What Types of Dogs Have Tails That Curl Up When Standing?

Pugs are a toy-size breed of canine with tails that curl upwards rather than hang down. The tail should be set fairly high on the dog's rear and some pugs have tails that curl twice rather than just once. Pugs have broad heads, large dark eyes and short, almost smushed-looking muzzles. Pugs are short-haired dogs who come in several different colors including black, silver, apricot and fawn.

Basenjis are small, athletic dogs who come in a variety of colors including red, black, chestnut, copper and a tri-color mix of tan, black and white. All basenjis have white markings on their feet, chest and the very end of their tails. The white markings will occur regardless of the base color of the dog's coat. The tail of a basenji curls up and over onto the dog's back. The tail may fall on either side of the dog.

Both Japanese and American Akitas feature curly tails. The markings on these dogs will vary depending on the exact type of Akita you own, but the curly tail will remain the same. Akitas are large dogs and their tails may curl upwards a couple of times before falling back towards the dog's spine. The Shiba Inu is another Japanese dog with an upright, curly tail. The Shiba Inu is a compact dog who is bred for hunting and has a thick double coat.

The keeshond is a medium-sized, long-coated dog who carries his tail over his back. Keeshonds come in a mixture of black, tan and cream colors. The tail of a keeshond will be thickly covered with long-haired plumage.