Why Do We Still Chop Off Puppies’ Tails?
Our guest blogger is Tracie Hotchner, radio host and author of The Dog Bible. Tracie is writing a series of daily dog tips for Dogster which you can receive by email. To sign up, just check the box in your newsletter preferences.
Purebred dogs who are expected to have stumps instead of tails have their tails docked days after birth. Approximately 60% of the tail is taken in most breeds, leaving a stump of varying lengths. With Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs and Rottweilers, there is seldom more than a nubbin remaining.
The historical reason for docking in some guarding breeds—Boxers, Dobermans and Rottweilers—was supposedly so intruders had nothing to grab onto. Some hunting dogs were docked presumably for their own safety so their tails would not get hit or possibly broken against fences and thickets. A special circumstance related to Old English Sheepdogs, which were docked because in Old England a working dog was exempt from tax.
Despite a great deal of protest from some English breeders about “breed standards” and “historical precedent,” Great Britain is now amongst the 13 European countries that have made tail docking and ear cropping illegal.
Opponents of tail docking assert that an important aspect of a dog’s ability to express himself is lost when he cannot wag his tail. Tail docking is done only a few days after birth, so if you wanted to have a dog with its full, natural tail you would have to work it out ahead of time with the breeder. Most breeders would resist that adamantly because they would not want a long tail on a docked breed from their kennel.
Newborn puppies are believed to have little pain sensation so presumably docking is not painful. However, it used to be thought that newborn human babies have reduced pain sensation, too—so circumcisions and other procedures were done in the misguided belief that the infants were not suffering. The same may be true of puppies, but it’s unlikely we will find this out in our lifetimes! It is reported with puppies that they “wriggle and squeal a bit” upon having their tails snipped off but “they recover within a few minutes.” This was the same rationalization for circumcision, by the way, although no studies seemed to question whether the screaming infant who then fell deeply asleep was doing so out of the shock/trauma/etc.
Today’s docking and cropping is done simply to “please the eye” because it is what our eye has become accustomed to seeing in a breed for decades. Since our eye is just as pleased by hundreds of breeds that are permitted to keep their tails, it seems archaic—bordering on the barbaric—to be mutilating the end of an animal’s spinal column so it cannot “wag” our teacups off the table.
I say this as someone who has had a Cocker Spaniel, five Weimeraners and a Rottweiler, so I have first-hand experience of living with dogs who have to wiggle their whole butts to communicate a simple wag.
Who thinks it might be time for a change?
For some herding and hunting breeds, it is semi-important because herding breeds that world close to fence can have their tails caught in the fence while herding. For hunting breeds, it can get caught on a thorny bush while running by.
The dog is too young to remember any pain later on life, and I have seen dogs with docked tails. The ones that I have seen at least had no problem communicating with other dogs.
I’m not against tail-docking myself, just ear-cropping.
JMO
Well, I’m not against it…as long as it’s done right,you know? When done correctly, it isn’t inhumane…It’s just tradition.
I had a Doberman that had an incorrectly docked tail. He was always yelping when he sat down and I had to put salve on it every day as it would get raw. I don’t have a problem with the docking where it helps to protect the dog from injury, as with the herding breeds . But with dogs that are strictly pets, I believe the tail docking and ear cropping is mutilation. Let’s start new traditions with dogs that aren’t cut to please the eye or to fit the “standard.”
I understand why people are resistant to tail docking, but on the other hand, I’ve also seen first hand how terrible it is when dogs with traditionally docked tails split them open by smacking them on something too hard. I love Boxers with natural tails, but after witnessing a bad tail injury, I’d think carefully about leaving one natural again. My guess is that leaving a tail natural is more risky for short haired dogs…they just don’t have much protection on their tails.
I am against it and I am glad that they are not allowed to dock tail or crop ears here in Australia.
Having been a Certified Veterinary Technician for 12+ years, I would invite anyone who thought it was okay to dock tails to hold the calm puppy upside down while the doctor slices through the vertebrae and feel it wiggle and writhe to get away from the pain while squealing pathetically. Then continue to hold them while they have to endure the suturing of the skin over the stump. Then tell me how you feel about the subject. The only thing worse than a trained doctor performing this procedure is the occasional breeder that opts to do it him/herself to save some money. At least most doctors use a topical sedative beforehand to lessen the pain and know what to do if the bleeding gets out of control.
I’ve been lucky enough to never work for a doctor that performed ear crops and it is a question I ask in an interview. Both procedures are mutilation and do not need to continue in order to satisfy “breed standards.” If the US Constitution can be amended, so can these “standards.”
Sara Robinson, CVT
I agree with Sara, an actual professional. You will notice that most people who agree with tail docking, and ear cropping for that matter, have either done it themselves as a breeder or own a breed with these procedures done.
Hunting dogs can hunt with tails; herding dogs can herd with tails; guarding dogs can guard with tails.
I have an Aussie Shepherd with a Tail and boy oh boy is he even more striking and stunning with that tail. Of course no one even recognizes him to be an Aussie because, “Aussies are not supposed to have Tails”. Rubbish.
When will Americans see the light and their selfish, vain ways and ban these horrific practices like the UK has??
