To be completely honest, I haven't done much research regarding tail docking. My Hunter's tail is docked, and I'm thankful that the breeder did it. I think it would've been troublesome if he had a long one due to his energetic personality, it may even have hurt him. Personally, I don't really find it "cruel" as it's done when they're really small and all. Also, I don't think you can dock the tail after a certain age -- just like ear cropping.

 

Its not cruel at all. The breeder places a docking band on the puppy's tail when it a couple of days old. The band cuts off the blood supply which causes the tail to fall off leaving that cute little nub behind. It is painless.

 

There are two different ways to dock. The first one which is the preferred method by vets is scissors. They cut off the tail and then either cauterize the end or throw in a stitch or two....this is all done without any numbing or pain meds.

The second way is called banding, it's where a small elastic band is placed on the tail and the end dies off due to lack of blood flow.

NEITHER are painless procedures.

Since we have Europeans, several of them have tails since they were imported from countries where tail docking is illegal. I have both docked and undocked in my home..... Here are a few pictures of my tailed beasts that I love btw.

 

A little Gracie bum

 

Thank God Rocko's tail is docked. Darla is always banging it on things and its in the way. I agree with all thats said its a painless procedure when they are just born!

 

My rescue came with a tail...It is like a whip. I have only had her knock over 2 glasses off the coffee table. She hits the cat accidentally with her tail frequently...in fact if she were docked their relationship may be better :drool:. If there were little kids it could certainly hit them and it does hurt...i get whacked here and there and she hits herself in the face with it. She also hits the wall, doorframe, furniture, coffee table etc...She cut the end of her tail once by hitting it against something...it healed within a few days thankfully but it was a bit messy while healing

I like her tail being natural though I did not have much choice in the matter

 

We like the tail docked. The "Nubbin", as we call it, is easier to grab hold of and use like a gear shift when watching races on tv.

 

LOL ... best, explanation as to the "need" to dock "ever!" :cheers:

 

I am from UK and all Boxers have long tails here. We have not had any trouble with it but it does make a loud noise on the radiator when she is in the kitchen. She also whacks herself in the face with it. I was told that dogs put their tails down when they don't want any other dogs to sniff their button and they can't do that if its docked. I was told that when I was walking my sister's docked (old before the law changed) bulldog.