Tail Docking

[Batto28]

Can someone explain why Rotties are expected to have their tales docked? What exactly is the purpose of doing it? The only reason i can think of is that it makes the dog more pleasing to the eye for some people?

Surely god made dogs with tails for a reason and it therefore has some purpose to the dog i.e. balance? To me it seems cruel and unnecessary but i would welcome people to give me their thoughts.

thanks.

[Judi W]

Originally Posted by Batto28

......... To me it seems cruel and unnecessary but i would welcome people to give me their thoughts.thanks.

Then don't do it and or select a breed that does not call for a docked tail.

[sophie's-mom]

Originally Posted by Batto28

Surely god made dogs with tails for a reason and it therefore has some purpose to the dog i.e. balance?

My Rottweilers are docked and they sure aren't tipping over from lack of a tail.

[Batto28]

you havent asked my question which was why is it done?

[sophie's-mom]

Let me ask you this................WHY DOES IT MATTER???

You don't like it.....don't do it.

You don't want a docked dog.........don't buy from a breeder that docks.

But don't come here with a stick poking people expecting ANSWERS to a question while in the same breath stating that it is CRUEL and UNNECESSARY.

If you REALLY want to know you can do a google search for "rottweiler docking history" and then you will know.

And I didn't ANSWER your question, not I didn't ASK your question.

[Batto28]

sorry that should read answered my question

[Batto28]

i can see i have hit a nerve i was only asking a question!! FYI my Rottie is not docked as i didnt see the need for it.

[sophie's-mom]

Yes, but when you phrase your question as you did.......with a jab at the end that it is cruel and unnecessary........and you come to a board where the MAJORITY of the members have docked dogs, how do you expect your question to be received.

Didn't hit a nerve, just stated your post badly.

[Judi W]

Then you are the breeder? The breeder is the only person who is in a position to leave the tail intact or dock. If you are a "breeder", then your question is specious.

[Alaskan]

I prefer having my rotts with docked tails but to each his own. All of my rotties (past and present) have had docked tails.

[Judi W]

Batto,
You've been here long enough to have read the many posts and threads on tail docking. In fact there is one going on right now.

[mrsgrubby]

Knowing how strong the dogs are, I really think one of the reasons people prefer it is because the strength of a big strong tail swinging around the house would be a nightmare. Lamps, books, everthing would go flying. Also, large active dogs, especially working dogs can sprain their tails actually which is really painful. Docking them prevents this from happening.
I love the look of it personally, and all the breeders I have dealt with have them done at 1-2 days of age along with their dew claws. At this age they don't even have their eyes open. It's like circumcizing a baby boy.
I do personally think some things people do to their pets in the name of "looking pretty" seem cruel to me, but tail docking and dew claw removal are not in my opinion cruel, and may actually save pain later in life.

[RottyMom]

Originally Posted by mrsgrubby

Knowing how strong the dogs are, I really think one of the reasons people prefer it is because the strength of a big strong tail swinging around the house would be a nightmare. Lamps, books, everthing would go flying. Also, large active dogs, especially working dogs can sprain their tails actually which is really painful. Docking them prevents this from happening.

It's like circumcizing a baby boy.

Not to get into the whole is it right or wrong to dock debate but I just have to add my cents...the above statement in my experience is totally false...my tailed Rott has never knocked over anything in the house with her tail...not lamps nor books or anything else have ever gone "flying"...and she has never "sprained" her tail either.

Also just for the record not everybody agrees with or routinely practices circumsion on their baby boys.

[Daisy Duke]

Hmmm...Daisy is clumsy, but I truly doubt it has to do with a docked tail....No one is forcing you to dock your dog's tail....I dont see why it is any of your business why we choose to have docked dogs.

[gomer9855]

I have had two docked rotts, my brother had a docked pointerX. He now has a loooooooong tailed shepherdX, I have a tailed rottieX and my other brother has a tailed JackX. I can't stand the tails! I'm slowly getting used to it, but if I had my way, NO TAIL. You have to be careful not to close the car door on it, or the crate door. Faust's isn't too bad, by both of my brother's dogs friggin HURT when they smack you with their tail.
Also, we have a dalmation that comes into my work and we have to tie it with a looooong leash to the wall otherwise it splits it's tail open smashing it on the wall when the owner comes. First time it did this there was blood all over the place, the wall, the dog, the floor. The owner said it did that all the time at home.
There are very good health reasons to dock, it's not just for looks.