The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code. This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length.
Natural bobtail is a naturally occurring mutation in the T-box transcription factor T gene resulting in a shortened tail. Phenotype: Dogs with natural bobtail have naturally bobbed (shortened) tails.
The Australian Shepherd tail and mini Australian Shepherd tail both often undergo tail docking for the following reasons: It's considered a standard of the breed. An undocked tail is long, messy, and could get matted. To prevent damage from tall grass, weeds, and other outdoor dangers.
The Australian Shepherd is a natural bob-tail/docked tail breed.
While many dog breeds have traditionally had their tails docked, these 7 breeds are born without a wagger. They include the French bulldog, Boston terrier, Welsh corgi, and some lesser-known beauties, too.
Docking is the removal of portions of an animal's tail. While docking and bobbing are more commonly used to refer to removal of the tail, the term cropping is used in reference to the ears. Tail docking occurs in one of two ways.
No Tails. Tails can be very important in communicating, moving, and many other things, but dogs do not necessarily need tails to survive. Some dog breeds, like corgis, do not even have tails but they can communicate and live completely normal lives.
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.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won't want to cuddle at all.
A: Tail docking is painful. The intensity or duration of the pain under ideal or typical circumstances is difficult to quantify.
While intelligent and hardworking, the Australian Shepherd can still be a goofy and loving family pet. If you are considering adding this handsome breed to your family, it is always important to know what illnesses are prevalent among the breed.
Aussies are remarkably intelligent, quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner. In short, this isn't the pet for everyone.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them.
In some breeds, selective breeding and nature have caused tail docking. Genetics has made natural bobbed tails and short tails in breeds such as the Old English Sheepdog, Australian shepherd, French bulldog, Boston terrier, Welsh corgi, English bulldog and Brittany spaniel.
The trained eye can identify a natural bobtail from a docked tail, as the bobbed will have tail bone which narrows to a point with a fleshy pad covering the end and usually a tuft of hair at the tip of the tail to finish, whereas a docked tail will be blunt.
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.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers. It's important to properly socialize your Aussie as a puppy and to keep introducing him to others outside his immediate family.
They are often nicknamed 'velcro dogs' because of their tendency to stick beside their favored person. They desire lots of attention and dislike being left alone for long periods. The diligent Aussie likes to problem-solve and will find jobs to do around the home—often herding children or other pets.
Show Affection/Love
Australian Shepherds can often lick you to get your attention. They are very friendly dogs and love to be around people, and appreciate your attention as well as companionship. One of the most common reasons why Australian Shepherds lick is because they want to show their affection for you.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Besides working as herding animals, Aussies serve as police dogs, narcotics detectors and competitors in obedience trials. They also make great family pets. They are a recent addition to the AKC herding group; some Aussie breeders fear AKC recognition may create undue emphasis on appearance over ability.
Fortunately, our pets are more cognizant than I thought. "Cats and dogs are aware that their tails are connected to them," she explained. "Though puppies and kittens may still be in the process of learning that.
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 tail is also filled with nerves and tendons that allow your dog to feel their tail. If you have ever accidentally stepped on your dog's tail, they will cry out and wince in pain because their tails have nerves and this will give them the sensation of pain if it is hurt of injured.