Ear Clipping and Tail Docking

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by binka_nugget
Catahoula leopard dogs, stumpy tail cattle dogs, and australian shepherds are a few breeds with natural bobtails.

As well as old english sheepdogs, schipperkes, and pembroke welsh corgis.

[Denyce]

Ahhhhhh....such an education I am getting.

Thank you. I figured there had to be some I just couldn't for the life of me think of any at the time.

Denyce

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by Shelteez2
But what about dogs with natural bobtails? Does this mean they are less adept at swimming, finding balance etc?

I'm no dog expert so I really wouldn't know.

Another thing, dogs could easily break their legs. Should we amputate them all now?

Wan't a dog with no tail? Afraid of your dog breaking it's tail?
Want an up-right eared dog?
Get a breed with no tail, up-right ears, or get a hamster or something.

I personally don't think there's anything better than the natural look for dogs.... besides a little grooming.

(Again, this wasn't towards anyone.. I was just speaking in general.)

[Amber]

It feels kinda weird how many of you say tail docking is mean, when I have a docked tailed puppy. Kinda makes me feel....uhh i can't explain it though.

though ear cropping is different. I don't like it really. Even though schnauzers are to have cropped ears, I perferred the floppy ears.

[cali]

I dont agree with it either, Ripley has a short tail but we have no idea if its natural or docked, since we did not get him till he was 8 months old. but bob tails also come up naturally in breeds thats not normal for it to happen. one sheltie breeder I know had a sheltie born with a bob tail, as well as blair little brothers 2 out of the 3 have bob tails, one was docked for medical reasons and the other was born with a natural bob tail which is highly unusual in the breed.

[Cincy'sMom]

I personally prefer natural ears and tails. Just my opinion.

I was surprised when I went to a dog show here in town, to see Danes being shown with natural ears. I started talking to an owner/breeder/handler and found out it has never been an AKC rule to have the ears docked for Danes. Most judges are just used to it so most show dogs have it done. I said I liked the natural ears, she said she prefred them clipped...but they decided to try natural with their current litter...and they were getting close to a championship with their male. Maybe there is hope that opinions will change...

[Nomilynn]

I'm pretty sure that Old English Sheepdog's are born with a natural tail. We had one once; she was bought from a breeder (this was about 17-18years ago and we had no clue about rescue) and her tail was docked. It was what was considered standard.

I thought her docked tail was really cute because to compensate she wagged her entire bum, and there is nothing cuter than a whole bum wag! But, if I had a choice it would be natural for me.

[tikeyas_mom]

We were going to get Baby's ears done when she was 3 months, but we decided against it, I seriously read that ear infections happen more in great danes with natural ears... But it is just stupid now that I think about it.

I personally like the look of both. Thought I wouldent ever do it because I would not want my pup to go through that much pain.

[Aspen and Misty]

I don't agree with it at all and thats all I'm saying.

Ash

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by Nomilynn
I'm pretty sure that Old English Sheepdog's are born with a natural tail. We had one once; she was bought from a breeder (this was about 17-18years ago and we had no clue about rescue) and her tail was docked. It was what was considered standard.

I thought her docked tail was really cute because to compensate she wagged her entire bum, and there is nothing cuter than a whole bum wag! But, if I had a choice it would be natural for me.

They can be born with tails, like most of the breeds mentioned for having natural bob tails. When these breeds are born with tails then they are docked to a uniform length.

Tail-- Docked close to the body, when not naturally bob tailed.

Taken from the OES standard. http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/olengshe.cfm

[countrycowgirl]

Originally posted by Amber
It feels kinda weird how many of you say tail docking is mean, when I have a docked tailed puppy. Kinda makes me feel....uhh i can't explain it though.

ditto!

[Nomilynn]

Maybe they can be born without tails, but from looking at some google websites it seems to be that generally, OES are born with tails and therefore have to be docked. Also, they were not originally known as not having a tail.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I adopted my min-pin, Charlie when He was 2, so his tail was already docked. I love his little stub, but if he were mine as a puppy I wouldn't have done it. His ears however are not cropped, and I'm so glad, He is so cute with his floppy ears.

They give him so much personality. (or should I say dogality)
(note: he's watching Timmy our tortoise walking around.)


Now just try to tell me those ears aren't cute. (disregard me)

[wolfie]

Originally posted by K9soul
I don't like either one, and wish they were illegal in the U.S.

I agree - I think it's mean. There's really no point at all - other than cosmetic reasons.

[stacwase]

I've said this before, but as a nurse I can't help but see the similarities between Ear Clipping, Tail Docking, and circumcision.

They're all cosmetic procedures done at a very young age with no medical benefits (they've proven circumcision isn't medically beneficial).

I've watched circumcisions. They hurt - probably as much as ear clipping and tail docking. The babies get over it. I don't know any men with permanent emotional problems associated with their circumcisions. The puppies get over it, too.

I think that they're all unnecessary and cruel, but brief and basicallly harmless since there aren't any long-term implications. Certainly not worthy of getting very upset over.