The Tail of an Aussie - Natural Bobtail (NBT)
The Australian Shepherd can naturally present two types of tail:
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Long tail, and
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Natural bobtail (NBT – Natural Bobtail).
Both are correct within the breed.
Origin of the Natural Bobtail
The natural bobtail in the Australian Shepherd is not exclusively the result of docking; it exists genetically within the breed and has been present since its origins.
The NBT is caused by a mutation in the T gene (C189G). This gene acts in a dominant manner:
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A dog carrying one copy of the gene may be born with a naturally shortened tail.
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Two copies of the gene (homozygous) are embryonically non-viable.
For this reason, breeding two NBT dogs together may result in reduced litter size.
The tail length in NBT dogs can vary considerably, ranging from almost absent to a partially shortened tail.
Legislation and Current Practice
In many European countries, tail docking is prohibited. As a result, the presence of long tails has become increasingly common and is entirely correct within the breed.
In countries where docking was historically practiced, many puppies born with long tails had them docked during the first days of life. However, this does not mean that the long tail is not genetically part of the breed. Today, both the natural long tail and the natural bobtail (NBT) are accepted under most international breed standards.
Functionality
A functional Australian Shepherd is fully capable of working efficiently with either a long tail or a natural bobtail.
The priority should never be tail length, but rather:
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Correct structure
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Efficient movement
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Balanced temperament
Our vision
In our breeding program, tail length, whether long or NBT, is not a primary selection criterion. Our focus remains on preserving the functionality, health, and character that define the breed.
Because the essence of the Australian Shepherd does not lie in the length of its tail, but in its ability to work, live harmoniously, and stand out through balance and versatility.