tail docking

[FEssissima]

I just wanted to know what the ideal age for tail docking is, bcuz my puppy (8wks) still has her tail. I want to get rid of it, but i was wondering if there is any risk in waiting so long.
Thanks for your help!

[Judi W]

The tail should be docked by 3 to 4 days of age at the absolutely latest. After that, you have a lovely dog with a happy wagging tail.

[Carina43]

Wasn't there a long thread about this just recently?

Keep her tail!! They're not docked in Germany - I love the undocked Rottweilers. I think it would be cruel to do it now - but then I think ear cropping is cruel too, so maybe I'm biased.

[spidey]

I agree with Carina, but keep in mind that tail docking when done at 3-4 days is reasonably humane, especially when compared to ear cropping, which is done well after the nerves are established so it's painful and it involves many weeks of constant taping. Puppies docked at the right age get over it in a short while, ear cropping involves weeks of discomfort. Ear cropping is far more cruel. That said, I'm not a fan of docking either, and especially not after the first few days of life.

It's too late to dock this dog humanely, at this age it's an amputation, all the nerves are established, the bones are strong and the blood supply is good, just enjoy her tail.

[alexav]

A tail is the continuation of the spinal cord. Amputating it involves OPENING the spinal column which is dangerous, painful, and ultimately unnecessary!

I wholeheartedly agree with the others. Enjoy her tail and all!:D

[JeanT]

I like tails, and I like the idea of not putting a puppy through docking, even though at the right age it's not supposed to be too traumatic. I've never seen a rottie in person with a tail, though.

Does a rottie with a tail still have that saucy butt movement? I do like watching those butts move!

[cherrywithns]

You definetely should keep the tail now. My daughter breed her rottie twice, and each time she brought the puppies in at 3 days old to be docked and to have the dew claws removed.

[Carina43]

Originally posted by spidey
I agree with Carina, but keep in mind that tail docking when done at 3-4 days is reasonably humane.

Oh, absolutely agree, I don't mean that I think tail docking of infant puppies is inhumane at all, I think that's fine. Just these procedures done when they're older.

My Nottwieler lost half of her tail in an accident & had to have it cleanly cut and sutured by the vet when she was an adult dog. I recall her being quite distressed about it. :(

[C Ross]

My rottie has a tail. I don't know about the saucy butt movement - when he's happy and excited the whole dog moves!

I like my rott's tail. It makes people unsure of whether or not he is a rottweiler so we don't get the automatic cross-the-street-here-comes-a-vicious-rott. Plus it's cute - the hair at the end of it curls like a pig tail.

[TrinityRun]

Yep! I wholeheartedly agree to NOT dock the tail on an older pup.

If you do a search on the topic you will come up with a lot of information on the various pros and cons members feel about this procedure.

Keep the tail. ;)

[livertw]

Keep the tail, of course. At this age it was be an amputation. I have a jpg image of my dog and her beautiful tail if someone will post it for me. The long waggy tail makes her look so friendly. :D :p ;)

[Wrath]

You're very fortunate to have an undocked Rottie. =)

[Emme]

Hang onto your tail - for all the reasons stated above- sure, you'll get questions - and even ridiculous comments (Rotts don't have tails ) but then you have even more opportunity to educate the public about the breed.

Em is also undocked - there was a thread called "Show me your tail" a while back - there were picts posted of a few dogs with tails...

I love her tail - she wags it, her whole rump moves - just like a docked rottie Consider your pup extra special - there is more of her to love!

[Kenji]

Don't do it. Before I found this forum I had Kenji's tail docked at about 3 months. I would never do it again. His nub got infected and it was horrible. He's fine now, but I wish I hadn't done it in the first place.

[KristaS]

Originally posted by C Ross
It makes people unsure of whether or not he is a rottweiler so we don't get the automatic cross-the-street-here-comes-a-vicious-rott.

My Caly has no tail, but sometimes I wish she did. She wasn't socialized well as a puppy so when she's around other dogs her hackles stand up out of excitement. But because she's a rott everyone assumes she's mean, even though her butt is moving 200miles an hour. If she had a tail other people would be able to see she's just excited and not trying to be aggressive.
I also agree w/ every one else. Plus it's pretty hard to find a reputable vet who would remove a tail for asthetic (sp?) reasons this late in your puppy's life.