I’m almost certain Gracie’s tail was docked. In fact, I know it was since it’s just a little nub now and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s cute. I’d even say it’s freaking adorable because it has this little waterfall of fur, but I’ll also be the first to say I feel guilty about what was done to her. I didn’t have anything to do with it as it was done by the time she came to me, but if I’d been given a choice? I’d have never allowed them to hurt her like that. She wags it and it goes crazy with the fur swinging back and forth and it’s cute, but she’d have been every bit as adorable with the tail God gave her. I don’t see any reason for her to have suffered like that.
We have been accused of having one of our puppies tail docked IMPROPERLY, when in fact she was born with a short tail. Daddy dog has a shorter tail than most dogs (he was that way when we got him) and his some of his pups have shorter tails and some VERY long tails (From mama dog)
Hey Guys - It’s great to see that people read and respond, but best of all when you’ve had a chance to really think and not jsut react. There are dozens of working dogs - both long haired and short - who work jumping in and out of police car windows, thick brush, tight quarters, high grass, deep gulleys and they all have tails and do just fine. The idea that doing a job puts their tail in jeopardy is propaganda from breeders who are equally brainwashed by “tradition” - tradition being what some human decided one day back a century ago. There is no logic to removing a tail - which gives loads of emotional information to other dogs, as well as balance for the dog herself - because then why would the dog right next to theirs in the sporting dog class at a show, for example, have a long whippy tail or a thick feathered one and their dog “has” to have his severed to do the same field work? As for the comment that the Brits are better than us, that’s stretching things a bit - goodness, they’re the ones who TAUGHT us to cut tails because many of our American breeds are offshoots of British breeds. Look at the description from the vet tech - I spared you the really gory details, focussing instead on the outcome and the deficit it creates for the dogs. The reason I didn’t include ear cropping in the blog is that it is 100% indefensible - a mutilation followed by severe bandaging and often more surgery - when those Great Dane and Dobermann ers are just lovely the way they come naturally. Just remember this: simply because something harmful has always been done or once was defensible (because no one cared that much about what the dogs felt) does not mean we can continue it without some serious soul-searching.
We love natural ears and tails! Changing the minds of many breeders, clubs, etc may be quite difficult…but needs to happen!
I have a Brittany mix who was rescued, and my friend got a pure bred Brittany from ABR. Both dogs have BEAUTIFUL tails. In fact, while dogs are no less loveable without a tail, I think it gives their character a little something, well, extra.
If you think about the procedure, it is akin to de-clawing a cat, removing something that is absolutely necessary for aesthetics and convenience.
And the argument that the tail must be docked for certain breeds is fallacious, as the author pointed out above, many dogs in the same class as those who are docked have tails, and are more than competant at their job.
Don’t seek to justify yourself with falsities. Own up. You like the look, and don’t care if it hurts the dog temporarily in the long run.
It’s a choice. I personally want a Briard someday, but would NOT want natural ears. Why? Because it’s not the look I feel in love with. Sure the personality is great and they fit me, but so do a lot of other breeds. For me the ears cinched the deal. *G*
I have JRT with a docked tail and certainly don’t feel guility. What’s done is done.
If you don’t like it don’t do it, but how about we be allowed to make the decision ourselves.
I have 2 dogs, a rat terrier that I found as a stray that has his tail - and a purebred jrt that we got at the shelter that has a little nub. I love the sound of the thumping when my rattie is happy! My jrt has no problem getting his message across either, but I do wish he still had his tail.
Toy Fox Terriers have always had their tails docked which is part of the reason they’re so adorable. I’ve seen maybe 1-2% of TFT’s I’ve encountered without and it curls up which doesn’t look like the breed. Yes, it may seem selfish to want something asthetic like that but my favorite thing about my 2 furbabies was their cute little stump wagging (and it did wag without their whole rumps needing to wag to get their mood across) and it is equally cute when they were busted and it was suck into the rump like “uh oh…caught!” I think if it’s done properly and early (most ethical breeders give you days to make your choice of docked or undocked) there’s nothing wrong with it.
(I haven’t dealt with the ear thing so I can’t really comment on it)
I would be interested to read what percentage of dogs of any of the docked breeds (Australian Shepherd for example, or Cocker Spaniel) actually do the job they were originally bred for and thus are in danger of injury. I would guess it is very low, and yet almost ALL dogs of those breeds are docked. Where is the logic there?
Well….i don’t see whats so bad about it…Like it might cause some pain. but it’s not like the dog will be mentally scarred for life. Just as long as it’s done Humanely & Correctly. If it’s a home-done ear cropping, there’s a problem. Other than that, im fine with it. Its tradtion, i dont really care.
To the person who said they love a certain breed because they fell in love with the way it looks, that is exactly what is wrong with cropping ears and docking tails on certain breeds. It is done purely for looks.
An Aussie with a Tail is commonly mistaken for a Border Collie, at least here in the US.
A Doberman with a tail and natural ears is mistaken for a Hound.
When the creators of these breeds were in the process, they needed something to make the breed “LOOK” unique, so their “easy” answer, with no asking the dogs, was to chop off the tails and ears.
