's tail be like?

The breed standard requires the tail to be: set low, with a fairly straight tail and a downward slope. Round and smooth, without harsh hairs or feathering. Moderately long, short, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip. Carried low. The two most common shapes are:

1. Straight tail – in puppies it is soft, broad at the base and tapers to a short, triangular tip.

2. Corkscrew tail – curls downward, never upward. In puppies, it is flexible, then becomes stiff as they grow.

Common tail problems

Some English Bulldogs, especially those with corkscrew or ingrown tails, may develop skin problems if the area is not kept clean and dry. Common problems include:

Skin irritations.

Bacterial infections.

Presence of Malassezia with brownish waxy exudate and rancid odor.

Intense itching that causes the dog to lick or rub itself.

An ingrown (or incarcerated) tail is a condition in which the caudal stump penetrates the skin excessively, creating a deep fold. It can trap moisture and dirt, causing chronic inflammation. In severe cases, and only when conservative treatments are insufficient, your veterinarian may recommend a caudalectomy (surgical amputation).

Daily tail maintenance

To prevent these problems, constant care is essential:

1. Daily cleaning

After each bowel movement, clean the anus and the base of the tail with a damp, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free wipe. The cleaning should reach all areas of the tail, up to the caudal pouch, and should be thorough, stopping only when the wipe is clean. NB: NEVER rub the skin.

2. Daily check-up

Inspect the area between the tail and the skin for redness, discharge, or foul odors.

3. Gentle washing in case of redness

Use lukewarm water and a diluted gentle veterinary detergent (Clorexiderm®, Leniderm®, Peptivet®, Ribes Pet®, Pyoderm®).

Dry thoroughly.

Apply a zinc-based product only to dry skin. White Winkle powder can be considered the product par excellence for managing tails, both for healthy prevention and for irritated ones, thanks to its disinfectant and astringent properties.

4. For corkscrew or ingrown tails

Thoroughly clean all folds with gauze or cloth soaked in mild detergent.

Dry thoroughly to avoid bacterial growth.

Apply White Winkle once a day, and several times a day if irritation occurs.

The role of White Winkle

After cleansing and drying, White Winkle can make a difference in the daily management of the English Bulldog's tail:

Keeps skin dry and protected.

Prevents moisture maceration.

Reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal growth.

Soothes and calms existing irritations.

Unlike many creams or powders, White Winkle is non-greasy, does not clog the skin and can be used every day, even on healthy dogs, as a preventative measure.

Many owners have reported improvements after just a few days of consistent use: the skin appears healthier, the unpleasant odor disappears, and the dog stops scratching or rubbing itself.

Direct experience

Mi bulldog Irimi tenía la base de la cola muy roja. Tras tres días de aplicarle White Winkle de forma constante, su piel volvió a la normalidad y dejó de rascarse.

I can say without hesitation that for me it has become an indispensable product in the grooming and hygiene routine of my bulldog.

When to contact the vet

Even with the best prevention, if you notice:

Pain when handling the tail.

Secrezioni persistenti o maleodoranti.

Lesions that do not improve within a few days.

It is necessary to consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and to exclude the need for targeted therapies or surgery.

In summary:

The English Bulldog's tail requires daily cleaning, drying, and protection. White Winkle offers practical and effective support for maintaining healthy skin and preventing complications, but the veterinarian remains the primary point of contact for clinical management. 

DC