Dog Tail Docking: Procedure, Problems, Cost, Pictures, Why it is done, and Dogs with Naturally Docked Tails

Dog Tail Docking - Boxer Breed
Boxers are one of the breeds commonly seen with docked tails. As more countries ban the practice, we are likely to see a decline in dogs with docked tails.

Tail docking or “bobbing” refers to an elective surgery in which the whole or part of a dog’s tail is removed. It is usually performed in puppies aged between 2 and 5 days. Dog tail docking is banned in some countries such as Australia and remains highly controversial, but still practiced, in others. Here is a comprehensive discussion of tail docking in dogs.

Why Are Dogs’ Tails Docked?

With so much controversy and veterinary professionals and associations arguing against the surgical practice, one is left to wonder, ‘Why do people dock dogs’ tails in the first place?’

In ancient times, dog tail docking was seen as a way to prevent rabies contraction, but that claim was later nullified. Working dogs with tails were taxed at one point in the UK, and many dogs were docked to save on this tax. This tax was scrapped in the late 18th century.

Even then, tail docking continued to be rampant among dog breeders and owners and still persists in some countries today for several alleged reasons.

Prevent Tail Damage

The first argument advanced to justify dog tail docking is that hunting dogs and herding dogs may injure the tips of the tail from abrasion and other injury while running through dense underbrush and thickets. They may also collect foxtail and burrs, leading to pain and even infections. Dog tail docking is proposed as a way to eliminate these risks. Working dog breeds such as Terriers and Spaniels are docked for this reason.

Terriers that are bred for hunting also have their tails docked to facilitate easy movement in the confined undergrowth.

Advocates of tail docking in dogs further argue that even non-working dogs that wag their tails a lot could be susceptible to tail injury, even at home.

Promote Dog Hygiene

Enthusiasts of dog tail docking also argue that working dog breeds with long hair and thick coats, such as Yorkshire Terrier and Old English Sheepdog, tend to get more soiled. This happens as the hair surrounding the base of the tail collects feces and debris.

Dog Tail Docking Procedure

Tail docking procedure is usually carried out without anesthesia. When performed by a vet, surgical scissors are commonly used to cut the tail off to the desired length. Stitching is generally not required but may occasionally be used, particularly for larger dog breeds.

When performed by dog breeders, a method known as ‘banding’ is typically used to dock puppies’ tails. This involves using a rubber ligature (an orthodontic band) to cut off blood supply to the tail, ultimately leading to its falling off. The tail typically falls off within 3 days after tying it. More and more veterinarians are using the banding method, especially in the UK, notes the UK Council of Docked Breeds.

The ideal length of the final docked tail varies depending on the breed. It is often indicated in the breed standard.

Dog Tail Docking Problems and Controversy

Dog tail docking is done at the age of 2-5 days. Proponents of the procedure say that at this age, the puppies’ nervous system is not yet fully developed. This then leads to the argument that the procedure causes no pain. The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) however disagrees with this argument saying that the dog’s basic nervous system is full-fledged at birth and puppies are as sensitive to pain as their adult counterparts.

The shrieking sound given by puppies when the tail is chopped off and during stitching is an indication of pain during the procedure, says the RSPCA. The dog may also feel pain as the wound heals due to damage and inflammation of the severed tissues.

A section of dog tail docking proponents counter this argument saying that although the procedure surely causes pain, the puppy isn’t yet fully alert at less than 5 days of age and will thus not remember the pain. The RSPCA and indeed most veterinary medicine associations don’t buy into this argument, instead maintaining their stand that tail docking is an “unnecessary procedure”.

  • Other than pain due to tissues severing and the associated inflammation, there is also the long term risk of neuroma formation at the point of incision. Neuromas (or nerve tumors) cause severe pain to the affected dog.
  • Tail docking also carries the risk of infection during healing and recovery.
  • It is also thought that docking may interfere with a dog’s ability to communicate since dogs wag their tails in different ways to express different messages to other dogs and humans.

