A Closer Look at the Chihuahua
by Laurence Fitt-Savage

Tail

The tail completes the body's structure, the tail bones are a direct continuation of the spinal column, becoming progressively smaller and tapering to the rear.  Control is by three quite powerful muscles, two above and one below.  The set of the tail should be fairly high, to allow the tail to be carried up and over the back.  A low set tail is likely to accompany a 'goose-rump', with steep croup and movement problems.  If the tail is set too high, laying flat across the back like a Pom's, the pelvis is likely to be laid too flat, with resultant short, stilted hind action.  A twist or kink in the tail is a fault that may be more serious than it appears, since unnatural twists in the tail vertebrae may be symptomatic of further weaknesses along the spinal column.  The curly 'pig' tail, and the long tail twisted to one side, the results of muscular imbalance may also signal further weaknesses in muscular development.  The typical chihuahua tail is the result of a slight flattening of the vertebrae combined with strong muscles, modifications which slightly reduce tail length.  A long, round, bony, 'whippy' or 'rats' tail is a deviation from type.

Skull :: Jaws and Cheeks :: Muzzle :: Bite :: Eyes :: Ears :: Neck :: Forequarters
Shoulder :: Movement :: Balance :: Forehand :: Foreaction :: Musculature
Hindquarters :: Hindaction :: Croup :: Angulation :: Back :: Body Shape :: Chest :: Tail

Reproduced from the British Chihuahua Club Handbook 1987