Visit the UK and you will see that the norm there is to have natural tails and ears now. People are shocked in the US to see these natural tails and ears, but in the UK, they are shocked to see docking and cropping carried out.
What a shame…just because it is tradition or it looks good, we ought continue it?
I hope not.
“To the person who said they love a certain breed because they fell in love with the way it looks…”
I’ll assume that was me Lisa. When I got my dogs, their tails were already docked and I’m sure when I get my next one it will already be docked. It’s a matter of preference and the great thing is that if you don’t agree with breeds with docked tails, then you don’t have to get them!
But I’m not going to apologize for thinking a TFT nubbin is adorable.
I think the practice is ancient and to continue doing this at modern time is just cruel. Cutting off a body part is unnatural. To say that lets cut of the tail because it MAY be hurt is no difference than saying someone should have her breasts removed because she MAY get breast cancer.
For those who care about the look. What is it become fashionable for people to have their ears cropped. Would you take your children to the doctor and have their ears cropped? Animals are living beings. To cut off body parts to please the eyes is about as inhumane as it gets.
All I have to say is if the dog was ment to have Nub Tails and Pointy ear’s then they would of been born with them. Why alter something, when the way its born is perfect. I’ve been through dogs when I was little that would not of met Breed standered at all because they were, as the Breeder said, “Deformed.” Well if my Long Tailed, Floppy eared Dog is Deformed, then well thats your issue not mine. They love us just as much with there tail.
A Previous Poster said, that Dogs with long tails do there Job’s just as good as dogs with Short tails, And cutting the soft Flap of skin that makes the Dog’s ears floppy leaves the ears open for air born dirt and other particles that can cause infection and sickness in the dog itself.
Speaking of cropping, I’m so thankful that Sheba’s ears were left natural. They were so soft and velvety: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/15245
Today there is no reason to crop a Neapolitan Mastiff’s beautiful ears. They were cropped historically because Neos were used as fighting dogs. That is now far, far in the past.
I found this online today: “Today the ear is cropped because of the custom and style of the Neapolitan Mastiff. It also serves as a functional purpose in that, the cropped ears are less likely to have ear infections. Uncropped ears are most susceptible, they seal up the ear canal, allowing it to become dark, warm and moist. A haven for bacteria and fungi.”
Sheba had only one ear infection during her entire life. Does the possibility of an easily treatable infection really justify completely cutting off a Neo’s beautiful ears?
I think that when you dock a tail or crop the ears of a breed that has it as the look, then it is okay. And dogs heal quicker than people could ever want to. Not only that but when dogs break their legs ( an important limb) they do just as fine as they did without it when the damage requires them to lose a limb.
if you don’t like to do that to an animal don’t, banning it for everyone else would completely change history of the dogs and I’m pretty sure AKC isn’t going to change their standards.
I’m sorry to anyone I offended, but for those of us who like our specific breeds to have a specific look… We don’t want it taken away. We were raised with cropped doberman ears and docked Jack russel terriers tails ( as for many other breed standards). I doubt anyone can change what has been done for centuries.
In fact, I’m even considering docking my American Bulldogs tail off as a safety precation for kids who don’t want to be smacked in the face by the loving breeds’ tail. And my Vet will have him anesthetized and completly safe.
I am a huge animal advocate. I feel that getting the tail docked/dew claws removed is the same as having your son circumcised. It is done within days of birth and they have no memory of it. Ear cropping is a whole different story…
Tails swing and break things, dew claws grab and scratch things, possibly ripping off….
For those of you who think this is OK… you are SICK!!!
What if the day you were born your ears were to big and your nose was to big so someone cut them off for you because they thought you would be ugly …which you are due to the way you think!!!??
For all of you who think this is OK……you should have had this done when you were born and maybe now you wouldn’t be so UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!
I just want to say that it SHOULD be banned because it is animal cruelty. All other reasons aside, it is time we look at how we treat our animals.
But the AKC could care less about how most animals are treated, as they clearly condone puppy mills where puppies are kept in cages ALL their lives. The AKC also opposes bans on tethering, showing they really do not care whether a dog lives on a chain most his life, much less if part of his ear and tail are chopped off.
I grew up working in my dad’s vet hospital and saw plenty of things that made me resolve never to own a breed that held these modifications as standards - whether I could obtain such a puppy in its natural state or not.
Docking of newborn puppies tails is horrendously painful to the dogs. Reshaping ears is a drawn out affair involving having the ears molded and bandaged in uncomfortable deafening dressings for an extended period of time, and if the dog has the misfortune of having cartilage that won’t form properly, the manipulation goes on and on.
I think the variety of dog breeds is fascinating, and all the different breeds have their own beauty and wonderful characteristics. However, years of exposure to hundreds of breeders has formed in me an impression of dog breeding as a highly egoic pursuit, and breeders as the type of people who often care more about the image their dogs project about them than what kind of life they are providing for their dogs.
I’m sure that will ring as offensive to many breeders - and I’m sure there are plenty of compassionate people who breed with high ethical standards. But making up or standing by rationalizations for surgically modifying animals for any “reason” other than the only true one, human-desired aesthetics, is absurd.
