The carrot tail style is primarily used with Terrier trims. The shape of the tail is wider at the base, tapering to a point at the tip. We see this tail style on West Highland, Scottish and Cairn Terriers.

• There will be more coat on the sides and top of the tail than on the underside. When trimming the sanitary area under the tail, continue about a half inch to an inch up the back side of the tail and leave the rest to do by hand.
• Trim off all the excessive length at the tip by running your hand down the tail, thumb towards the tip, and stopping when you can feel the end of the tail bone under your thumb. With your fingers protecting the tip of the tail, trim off the long fur.
• Fluff the coat and shape the tail with straight shears, thicker at the base, tapering to the tip.
• When the tail is held upright, there should be no dip right in front of the tail where it meets the spine. The sides should blend smoothly into the rump. The back of the tail is trimmed close, but not so close so that it is bald. Use thinning shears or a #7F in this area. Once the basic shape is established, soften the finish with thinning shears to give a natural look.

Tips for Shaping the Carrot Tail

• When cutting the excessive fur from the tip of the tail, always protect the tail bone by holding it in your fingers.
• There is never any excessive length or flag hanging off the back side of the tail.
• If there is an abundance of hair, start setting the basic shape with straight shears and then finish with thinning shears for a more natural look.
• When double checking the shape, back comb the fur from the tip of the tail to the base.