Hi everyone,

I am currently researching a study into tail docking and am trying to gather opinions from doggy people from different walks of life, e.g. breeders, owners of working dogs, vets and anyone who owns or just loves dogs.

I would be very grateful for any opinions from anyone and it would be helpful if you could also let me know if you fall into any of the above categories. Many thanks!

Jenny

I own Rottweilers.
I know in Germany and lots of other countries they do not dock any more.I like the docked look,don't know if the work better or not (with or with out).

i dont like it sorry :cry: :cry:

there is nothing wrong with tail docking hunting dogs (well some of them) need their tails docked my dog's (he is a german shorthair pointer) tail is docked and it's in the breed standerd for some breeds to have their tails docked

I have to admit that I don't feel comfortable with the idea of docking tails. The fact that it was ever done for fashion or appearance it horrendous to me.

I am interested that there may be a more valid reason for doing this. How does this help the dog?

I think its horrible I could never Imagine this being done to my doggy.

I love to see her tail wag when she's all excited and happy, It also lets me know whats she wants.

I prefer that dogs keep their tails if they are born with them. I don't like the idea of cosmetic alterations for dogs. Having said that, I was relieved to recently view a video clip of boxer pups having their tails docked and to see that it did not appear to cause them great pain as I originally assumed.

Why do certain docks get there tails docked? Is it only a cosmetic reason or is a there any health benefits by getting there tails docked?

I'm just trying to understand why people do it?

Originally Posted by Staffi Lover!

Why do certain docks get there tails docked? Is it only a cosmetic reason or is a there any health benefits by getting there tails docked?

I'm just trying to understand why people do it?

I think it was originally done to benefit the dog. Certain breeds are prone to tail injuries in the work that they do so removing the tail preventing these injuries.

Originally Posted by opokki

I think it was originally done to benefit the dog. Certain breeds are prone to tail injuries in the work that they do so removing the tail preventing these injuries.

Also: Many years ago when people were taxed for owning dogs, working dogs were exempt and their tails were docked to signify they were indeed "working dogs".

Taxed for owning dogs??

That is the forst I've ever heard that lol.

What is the world like? I think that is utterly ridiculous.

Thanks for the info though I understand much better

Even for working dogs I think the standard has developed into docking despite it not being of any physical benefit to the dog.

You do hear owners of working dogs say that their tails would be injured in the course of going through brambles etc, but most retrievers never seem to have a problem.

To be honest the only breed I know of that regularly seems to get tail injuries are Dalmations. They tend to smack them against walls quite a bit!

Also with a docked tail you tend to find that they can get worn and sore on the end when the dog gets older.

I think that docking a dog's tail is just mainly for looks. Like if a Rottwiler have a tail it would not look as mean with his tail wagging. Docking a dog's tail is strictly for cosmetic reason is my opinion.

I think tail docking sheould NOT be allowed I also do not think its okay to crop a dogs ears, we do these things because we are selfish and want our dogs to look a certain way and we don't think of the pain we cause....

I agree with you brandy101bbb. I think it is very cruel to animals. I would prefer to see a dog wag it's tail when he is happy and tuck his tail between his legs when he is afraid. It helps them communicate with us.

Ear cropping is illegal here in the UK.

It's never actually been legal to do it.
I think it may have got more to do with the show dog circuit as opposed to anything else. If you crop a dogs ears then you are cosmetically altering them and can't tell if a breeding dog had good ears or bad.

I just think its a barbaric practice.

I have a mini schnauzer.......when i brought him home I knew nothing of the breed. I was shocked when I realized his tail was docked and his ears were cut. I just figured his tail/ears where natural of his breed...I hate to watch his little nub attempt to wag when he is excited. If i could get his tail back I would!

Tail docking is done at two days old.The puppies don't remember it and it does not scar them.
Yes back in the old day people were taxed for having pets.Working dogs had docked tails and they were not taxed.
Herding breeds tails were dock to stop injuries,cows steping on tails,tails getting stuck in gates as they closed.
Tails were not docked for looks.Now that the dogs no longer do what they were bred to do,we continue to dock,because that is the breed standard.
Some countrys don't dock at all and soon it will be here in the states to,but as long as we can dock we will.

Our Springer is a working dog and has had her tail docked. It was done by a vet when they were just days old. My dad used to breed Springer’s and he used to dock their tails. I used to think it would hurt them so one day he took me in whilst it was being done and they didn't even flinch. If they don't have it done it can cause them such discomfort if it gets knocked during work. I am for it in working dogs.

I once worked for a vet who docked and as part of my job I had to hold the pups while this was being done, the pups did feel pain and screamed and the stumps bled, I'm sure that when they grew up the didn't remember bu that doesn't make it alright to do it. Most pastoral/herding breeds have tails e.g. Belgian Shepherd, GSD, Australian cattle dog, Kelpie, cardigan welsh corgi, Bearded collie, the list goes on. I firmly believe that most breeds are docked for cosmetic reasons only. It's now good to see more top winning dogs being shown undocked and the KC breed standards for docked breeds now include how their tails should be if left undocked.