In my opinion, tail and ear docking are inhumane. When I was little my dad bred German Short Hairs, two days after birth he would take special scissors and cut the tail. The pups would squeal and squeal and the mom went nuts. Yes, they calmed down after a day, but it was a horrible experience to me.
I was owned by a Old English Sheepdog/Austrailian mix and I now I am owned by a Staffhordshire Terrier. I never docked the OES dogs tail nor did I mangle my bully ears.
The OES never had any problems with her tail which was full. She never got it caught on barbed wire fences, nor tangled in a bush…I had her around both…so that excuse is lame.
My Staffy is so cute with her ears and it softens her look and with bullies that is a good thing.
I think people do it because it is for them (the people) not for the animal…when will people stop being so “its all about me” and more “does my dog really care if their tail is long or their ears still exist.
Try cutting on an limb or ear and see if they are happy with the results.
Docking, IMHO, is no different than circumcision in the Bible times, which I have no problem with either. I don’t necessarily agree with doing it for looks, but as I said earlier some hunting and herding breeds need it. I once saw a picture of a hunting dog whose tail had gotten caught in a thorn bush as he ran by. It was all torn up and bleeding.
Dogs are animals, people are not. God gave people dominion over the animals. Not to say that we can abuse them, but people can do what they want with their animals as long as they regard the animal’s life and don’t cause any unnecessary pain. Also, the vet could just put the dog under anesthetics while the docking is taking place.
We love our stubby tails just fine =] there is no harm if it is done correctly at the young age it is supposed to be done at.
The stub can wag as great as any other tail, and we like it just fine.
Also, I have heard eyewitnesses compare it to “popping a pimple” since the newborn pup is so tiny and young it is a one time over and done with procedure.
Ear cropping is long and drawn out, whereas tail docking is one time no harm if done properly.
I have a pembroke welsh corgi and an australian cattle dog without tails. I would prefer them over a tailed version anyday. Does this make us bad people because she may have experienced pain comparable to a circumcision ONCE and is now living a great life without any side effects from the procedure?
I do not think it inhumane, it is a quick procedure and is a one time not drawn out thing.
And, to add, yes we like “the look”
My dog is not suffering temporarily from the docking.
If we want to dock the tail, regardless of the dog’s occupation or lack thereof, we should be able to! There are plenty of dogs with tails being abused if we want to dock the tail the right way what is everyone’s problem? It’s one time, done and over.
I personally believe it should be a choice.
So, you should be able to dictate how your dog looks via CHOPPING off the tail or ears just so YOU can enjoy looking at it?
Something is very wrong with your logic.
Why do people hate tails and ears so much?
Thanks for this blog. I just had my litter of weim pups tails and dews done 2 weeks ago. It was a horrible experience. When we got our two adults as pups their tails were already done. We never actually thought about the process of docking the tails until it was time to take the litter in. I was so traumatized but the thing. first the doctor asked me “How short did I think he should cut them?” Ummmm….It just got worse from there. The sutures were not put in tight enopugh and the skin did not close.When I took them back less then a week later another Dr. in the group saw us and informed me that my bitch was a nervous mommy and had licked their tails off.. She then prescribed oral and topical meds and told me that all my pups would have to live with permenant “Bald Spots” The pups are just less then 2 weeks old and have spend almost that whole time in pain or at the very least very uncomfortable. I blame myself for this for making the decision to dock tails per the breed standard…Right now I’m not sure if I will ever believe that docking is in the best interest of the dog.But that is just “My” opinion after this extremely difficult experince.
Please lets not encourage the government to pass too many laws when it comes to dogs. As far as I’m concerned if they can come in and tell me not to dock my dogs tail they have every right to come in and tell me not to own that breed of dog either and that is happening much more than we should be comfortable with. If you don’t agree with the concept, educate people and give your opinion but lets not get the idiots in Washington involved.
DOCKING TAILS IS NOT INHUMANE!
Just because we live in a free nation does not mean we can exist without laws. Once enough people realize the HORROR that tail docking and ear cropping IS, they will not only support, but demand banning such practices.
It is a very easy law to pass and enforce. Vets will no longer be allowed to practice such procedures and anyone with a docked or cropped dog walking around will be questioned as to where they got the dog.
If this is a question of whether or not it is inhumane, well, that will NEVER be answered. Some people think it is perfectly fine to leave a dog outdoors on a chain for the dogs whole life; others consider this inhumane.
Some think hitting your dog as punishment is perfectly alright; others consider that inhumane.
Those who see the big picture and want others to love dogs as they are, not after they have been physically mutilated, KNOW that docking and cropping are indeed INHUMANE.
Now just to get the US government to realize that and consider the practices a form of animal cruelty.
Lisa, if you cared about your dog SO much then why are you on here argueing with the way OTHER PEOPLE want their dog to look? Can’t you just go play with your “unmutilated” dog?
If a surgical physical change is mutilation, then why don’t you tell me why people change their appearance? If it is such mutilation why do PEOPLE pay THOUSANDS of dollars to have it done. How is it inhumane to change an appearance ONE TIME and have a dog be safer?
I have not heard one person argue about dew claws being altered. The reason is because it could get ripped off and cause HARM to the dog. But yet it is done the same way docking a tail is done. I do not believe in ear cropping, but I do not argue with it. Would a doberman be a doberman without cropping his ears? No, it would look like a hound dog.
