Docking

[KYS]

Smilla:
After reading some of your replies, I'm very interested in learning more about the reasons people have docked and cropped in the past. >>>>>>

This is shure a HOT topic.
I can only think of cosmetic reasons for
cropping,(which I personally would not
do) as for docking:
I believe tails were docked
for a valid reason in the past.
Docking was to protect a dog from injury such as being snagged or torn in the bush.
Unless you have a true active working
dog, than docking today would be purely for cosmetic reasons.
I too have dog with a Docked tail.
If I was givin the choice by the breeder
to dock or not to dock I'm
not shure what we would have decided.
JMHO

[Doxiedoxie]

I worked for a vet for 4 1/2 years in the northeast U.S. who did not dock or crop. So to say that it is a part of being a vet isnt really true. Yes, he would have made more money by doing it. But he has managed to get by financially without doing it.( By the way he also treats large animals..another sure way to not make money. ) He did do declaws on cats but only if it meant the difference between the cat having a home and being surrendered to the shelter. Training and trimming the nails were always promoted as the best options.

[carrie]

Hi again, you just can't shut me up!!
Docking tails was actually started as a way to avoid tax! Working dogs were docked to show that they worked and were a necessity. Pet dogs with a full tail were seen as a luxury and were taxed.

[ownerof3dogs]

this is to carrie

I have own more than one Doberman and my mom used to breed them. having there ears croped and there tails docked did not effect their temperment what so ever they were VERY friendly dogs.
also I was just sharing my opinion and what I have read in books

I have just scanned thru some of your responses and it seems most agree with how I feel. Docking and ear cropping shouldn't be done. Dogs are beautiful just the way they are. Don't mess with the good thing nature has provided for us. Domesticated animals are dependant on humans for a healthy and fulfilling life. Why would we want to cut and crop there body parts just for our certain desires? They can't speak for themselves and if they could I'm sure they would throw a fit and say leave me alone!! We have to be their voice - as corny as that sounds. If cropping a tail is done because for a real purpose like to Australian Shepards then it's understandable (but only the tail!) But, if it absolutely doesn't HAVE to be done then I would leave it alone. I couldn't imagine putting a dog through that. One question though, isn't cropping a tail less harsh than the ears? It just doesn't seem like cropping a tail is all that painful or cruel. Not that humans would truly know what it feels like. I still don't advocate it though.
I live in Arizona and I worked at a vet's clinic for awhile and I think there was only one doctor in the entire Phoenix/Scottsdale/Mesa/Tempe area that cropped ears. No other doctor would do it! Thank God!!

Angel

Well, I have read thru a few more postings and still agree with most of you. It seems like some people want to treat their dogs like trophys. I love all dogs and all breeds. If you own a dobie or a rottie or a boxer or whatever, just love him the way he/she is! I'm not against dog shows but I would never participate in them if I had a full breed dog. I will not own a pet just to show him/her off or just to breed them (I'm not generalizing anyone who owns a full breed dogs, just speaking as someone who knows people who own dogs just for that purpose... breeding and dog shows) Dogs are family to me. There are enough dogs in this world that need good homes and some really great mixed breeds out there. Mine included!!! I really don't want to offend anyone but we are all entitled to our opinions. This whole docking and cropping thing is really unecessary and is cruel. If I can stretch this a bit, it would be like a man or a woman finding a mate and changing everything that person stands for and they way he/she looks and them parading him/her around like they are a prize. I think dog shows should be more of a community event that just gives people a chance to present their dog to the world as a great pet and so they can meet other people and other pets. They should especially not exclude mixed breeds - Once mine are nominated for Dog of the Day you can all see just how beautiful mixed breeds are. I'm sure you all have wonderful and beautiful dogs and I can't wait to see their faces up here some day

Angel (again)

[dogncatluvr]

Doggiemom,

I have been involved in dog shows, only in the obedience area. If they would allow mixed breed dogs in obedience, I'd never own another purebred dog. I know some places are working on having the equivalent of this for mixed breed dogs, but it has not really caught on yet. I agree, dogs are family first and foremost, and I have dogs that are not involved in obedience at all. Makes no difference to me, I love them all.

[KYS]

I will not own a pet just to show him/her off or just to breed them (I'm not generalizing anyone who owns a full breed dogs, just speaking as someone who knows people who own dogs just for that purpose... breeding and dog>>>>>>>>>>>&gt ;>>>>

Not picking on you, and I agree
with part of what you say and do respect your opinion.
I do want to clarify
The purpose of showing in conformation
is to better the breed for the future.
It is TRUE, there are a few show breeders who
want a trophy/make a buck by breeding.
Most of the breeders who show,love their dogs,and do not make the bucks. They
take pride in breeding the best dog that fits
it's standard by looks and health/temperment and to better the breed for the future to come.
If it were not for the reputable breeders who care, and pour their hearts and money
into it. You would not have a pure bred
dog that fits the standard, which includes
not only looks, but health and temperment as well.
(I do not show nor do I breed.)
My pets come from either a shelter or a reputable breeder.

[Sudilar]

Hi, Dogncatluvr,
Is it true that they don't allow mixed breeds in obedience trials? I thought that they did. In Chicago, at the Dog Show, I saw some mixed breeds competing in obedience. Is it just in your state? I just noticed that you are from Canada, correct? Maybe there you can't have a mixed breed in obedience? :O
Su

[This message has been edited by Sudilar (edited October 23, 2000).]

[carrie]

I agree with KYS to a degree. It is not all the breeders or indeed the showing concept that is at fault. It is the people who set the breed standards and the judges that award the dogs with the most exaggeration of a point that need to change. This is how "normal" pedigree dogs have ended up with breathing, whelping and movement problems. The breeders are only trying to conform to an often ridiculous standards set by people who should, frankly, know better.

[dogncatluvr]

Su, yes, I'm from Canada. As far as I know there are no licenced dog shows that allow mixed breed dogs to compete in obedience trials. I have heard of an organization that will give dogs the equivalent titles to CD, CDX and UD, but this is only for UNregistered 'purebred' dogs, i.e. this dog's dam and sire are both Goldens, but this dog is not registered. How they go about proving that, I don't know. If I am wrong someone please correct me. As to obvious mixed breed dogs, I have never heard of any official obedience trials like that for them. This is really a shame, because there are some smart mixed breeds out there. Having said all that, I will say again what I said above - my dogs are family first and foremost, the obedience thing is a hobby to keep them alert and happy.

Thanks KYS for your clarification. I appreciate it. You sound very knowledgeable.
I guess those with pure-bred dogs that are very healthy with good bloodlines and temperment owe it to those good, dedicated breeders. I just hope those breeders that have dogs that normally have cropped ears and docked tails set a trend to leave these animals natural. I just don't see how that would better any breed. Thanks again