Sleipnir, it sounds like you work for a vet, or have in the past. I have, too. Anyone who is ambivalent about tail docking and ear cropping, ask your vet if you can sit in on the next one. It's unlikely you will ever be ambivalent again. It is done for appearance's sake only, and they do not use any anesthetic, not even a local. One screaming newborn puppy is all you ever have to hear - you never forget that sound.