Not only that, but any who takes their dog to a vet to PAY MONEY to change the appearance of their dog OBVIOUSLY cares about that dogs well being. If they didn’t then they wouldn’t pay any money to change that dog at all, or give it shots, or check on its health.
For all of you who think it is INHUMANE, maybe you should go talk to Sylvia Brown the animal physcic. Then you could ask if the animals even REMEMBER the procedure. I am taking my dog to get his tail docked and he is 8 Weeks old.
You want to know what the VET told me to do.. He said wait til he’s 12 weeks. If it is so inhumane, why would my professional vet tell me to wait to my dog is OLDER. People around my area drive HOURS to go see him because he is the best in the area. It is an hour drive for me.
Docking a dog’s tail off is never an inhumane thing to do. It is people who twist things to their liking because they need something else to argue about. Lisa, I believe you are one of them. I hate to have to prove a point with your name, but your the ongoing target saying it is inhumane.
I had a gorgeous doberman that was was given to me at 2 yrs old, her ears were not cut off and shw still looked like a doberman, Im with you Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with what someone posted earlier and I am disappointed that Dogster would choose to publicize a blog that takes such an accusatory and emotional stance on this issue…I guess I am a criminal for not having a problem with my dog’s CHOPPED tail. I mean, seriously, could the language being used in the posting be any more biased?
Also, I am disappointed that Dogster would choose to advocate a blog posting that makes factual statements, but fails to cite any credible sources to back them up. Opinions are fine and anyone should be free to express them, but Dogster shouldn’t be endorsing something that is just someone’s opinion.
So hate me all you want people for my “evilness.” This is where I stand on the issue.
My dog still has a tail, it is just a nub. No big deal.
If the law prevents tail docking from happening legally, then people will just do it anyway. Only it will be in unsanitary conditions and professionals will NOT be doing it. It has no long term effects, doesn’t hinder the dog in the long run, why bother it? Why force crazy people to do it “under the table”?
Seriously, my dogs are not hurting because they have nub tails.
K, I am the one who made the point of why Dogster would let this blog on and I agree with you 100%!
We miss Joy!!!! =(
Lisa, are you suggesting it is okay that if such a crazy law against tail docking is passed that it’s ok if I have a dog with a docked tail I am to live in fear of getting in trouble or being stopped and asked where I obtained said animal?
Are you KIDDING?
This is like BSL crap! It is totally against one’s rights! And how dare you compare tail docking to leaving a dog out on a chain or hitting the dog!
My dog’s tail was cut off ONCE. ONCE. She is none the worse for wear, and she is an indoor dog who goes swimming, hiking, to the dog park, and a million other places some dogs NEVER see.
A dog left chained up suffers its entire life. A dog that is hit suffers its entire life. A dog that has had its tail docked is in a vet’s care and it is DONE ONCE.
ONE TIME.
Ear cropping is an ongoing procedure of taping and bandaging and is a nightmare.
Tail docking?
ONCE.
Over and done with, no harm in the long run.
You really have no argument. Nor do you have any right to compare it to REAL inhumane situations. Nor do you have the right to make any of us feel bad because our breeders CHOPPED tails off.
Why do you have to make us feel like this?
Tank and Diesel’s Momma, I think there are several different Lisas on here. I was going to back up one of the others, but then I read your comment about asking a pet psychic and I see that cruelty is just a joke to you. There’s no point in arguing with someone who either finds this funny or is a bit emotionally disturbed. Though, I have to say I am glad you’re on here posting and not out mutilating helpless puppies.
Ahhh at one time slavery, dog fighting, chicken fighting and chopping of the hand that stoled something were all legal.
Just because something is legal doesn’t make it right nor does it condem those that practiced it while it was legal.
Changing the procedure as we grow and learn is what is important! Dont’ condem those that did so before it was understood that this was painful. Praise those that are open enough to learn, grow and adjust!
to me its not only dogs…those that have surgery to reshape breast and eyes and noses and chins? hmmmmmmmmm just a human way of tail and ear cropping in my mind!
What ever happened to Nature is Beautiful!
Did anyone read my last comment?
How can you argue what I’ve put up for you in writing?
Geez, close minded people will be close minded people…
Sue, Great point! Also I would like to update the condition of my weim litter…all pups are doing well their tails are closing up quite nice. They seem to be alot more comfortable. Everyone said they would come through this OK, but I still feel so guilty for putting them through any unneeded pain. By the way, We have also decided to change Vets. We have 13 animals total in our household right now, and for that office to do such a “bad dock” job on the pups then try to blame my mother dog for overlicking. We thought, We will take our business elsewhere.
I have a toy fox terrier that we recently adopted. Generally, fox terriers have a docked tail. Stevie’s wasn’t and it is the cutest thing that curls over his back. When he wags it spins. Adorable. He’s not hunting anything except the moles in my yard, so why bother?
I’m not going to pass moral judgment on those who do, but if I had my choice, I would not dock or crop. Why put the dogs through a surgical procedure just for cosmetics?
