A tail curled up and over the back is one of the clearest breed markers in the dog world. The look shows up most often in spitz-type dogs bred for cold regions, though a few other breeds carry it too. Here are ten dog breeds recognized by the curled tails they carry over their backs.
1. Shiba Inu: Japan’s small, spirited spitz
The Shiba Inu is a small, agile dog from Japan, and the American Kennel Club describes an alert, bold breed with a fox-like face and a thick double coat. The tail is a defining feature, carried in a curl over the back.
Coats come in red, sesame, black and tan and cream, often with pale markings on the cheeks and chest. Shibas are independent and confident, and they tend to be clean, catlike dogs. Training works best when it is consistent and patient, since the breed has a mind of its own.