A: Tail docking of some breeds may be based on a belief that their non-working members experience risks similar to working dogs; more commonly, however, it is to conform to a distinctive breed appearance or standard. Survey data indicate that preventive tail docking of pet dogs is unnecessary.
Tail docking or ear cropping can only be carried out in Victoria by a registered veterinary practitioner for therapeutic reasons (for the health or welfare of the animal). Docking (in relation to the tail of a dog) means the amputation, removal or shortening of the tail, other than the shortening of the tail hairs.
In the case of the Australian Shepherd pup, tail docking is a procedure that benefits the life of the dog. A shorter tail prevents potential breaking later in life and ensures a cleaner and more sanitary lifestyle for the dog and its owner.
The most familiar dog breeds with docked tails include Australian Shepherd, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Brittany Spaniel, Danish Swedish Farmdog, Jack Russell Terrier, Schipperke, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Many of those are due to a gene mutation called C189G. Breeding removed their tails.
However, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) maintain that tail docking is painful and may negatively affect the development of a puppy's vulnerable nervous system. Additionally, poorly performed docking can lead to chronic pain.
Short-docked tails have been associated with increased incidence of rectal prolapse in some studies. Though there is pain associated with tail docking, fly strike can lead to discomfort, pain and eventually death of the lamb.
“Docking's usually performed by a veterinarian or breeder without anesthesia, the rationale being that although it certainly causes pain, the puppy isn't fully alert yet and won't remember it,” says Emily Patterson-Kane, PhD, an animal welfare scientist at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
In 2004, tail docking for non-therapeutic reasons was banned across Australia. Since then it has been illegal to dock dogs' tails unless there is a veterinary medical reason for the operation.
Complications - As with any surgical procedure, there is potential for complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, delayed healing and necrosis. Neuromas, which have been associated with chronic pain, may develop, but their incidence and persistence is not known.
Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the animal's speed, and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting, and baiting. Tail docking is done in modern times either for prophylactic, therapeutic, cosmetic purposes, and/or to prevent injury.
It's a Standard of the Breed
In Australian Shepherds, that's a docked tail. While normal tails don't preclude entry into these events, many dog owners and breeders have found they face penalization or don't win because of their dog's original tail length.
Many Have Naturally Short Tails
In addition to having a genetic predisposition for heterochromia, Aussies have a one-in-five chance of being born with a naturally bobbed tail. Ranchers purposely bred Aussies that had these naturally short tails because they are safer when it comes to herding.
Natural bobtail (NBT) is a naturally occurring mutation in the T-box transcription factor T gene that results in a shortened tail. The mutation, a single nucleotide variant (c. 189C>G), is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with both sexes equally affected.
A: Tail docking is painful. The intensity or duration of the pain under ideal or typical circumstances is difficult to quantify.
Traditionally, a Rottweiler's tail was docked (cut short) so it would not get in the way when the dog performed certain tasks, such as pulling a cart. If a working dog's tail is docked, it cannot get caught in something or be stepped on. Tails are also docked for visual appeal and home safety.
Debarking. Before debarking a dog, you must: be sure it is in the interests of the dog's welfare. receive a relevant nuisance abatement notice or an appropriate notice from the owner—you must reasonably consider that the operation is the only way to comply with the notice without destroying the dog.
Happy tail syndrome in dogs occurs when this strong tail repeatedly hits solid objects with force during a wagging session, resulting in the thin skin of the tail splitting open. You would think that this injury would be enough to stop even the happiest tail in its tracks, but alas this is not usually the end of it.
The truth about horses' tails is that they can grow tail hair back if it's cut off, but if the bone in the horse's tail is cut off or injured, this will not grow back because bones cannot regenerate themselves.
Regardless of the approach used, the timing remains the same. Tail docking should be performed on newborn puppies between 2 and 5 days old.
There are still many breeds all over the world who have their tails docked and many veterinarians willing to do it with as little pain and risk as possible. There is a need for it in many cases and a great desire for it in others.
Historically, it was thought to decrease the risk of rabies and strengthen a dog's back. The most common reason to dock in recent history is to decrease injury risk to working dogs—dogs who hunt, herd, or otherwise work in the field.
Sometimes when dogs are chasing their tails, they're simply having fun. They're learning about their bodies and seeing what they can do. Other times though, tail chasing may be a sign of a compulsive behavior.
Why tail docking is bad for dogs. When a dog's tail is docked, they can develop an infection or even a nerve tumor called a neuroma. Either of these will be painful, and could even cause the dog to become overly protective of his tail.
The Average Dog Lifespan
The average lifespan for dogs is between 10-13 years, though there is variability among breeds and sizes. As a species, the domestic dog is incredibly diverse in size, build, and appearance, thanks to human intervention.