I agree, Tracie. It’s time for a change in perspective and laws governing what we do to our dogs. The K9 officers in my area are either GSD or Malinois, both have tails. They are extremely active and their tails don’t get in the way of their work. Tails also help with balance, besides communication. I have rescue Dobies that have been cropped and docked, neither would be my decision. Give me an all natural dog anyday. One of my gorgeous Dobie boys has had his tail chopped off so short, it is like a Rottie stub. I didn’t know he was even “wagging” that stub until one day I took a good stare to see it wiggled. But it was as if there were a little spasm going on in this tiny lump. It’s very sad because he is a very expressive dog and lost a big part of what God intended him to have and use to communicate with. I’ll vote for a ban or cropping, docking, declawing cats, and dog dew claws. They provide a function. I’ve seen my Dobies hold a bone to chew on while they gnaw on it. It’s a viable digit. Thanks for the thoughtful article, Tracie!
Yes, we do need laws, but those laws can’t go against the Constitution. Though, congress doesn’t seem to care anymore. There are several laws now that go against the Constitution. Like mandatory spay/neuter laws and others.
It doesn’t hurt the dog for life. The dog doesn’t even remember it if it’s done when they are only a few days old.
If you think it’s cruel, then fine don’t do it or support it. But don’t judge and condemn those who think otherwise.
Myself, I like tails and ears. But I also don’t mind docked tails. As I said, I have seen many dogs with docked tails. They were just as happy, just as healthy, just as able to communicate as dogs without docked tails.
Even if I did think that it was bad to dock tails, I wouldn’t try to make it against the law because I want America free and everytime they pass a law that goes against the Constitution they are taking our freedoms away one by one.
You can see a Rottie’s stub wag just fine.
it’s really not that serious people. No long term effects.
Well, it seems like this is a pretty heated debate! So here’s what I think. My Dante is a gorgeous red doberman with natural ears and a docked tail. We had pick of the litter and we knew we wanted one of the two boys. Had I asked the breeder not to dock one of the boys tails I would not have been able to pick my pup based on personality and compatibility with our family. Do I feel bad that he went through that at 3 days old? Yes. Is he at all mentally scared or traumatized? No. He is the most well adjusted, well socialized, and wonderful dog I have ever met. He’s in training for search and rescue, loves everyone, and is quite intelligent. We chose the doberman for our family based on months and months of research and did not base our decision on looks at all. Now, we did decide that ear cropping was not for us. Dante has beautiful ears and we love him the way he is, natural ears, tail dock and all. If they did ban tail docking I would still have chosen the doberman to join our family.
Lola I agree with you completely. People need to see the full picture and not what they want.
The full picture ( for all of you who are to ignorant to see anything but what you want) is that dogs do PERFECTLY fine with docked tails OR undocked tails. Cropping ears is a painful, irritating experience for the dog, but the look attracts some people. Docking a tail is not painful for more than the given moment that the procedure is done. Dogs with docked tails are friendly, happy, well adjusted dogs despite what all you close-minded people think. The docking did not affect the dog, it did not hurt the dogs wellbeing, and if you keep acting like dogs can’t function without a tail then you obviously have never seen a dog with a docked tail.
For those of you who have a dog with docked tails, regardless of if it was your choice or not, should know that they do perfectly fine. You have absolutely no reason to argue. Your dogs are not in pain, hurt, disturbed, or incorrectly functioning because of a procedure done at such a young age they don’t even remember.
And as for my reference to Sylvia Brown, it was not a joke, I actually believe she can “speak” to animals. And since none of you can and you just assume, then you don’t know how your dogs are do you. If you could ask her to “speak” telepathically to your dog, it would probably complain about not getting enough attention from you because your on the big box with a rectanglar object you keep poking viciously at.
All dogs I’ve ever met with docked tails are happy. And to make this point even better, I was raised with a dog that had his tail docked unprofessionally ( which I am COMPLETELY against and I am horrified people could do such a thing). But this dog was the sweetest, biggest, happiest baby. He was the picture perfection of a perfect dog regardless of what happened.
Theres the big picture, do what you will with it.
We do conformation and still do dew claws, because I’ve seen first hand what can happen with that little “thumb” gets caught on stuff brush stubble in the field. And because I want my dogs to have the freedom to run in fields as well as around a show ring, I consider the practice to still be acceptable.
I guess if the modification can really serve some purpose to prevent suffering and infection down the road, it is worth it.
But I do have to remind all breeders that standards are manmade. Just as dog “breeds” are manmade. If nature had its way, as much as I love our existing breeds, they wouldn’t exist the way they are now!
For years, the fancy has modified breed standards to meet the latest “fashion” in the look of a dog - sometimes to meet what the mucky mucks are breeding at that particular time. There is NO reason that standards can’t be changed if a particular modification to a dog has been proven not necessary or antiquated.
These changes will not come easily to the AKC. 2 weekends ago, I am told a springer spaniel imported from Britain was dismissed from the ring for having a full tail. The poor owner was devastated - here she is trying to bring new blood in and expand a dwindling gene pool, and she is penalized? Yes, the US standard says springers have to be docked - so for her to exhibit this dog, she has to have this surgery on an ADULT? Or is that actually a more humane way to do it:? So confusing.
