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Many people in our country feel strongly about the removal of a puppy's tail, which is known as tail docking. In certain instances, these surgeries can be performed for medical reasons, such as frostbite damage or a fracture if the puppy's tail is trapped in the door. For example, Labrador retrievers are sometimes referred to as "tail beaters" because they are continually harming themselves by repeatedly striking their tails against things. If a puppy's tail has a "crook" in it, it may catch on items and cause harm, thus occasionally the tail is removed for the sake of safety.
What Do Docked Tails Mean?
What Do Docked Tails Mean?
Traditionally, tails have been shortened or "curtailed" to reduce injury while on the job. Many years ago, the dog breeds exclusive to the nobility were the only kinds of dogs that the ordinary people could have. So, to prevent interbreeding with these breeds, which belonged to the aristocracy, the tails of the "cur" dogs, who were owned by the commoners, were permanently snipped.
How Does Docking Work?
How Does Docking Work?
While dog breeds differ, the length of the docked tail can vary considerably. Some have their hair chopped short and shaven close to the body. As suggested by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi standard, the tails of Corgis must be "docked as short as practical without becoming indented." Additionally, other breeds have far longer docks, such as the Wire Fox Terrier, which has a three-quarter dock. In the event a puppy is born with a tail of a breed that does not have tailless pups, it could be amputated. Pups between the ages of
three and five days old are often subjected to the surgery with no anesthesia. The only problem with euthanizing a dog is that the animal feels all of the grief and misery that comes with the procedure, making it seems harsh.
A puppy's tail is measured, and the appropriate vertebrae are severed. Instead of just removing a section of the tail, an absorbable stitch or tissue glue is used to provide a more pleasing appearance once the tail has been mended, with skin covering the stump. This should be performed by a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about breed standards and is capable of doing it under sterile conditions.
Procedural Controversy
Procedural Controversy
In contemporary times, the issue has less to do with health and more to do with tradition. On top of that, all European dog registries have outlawed tail docking, as it is a cruel practice. Even in the United States, the procedure remains highly controversial.
A docked tail is generally the norm when it comes to young puppies, as at around 8 to 12 weeks of age the tail is most likely permanently removed. Docking is seen as a significant risk factor for later incontinence in certain vets, and in this context, a "significant risk factor" is a trait, condition, or event that increases the risk of anything occurring. Many dogs benefit from docking their tails, since this not only reduces tail-chatter, but it can also help with communication difficulties amongst dogs. A pedigreed dog with a natural tail and ears is just as loyal, trainable, and cute as a puppy with an artificial tail and ears.
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