To Dock or not to Dock

[propertylady57]

I am seeing more Rotties with UN-DOCKED Tails in the photo gallery. Is this a new trend? Can you show your dog if it does not has a docked tail? Just curious. Can anyone reply? Thanks.

[bengaljava]

From what I've heard, undocked Rotties cannot be shown in CanKC shows, but can be in Seiger shows. I am not sure about AKC.

[angel girl]

There is a finished Canadian champion, though I can't remember his name.

Most of Europe has banned tail docking so any import you see will have tails and many breeders are also leaving tails on.

[rottcrazed]

There are a few finished tailed champions in Canada now and it is becoming more common place to see tailed Rotts at shows.

In Canada, a tail has now been written into the standard (I believe it was in 2005, maybe a little before that).

Kristi

[Static'sMum]

It is illegal in Australia to have tails docked. If you do, and get caught it is a $10,000 dollar fine, and the dog is taken away from you (as it is classed as cruelty here).

[Anne]

I haven't read any law in Australia that states the dog can be removed from the owner if the tail is docked. This is the first I've heard of that. Can you please direct me to the law that states this. It's a big statement to make on a very serious issue. It doesn't sound right at all to me because it is not against the law to own a docked dog, irrespective of it's birth date.

What is illegal is performing the actual docking. Now, they need to prove exactly who did do the docking and that isn't as easy as you might think. Without that proof there is no way they could take a dog from it's owner.

It's really interesting to see how many pups are born natural bob tails these days.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by Static'sMum

It is illegal in Australia to have tails docked. If you do, and get caught it is a $10,000 dollar fine, and the dog is taken away from you (as it is classed as cruelty here).

Just an addition to my last post. There is no automatic fine for docking a dog. The case goes to court and the magistrate makes the ruling. there must be undisputed proof as to who exactly carried out the procedure.

I must also emphasise that the dog is most certainly not removed from the owner of a docked dog. There is no authority for any organisation to confiscate a dog without going through the due process of law. The court has no authority to remove a dog from it's owner just because the dog is docked. There would have to be a case of extreme cruelty for a court to order a dog to be removed from the owner and docking doesn't constitute extreme cruelty.

[sheena]

Docking is forbidden in Turkey...
No rottweiler, born after 01.01.2007, with a docked tail will be able to participate in Shows.

[livertw]

I am a great fan of undocked Rotties. The tail is a graceful extension of the spine. My Daisy had many young friends in the neighborhood, and I am convinced that her beautiful wagging tail was a factor.

[propertylady57]

Thank you all for the replies.

My Della has such a very short tail I often wonder what she is expressing when she meets another dog. I never see any signs of aggresion towards any dog but you can tell how a dog feels about another by its tail. She has a little nub.It might be an inch to an inch and a half. I see it wag when she sees me.

[marya]

I think that no dog's tails should be docked. marya

[hesmyboy]

my dog had his tail docked but they did a bad job and in ottawa there is only one man who will do it....I will get it redocked...I see no harm in it.....

so on a lighter note then it must be illegal in some contrys to pin ears ......I mean my doberman was oinned so in other countrys is that not okay too......

[sheena]

It's not only considered cruel to dock tails but also makes no sense to take away the dogs comminucation.

i couldnt find any written information about it but, what i am told is because of their strong tails rottweilers are used in water search and rescue and they are excellent at it.

My rottweilers tail was docked when i got her. When i see her waving her butt instead of her tail it breaks my heart.
My bullie is not docked and i can read his body language better that the rottie.

Ear chopping and tail docking is forbidden in Turkey. I see dobermanns with tails and "normal" ears, they seem funny because i am not used to seeing them without chopped ears, i see rotties with tails it gives them a more noble look and they carry it with such pride as if saying "i am the king of the world" (which sure they are)

[Zephir]

I prefer the natural tail, although I do have both docked dogs and natural. If you all think the only way to read a dog is by the tail then you are sadly mistaken. You should look at the overall body posture, the lips, the tongue, ear set, etc. Also, a just because a dog's tail is wagging does not necessarily mean the dog is happy....this is a common misconception.

The tail makes the dog more agile and gives them better balance. Few dogs today are used for there original purpose making docking unnecessary - the only purpose now is for esthetics. If the law where you live allows docking and is done within the proper amount of time (within a few days of birth), then I have no problem with it, but I will probably never own another dog that is docked.

[sheena]

Zephir,
i didnt mean to say the only way to read a dog is by its tail. I think in a different language and write in another, sorry if i sounded like that :(