I will tell you this. The thought that puppies don’t feel real pain until later in life (not MUCH later apparently) is held up by vets. Mine MISSED dew claws on my last litter, and we had to take two little girls back at 3 weeks - and the remaining claws were removed under anesthesia! Can you imagine the risk of THAT? Even with isoflourene I was a wreck.
These issues have GOT to come down to the actual benefit to the dog of the modifications.
I’m confused…I wanted to see what a Doberman looked like with a tail since all my Dobe friends have docked tails on their dogs so I did a search on “UK Dobermans” and I found a whole host of breeder sites with Dobes with uncut ears, but docked tails. ??? That makes no sense…
THANK YOU Tank and Diesel’s Momma and Dante!!
Finally some open eyes and minds on this common sense issue! No longer term effect = NOT inhumane.
Thank you and goodbye. I have proven my point =]
Oh and as for Dobermans with tails just picture a doberman with a pointer’s tail I would think??
I’ve seen an undocked boxer (very strange lol) and it looked like a pointer’s WHIP tail.. you know short haired dog with a a tail + cold weather + your leg = OUCH lol.. I would just imagine a dobe would have a tail like that due to the rest of its structure.
Also, with corgis (my breed), I’ve seen a variety of pembrokes with tail that go from curling up to straight out! All long and bushy and I dunno, very weird on a long dog to have such a crazy tail. Again, we made them the way they are all the way around, yes I know that. But the harm in taking off the tail, well, it’s once and done so it really doesn’t bother me.
Isn’t is funny how we, the humans, who created such breeds as the Boxer with a long whip tail, then had to go and chop off the long whip tail WE created because it was too “inconvenient” for our desires??
Sick.
I choose to stick with my beliefs that tail docking is not only unnecessary but cruel.
I have done my research, traveled to places where it is indeed illegal and considered cruel, and I have an Aussie with a tail who herds and works with a tail just as well if not better than a mutilated Aussie.
My Aussie weaves 30 agility weave poles in about six seconds and has a smoother gait and form than that of his mutilated cousins. I thank his tail for that talent.
I wish we could all agree to disagree, but for some reason I cannot let that happen because someday I believe all people will see the light and realize the faults we as society have made with our beloved dogs.
Chopping off tails and ears for visual pleasure is cruelty.
If other herding breeds can herd with tails, let the Aussies keep their tails.
If other hunting breeds can hunt with tails, let the GSP keep their tails.
Important reminder from HQ: All discussions on Dogster must be kept fun, friendly and helpful per our Community Guidelines. The opinions expressed in Tracie’s post are solely hers. No one should be attacked for his/her opinions on this or any manner, and all derogatory or inflammatory comments will be removed. Thanks, and please feel free to have a productive discussion on this controversial topic.
As a parent that has a Dobermann, Schatzie, that has had nothing done to her. I can tell you that her tail is a weapon and she has knocked over plants and grandchildren. I would not changed her for the world. She does have alot of expression in her tail. Keep dogs natural. Kay
Fine. Call it cruelty. Call it whatever you wish.
I stand by my statements as well. I may “see the light” one day, as you put it here, but I highly doubt it as I have seen many dogs both with and without tails and could see no difference between them in their performance, communicability, and happiness. I have never seen a dog with a tail that was docked incorrectly yet, but I’m sure that those dogs suffer.
I happen to know that there are dogs born with short tails though. My own grandma once had a Jack Russell whose tail had been docked by his breeder, and he was just like a Jack Russell with a long tail besides having a shorter tail. He was very, very fast, and a nut.
I also had a neighbor with an Aussie whose tail had been docked and, again, save for having a shorter tail there was no difference between her and an Aussie with a long tail. I have seen many other dogs with docked tails, and I can say the same about them.
I’m not sure whether Pembroke Welsh Corgis have to have their tails docked or not, but they have short tails and they look so cute.
And just because one Aussie with a long tail can herd without getting hurt doesn’t mean that they all can.
As I said, I don’t agree with doing it for looks but I have absolutely nothing against those who do it for looks.
We CAN agree to disagree. It may be hard, but we CAN, no matter what the issue is. If something is making you upset, do what the community guidelines say. Take a deep breath and count to ten.
I personally prefer how dogs look when not cropped or docked, but I understand that in some cases it is important to have it done. In my opinion the ear cropping seems more unnecessary than the tail docking..
By the way, if a dog is born with a naturally short tail, also known as bob tail, you better count that as a sign of an unethical breeder. Bob tail is a genetic mutation, and any good and knowledgeable breeder/geneticist will tell you that breeding specifically for a genetic mutation is one of the worst breeding sins you can commit. Dogs are supposed to be born with tails; to go and mix in a mutated gene just so they are born without tails is very low and irresponsible not only for dog breeding in general, but the whole of the breed as well.
Funny how many breeders who breed so irresponsibly for this mutation also then go and chop off the rest of the tail that they consider to be “too long”.
Just another reason to hate breeders.
It is possible for a completely ethical breeder to have a dog that has a genetic fault. Depending on the seriousness of the fault though, the breeder won’t breed that particular dog’s parents again.
I know all the basics on breeders. Breeders are needed to keep the breeds healthy. I hate it when people group all breeders together in one lump and call them bad. The only breeders I don’t like are bad ones.
