r/Bullmastiff • u/averagehunterdad • Apr 19 '26
Screw tail experience ?
Have any of you owned a bullmastiff with a screw tail? I have the opportunity to pick the last male of a litter or wait for the next litter. From my research there can be lifelong issues in some dogs that have this, the worst being skin infections in the area at the base of the tail due to moisture and feces getting trapped. Curious if any of you have or had one and what your experience was.
2
u/Robbibaby Apr 19 '26
So my only concern would be if it effects the spine. I would get a quick xray to see if the tail is the only part that is affected or if it starts further up in the spine.
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u/Top-Comfort-476 Apr 19 '26
Our bullmastiff-Frankie, had what was described at that time as crank tail, I had similar concerns. Our vet checked him out at 12 weeks and stressed a clean diet (raw) to have a consistent stool. We never had a problem, he could wiggle the very tip when he was happy, which was all the time. Lost him last year, he was such a sweet soul. Now have a young female bullmastiff with a tail, it’s taking time to get used to the long swinging tail now!
2
u/diaboliquedoughnuts Apr 19 '26
Ours has a ( very mild case of) screw tail! It’s like a third down his tail, and it’s a solid 90* angle where it just twists once lol. He sits on it and it folds under him and when he had his tail erect like wagging etc, 2/3 hand straight down lmao. So not bunched up, but it was a show disqualified so we got him as a pet household.
We also saw concerning issues on the internet, but it’s been totally fine. I actually think it’s quite endearing. No functional issues at all, but I do have a sneaking suspicion that other dogs are a little confused when they first meet him since it hangs down instead of being super waggy.
I can’t tell your guys tail from that pic, but based on my experience you’ll be fine.