Overall, the subject of docking in dogs remains controversial with advocates of the same seeing no ground for its banning. The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, says that docking helps to define and preserve breed standards.

Opponents such as the American Veterinary Medical Association however discourages not only docking but also ear cropping. These procedures are only used for cosmetic purposes, that is, to “give a dog a certain look” while subjecting the dog to unnecessary risks as Emily Patterson-Kane, PhD, an animal welfare scientist at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says.

Dog tail docking is illegal in the UK, Australia and other parts of Europe but remains unregulated – albeit controversial – in most parts of the U.S.

When Tail Docking In Dogs May Be Legal

Even in countries and areas of jurisdiction where dog tail docking is illegal, there are numerous exceptions when tail docking may be permissible by law. These include:

  • Working dogs: In some countries where docking is banned, such as England and Wales, an exemption is granted for working dogs, including Spaniels, Terriers, and Retrievers, that are utilized in tasks like hunting, emergency rescue, pest control, and law enforcement. However, a certification from a vet may be required before a puppy can undergo docking.
  • Medical docking: Docking is also often legal if done for medical rather than cosmetic purposes. This may be the case when a dog’s tail gets damaged from frostbite or is slammed shut in a door. A dog that is born with a crooked tail may also be docked to prevent constant injury from catching on objects.
  • Naturally occurring: Some pedigreed breeds may have naturally occurring docked tails.

Dog Breeds with Docked Tails

Some dog breeds are so commonly docked that docking appears natural to them. These tend to fall within the Terrier and Spaniel category. The list below includes some of them:

  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • Doberman pinscher
  • American Pitbull
  • Australian Terrier
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Boxer
  • German Short-Haired Pointer

We are likely to see more undocked dogs in these categories in the future as more countries ban the practice.

Some dogs may also have naturally “docked” tails. This is usually attributed to a genetic mutation that causes some puppies to be born with short tails.

Dog breeds with naturally occurring docked tails include:

This trait has also been introduced in other dogs such as Boxers, says the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pictures of Dogs with docked tails

The photos below portrays dogs with docked tails:Dog with Docked tail image- 1 Dog with Docked tail image- 2 Dog with Docked tail image- 3 Dog with Docked tail image- 4

Dog Tail Docking Cost

If you still feel that you want to dock your new canine friend, you may wonder: how much does dog tail docking cost?

The price for tail docking varies widely depending on the method used, location and other factors. On average you can expect to pay anything between $5 and $50 per puppy docked. You may also incur an additional office visit cost. Don’t be surprised if the vet you go to refuses to dock your puppy.

For dog tail docking that is done to older dogs for medical reasons, which are more correctly referred to as dog tail amputation, the cost is usually higher and can cost $500 or more.

Before you dock your dog for whatever reason, make sure that it is not illegal to do so in your country.

References

9 Comments

  1. I have a Queensland heeler border collie lab mix she is 3 years old she has been getting limp tail Every time she goes outside in the cold Iam thinking about docking her tail because every​ time it goes limp it hurts her and I was wondering can a dog get very depressed and very sad after they get their tail docked I really don’t want to but if she keep hurting her I will have no choice to but Iam hoping there is an other way to help her tail

  2. I had to have my Boxers tail amputated when she was 3 months old. Her tail was so hard and strong that when she would stand next to you and wag her tail, it literally left bruises on your backs of your legs.
    I haven’t read anything on this problem in my researches. I would like to know if her tail was an exception, or are all boxers tails this way?

  3. I am picking up my Boxer pup in 4 days and she has had her tail docked by the breeded. I have noticed that her tail has a black tip to it. It doesn’t look like it is any kind of an infection or anything like that it is simply black. The Breeded is very careful and loving with her boxers and says that she isn’t sure why it did what it did by turning black. Should I be concerned and have you ever heard or seen this happen before?

  4. I’ve heard people say don’t dock your German shorthair pointers. But shouldn’t pointers be docked if they’re hunting dogs the reason why I’m asking is cuz I have a litter on the way and I just want everybody’s opinion

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