I still stand by what I said. If ever I change my mind, I’ll let you know. But until then, I’m off this particular blog post. I’ve said all I can say. If you don’t want to believe it, then that’s your POV. I respect any and all POV’s, but I won’t change my mind simply because a few people try to change it. I need much more convincing proof before I’ll change my mind in most cases.
I hate it that everyone is being so rude here. It’s not like we’re arguing about animal abuse here, I could understand an argument on animal abuse being heated but not this.
I agree with everything you’ve said Cookie.
And I still stand by my statement that I am disappointed that Dogster would choose to publicize this blog when it’s clearly a heated issue and the author of the blog took a clear and strong stance on the issue. I think it’s actually a really good topic for a blog, but it shouldn’t have been endorsed by Dogster. I know they claim it’s the opinion of the blogger, but when they choose to feature it, it suggests it’s the opinion of Dogster as well.
I’m sure the editors will delete my post again because they don’t like me criticizing them, but I think I have a very valid point.
OMG!! U THINK SUM 1 IS GONNA READ ALL THAT!!??
Personally,i think tail docking is fine [as long as its done correctly and while the dog is very young]As for ear cropping…yes it does make many dogs look better but its strictly supperficial unlike the docking of tails.Dew claws being removed would benifit groomers yes, but in my eyes it is deffinatly not a neccesity.
I have always had boxers growing up and they have all had their ears cropped and their tails docked. While some may wait to get the tails done; we did ours with in a matter of days. I can tell you that it did not seem to phase the puppies much more than a slap on the wrist would. As far as the ear cropping goes, does anyone realize how hygenic it is to have this done? My dogs have all had theirs done and while I watch dogs with natural ears going crazy and making themselves bleed from itchy ears, mine have never had a problem. It isnt much different than circumcision. While it is more appealing, it is also hygenic. I also noticed for all these people who are against mutilation of animals, why does no one touch on the subject of spaying/neutering their pets? Or getting dew claws removed? I am pro-cropping and docking. America may seem behind in times to the U.K. but we still practive our American tradition of making our own choices. Others would be very luck to have that option. I also believe in having some common snese. If somehting bothers you, dont do it. Its as plain and simple as that.
I’ve been attracted to the Australian shepherd for ages but morally, I can’t support a breed that cuts off parts for cosmetic reasons. With docking banned, I could get an ‘intact’ Aussie! They look glorious with their tails when allowed to keep them! I had a rough collie for almost 13 years with a herding instinct certificate. We could have gone further in herding, but he could do the job I needed him to do so that was enough for me. His long tail NEVER got in the way. It certainly didn’t get in the way of our formal obedience work either (shrug).
I’m not a huge fan of docked tails…that said Bubba is docked…since he was a pound rescue at the age of about 6, there was no say for me in the matter. This is just a suggestion, but perhaps (if you are neither a breeder nor a show participant) adopting a rescued dog with the tail/ears of your choice would be a way to avoid engaging in a nonproductive debate? As far as it goes, I have been around intact Rotties…think of it like taking a child’s softball bat repeatedly to your knees….not the most comfortable feeling, nor, if you have young children, perhaps the safest.
It should be ILLEGAL! I’m all for it, hmm lets see female circumcision is a tradition in some countries and yet it is mutiliation and horrific and indefensible.
People who want the right to choose to mutliate their dogs have no business owning dogs in my opinion. What about the right to cut out their eyes if you want? Is that what dog ownership is? Disgusting.
Cut off an appendage of your own and then tell us all about it. Why don’t we just slice off their legs for our convenience.
And, there is a medical and hormonal benefit in some cases for spaying and neutering. To compare them to cosmetic docking and cropping is incorrect. Spaying and neutering is not done for absolutely no reason except a tradition of cruelty and vanity.
Bubba’s Mom: All of the Aussies I’ve seen with tails have been rescue dogs. To be honest, I LOVE the puppy stages and enjoy the shaping/bonding I do during those initial weeks, so have always gotten my dogs from a responsible breeder as puppies. That’s my preference. I have had just 2-3 dogs at a time and like to share as much of a dog’s life as possible, so I’m probably too selfish to add an older dog. Not that I haven’t THOUGHT about it but I keep thinking of the puppy crazies I’d miss. Dilemma!
Sheyna:
Spaying and neutering is not done for absolutely no reason except a tradition of cruelty and vanity. ????
I think I am having a hard time following you now. So are you against all mutilation or have you formed your own opinion about what you think is right and wrong and expect others to feel the same? Also if someone does not like that same thing as you or agree with the same thing as you does that make them wrong? Life is all about choices and opinions and everyone is entitled to their own. However I can hardly tolerate the hypocrisy of your statement. You sound so similar to the people who are against abortion; yet under certain circumstances think it is ok. In the long run, even if they approve of it based on the circumstance they are still supporting abortion. Just as you say you are against mutilation, yet support spaying and neutering. If you going to be against something, then support it completely.
My mother adopted a Dobi and she learned in horror that the previous owner docked both the tail and ears after the dog was 7 months. Everytime I look at that poor dog I think of the pain she went through.