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The set on is moderately low, following the contours of the
sloping croup and of length to reach approximately to the hock.
At rest it should hang in a very slight curve. During movement
or excitement the tail may be raised, but under no circumstances
should any part of the tail be carried past the vertical line
drawn through the root. The tail should carry a good brush.
 The
tail should flow as part of the dog. It acts as a rudder
for the dog in movement. All to often one sees a tail
carried over the back like an antenna. The tail and croup
go together. The flatter the croup and higher the tailset.
More often than not this is also associated with straight
stifle. The tail should never hook or curl and should
never come up over the back.
Kaleski writes. "Tail is of fair length, for the reason
that it regulates the dog's movements, being merely a continuation
of the backbone covered with hair, and it serves to balance
the dog in his gallop. If too short or too long, his speed and
action suffer accordingly, just as with Greyhounds. Dingo, or
bottle-shape, for two reasons: (I) this shape of tail indicates
Dingo strain, as against a long, thin tail denoting Bullterrier,
or a short tail the old Bob-tail: (2) a dog with a brush tail
rests better than any other, as in a wild state the dog sleeps
coiled in a circle, with the nose buried in the fur of the brush.
I don't know why exactly, but believe that there is a physiological
reason for it. Probably, by lessening the respiration in this
way, the dog conserves energy on the same idea as hibernation
- otherwise suspended animation".
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