NK Tails

TheWalrus

There are two tail types in the NK, maki-o (curl tail) and sashi-o (sickle or pointed tail). The basic rule of thumb is that if the tip of the tail touches or curls over below the line of the back, it is a maki-o. If it does not, then it is a sashi-o.

All tails should be held up strongly. In the maki-o the tail should be held up over the back, with a space present between the line of the back, and the body of the tail so that you can actually 'see through' to the other side. A space the size of at least a ping pong ball is what I've heard as preferable. Tails may fall to either the right or left side of the body.





A sashi-o should be held up strongly. There is variation in the angle the tail is held at, but it should be held at an angle at least slightly forward from the end of the dog's body.





Tails should be full and thick with proper coloration. In NIPPO most of the breeds have maki-o, and sickle type tails are rare, but the majority of Kai have sashi-o, and most KKA breeders prefer the sickle type. In some breeds such as the Shikoku a large number do not have the spacing between tail and body, with the tail almost resting on the back. The Kishu seems to have stronger tails held up to give the proper spacing.

Brego_mellon_nin

Thanks for the explanation Shigs. Gorgoeus dogs by the way

sukoshi_mom

Thanks for the discussion and pictures. I have one of each w/ my Shibas. Sukoshi (B/T) has a very tightly curled maki-o. When she runs, it generally does not uncurl, but looks more like a little pom-pom bouncing on her butt. Hoshi, my red 13 year old rescue, has a sashi-o. When I first got him from the shelter, his tail looked pretty ratty, but after almost a year of good food and care, he has lovely fur and a rather cute sashi-o.

shibamistress

This is great! Love the pics, and love the description! I guess all my dogs are maki-o. Oskar (the AA) and Toby are so tightly coiled that they have "tail dents" in their fur under the tail....I wonder if there is a name for the tail dent? *lol*

yiasthoj

Thanks for sharing the info about the different tails? Quick question for you @TheWalrus, do breeders in Japan breed by selecting tail types too or does the different tails just randomly pop up in a litter? I kind of like the Sashi-o tail more...to me the Sashi-o tail looks more natural/wild.