Tail Docking??

[marianne]

In a discussion with a friend, the topic of docking came up. She was told import dogs from Germany now do not get docked or "dew claws" removed. After discussing the possibilties of how a dog would look and laughing......came the "lightbulb". What about showing a dog that has been altered. That's a no- no now. Any comments would be welcome. I would really like the "rest of the story"

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[marianne]

You probably think I'm some kook out here!!!!But the person was as serious as a judge telling me that import dogs don"t do tails or dew claws for humane reasons. I don't have any idea why it was said. But I figured if any thing like this is going on the members of this group would know.Please be patient with me. I'll figure out what questions are acceptable yet!

[Trish]

Hiya Marianne,

It is true, In Germany dogs are no longer altered. I know this is true for tails and cropping of ears. Im not sure however about the dewclaw, as they are done not for cosmetic reasons. By that I mean, the dew claws can be a hinderance for the dog and can be broken.

As far as shows, unaltered Rottie can complete over here, as there is not the same legislation about the docking in the US.

Im not possitive of how it is in Germany or in German style show rings.

There are many others here that can probably address that issue.

Trish

[damp]

marianne,
As far as I know, you are right. No docking at all (only injury) The same in DK. I don't know about the dew cloves in Germany.

I you want the "blood" you have to live with the tail until at least next generation.

[This message has been edited by damp (edited November 11, 1999).]

[BIGWRIGHT]

Hello,

Your not the only one who's unsure when I bought my pup I called the breeder back and was upset that he still had his dew claws but he told me that german pups keep their dew claws like I should have known but I didn't and I felt stupid calling but I later found out allot of people didn't know that and I went through my rottweiler quarterly's and still didn't see any info about the dew claws. As far as tails my breeder told me that when I bought my pup and he even showed me a few pups with tails. They look like Labrodors with big heads so your not the only one.

[Ct. Tom]

Marianne,
That is not entirely true just the working breeds don't get docked in Germany.The hunting dogs still do get docked!The legislation in Germany i hear is made up of the hunting dog affectionados!

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Ct.Tom

[Baren]

Back dew claws were always and still are removed. Front dew claws were never and still not removed (by most breeders).

[abelmanalo]

This is great news! I always get upset when docking tails, it just seems so cruel for me. Much more for ear cropping.
I hope the rest of the countries adopt such non-narrow-minded thinking about allowing unaltered dogs to be shown.



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Abel Manalo ICQ:41470678 abelmanalo@yahoo.com
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of the Philippines

[laurlitt]

I personally prefer the docked tail. It saddens me that if I want a docked tail that it limits my choices to dogs born in America. There has been a repeat breeding w/ the same parents as our Rick son which I would love a puppy from, but it will have a tail My personal opinion! In years to come I imagine that the Rottweiler standard (for showing) may change to account for the tailed Rotties. I hope that our right to continue having docked tails remains as is!

Question in response to back dew claws always being removed... I didn't think dogs had dew claws on their back paws? Am I wrong?

Our German dog (with Dew Claws) broke one a few months back and how painful it was to him. I'm all for removing the dew claws too!!! It's one less nail to have to trim!

[damp]

laurlitt,
Some pups have dewclaws on the hind legs. As far as I now it is still legal to remove these, because they are very exposed to be injured.
The dew claws in the front legs is not so exposed but now and then I see injuries on these, but I also see the dogs use these claws, as a thump to keep bones etc. We got the docking ban in 1991 and now 9 years later, when we see a docked Rottweiler, it is the one who look different. You can get used to much in short times.
I don’t know if your showing dogs are starting ”preparations” for tails. We - at long - got the standard for the tails (were waiting to see what the Germans did) and the result is a little more falling croup to get the right carried tail. It is a “big” job for the breeders. Curl, pigtail, and hook are disqualifying.

Ct.Tom
I just forgot about the hunting dogs. You are right. In DK - I think – five (hunting) breeds are still legal to dock.


[This message has been edited by damp (edited November 16, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by damp (edited November 16, 1999).]

[abelmanalo]

Tails on Rotts are just something to get used to. If they never did dock the tails in the first place, we would probably see a tailless Rottie as a ridiculous-looking thing today. And at least, breeders will have the task now of producing only good tails which will suit our noble breed's dignity.

[Nicci Boatwright]

Hi, I live in Australia and have 4 Rotties, 2 with tails and 2 without. Docking is OPTIONAL in this country, but there is still a big prejudice against the tail. It is true, you get used to the tail very quickly. We also find it very useful in Schutzhund as it seems to make them a lot quicker and more agile.

[Orville Story]

If some of you guys like tails, fine. But to claim dogs are quicker and more agile because he has a tail is bs.
Some rottie are quicker than others, some are more agile. Size will have more to do with this than a tail. So if you want quicker more agile rotties find the lines that produce smaller rotties. But don't try to sale the rottie with a tail is quicker and more agile than the rottie without. I have also heard that this will improve rear drive, BS. This is all a sales pitch for the new "ugly", at least in my eyes, tailed Rottweilers.

[Diane Heller-Vaccaro]

There is nothing more unattractive than a Rottweiler with a tail. Take away the markings and you have a Lab. If I wanted a Lab I would have gotten one. I can also tell you that if a Rottie ends up in a shelter with a tail, it has almost no chance of getting adopted no matter how nice or how well put together the dog is. This is first-hand experience.

[FAFO]

I think that if your dog has a tail , you have no right to dock it. And it is true that the tail works like a rudder and helps the dog with his balance.