TAIL DOCKING
... the pros & cons...
Those familiar with the Australian Shepherd know a common characteristic is their exceptionally short, almost nonexistent tails. We often forget how unusual their tailless hindquarters can seem to those new to this breed.
This will give a little history as to why the Aussies have no tails, and we will also cover another issue in the process. As breeders of the lovely Australian Shepherd we frequently receive inquiries from prospective puppy owners wondering if we would consider leaving their puppy's tail intact. Yes, absolutely! But first, let's look at the reasoning behind docking.
DO AUSSIES HAVE A NATURAL BOBTAIL OR ARE THEY DOCKED?
In some instances, an Aussie puppy may be born with a natural bobtail - This variation runs in our lines, however, in most cases the bobbed tail commonly seen is created through a surgical procedure called "docking". Docking, if performed by someone skilled, is a quick albeit somewhat painful practice resulting in few "complications".
DO THEY SUFFER WHEN THEIR TAILS ARE DOCKED?
Over the last 30+ years we have heard countless breeders and even a few veterinarians state this is a "painless" practice... In spite of the many assurances to the contrary, this is not a pain-free procedure. As "traditional" Aussie breeders we have watched and performed docking repeatedly over the years and we can agree with the premise that "nerve-endings are not fully mature" before 5 days of age, so early docking is less painful than if the procedure were to be done on an older puppy. Most docked pups tolerate the procedure well and are back to nursing and maneuvering around within a short time - but we have also seen puppies who are clearly more distressed, some crying hours after the docking. Anyone stating otherwise is either uneducated or intentionally seeking to misinform.
The docking of older puppies can be extremely painful and should never be done unless there is a serious medical reason requiring this procedure.
BUT WHY ARE THEY DOCKED???
This is a herding breed, and as such, these beautiful dogs have traditionally been used to herd cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock. In spite of the changes in our society, the Aussie is still commonly used in many areas for this very purpose!
The traditional reason cited for docking has simply been this practice negates tail injuries - the obvious logic is "No tails = No tail injuries"! Herding can be a dangerous business and dealing with much larger animals that are not always "cooperative", tails are just one more part that can be seriously injured or broken; ranchers simply can't afford to have a dog they rely upon laid up "in bed" for weeks over what is otherwise an easily preventable injury.
Grooming is another driving force behind the decision to dock working dogs. The terrain these animals cover routinely in their travels varies from desert and grassland to forest - navigating muddy creeks, rivers, and through bramble-bushes. In a refined setting the Aussie's exquisite tail is lovely and doesn't require much work - However, in a traditional role, these fabulous tails can spell extensive grooming for an otherwise busy rancher.
The "real" reason most breeders choose to dock is to meet the Australian Shepherd "breed standard". A breed standard is the set of specific guidelines detailing correct conformation, temperament, instinct, etc. In other words, this is the blue-print every good breeder should aim for. Dependent upon the registry, an adult Aussie's tail is to not exceed 3-4 inches in length at maturity. At this time in the United States, in most commonly used registries, a dog may not be shown or allowed to compete if the tail exceeds this length... so if tails are left intact, breeders lose the opportunity for their finest dogs to compete and title. This really is a "big deal", because the goal is to produce outstanding animals - and shows and trials can "weed out" the less-than-stellar animals from a breeding program.
IS THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD BREED STANDARD FLAWED?
To be clear, as reputable breeders, of course we appreciate our breed standard and have great respect for those who have come before us... However, when a given breed has a standard set forth which is unobtainable by the majority of the dogs in the breed then we believe the standard is unreasonable - or faulty - at its core. Did we actually say that? YES.
It is true that an Aussie can genetically be the "real deal", born with a natural bobbed tail and - if structurally sound - may meet the standard in all respects, to the point of winning the Nationals! Winning on its own merit would be an amazing feat - and it would make sense for breeders to find a mate of like quality to breed their fine animal to... The sad reality is these animals cannot be bred to other naturally-bobbed dogs or we risk spinal defects!
Quite simply, it is impossible to achieve the Australian Shepherd breed standard thru genetics alone - thus we hold to the belief our standard is, indeed, faulty. While we enjoy short tails, we are not likely to follow our peers "just because" something has, traditionally, been done.
BOBBED VERSUS TAILED? PROS AND CONS!
We have detailed (ha) the driving reasons behind tail-docking; however we will also share some practical pros and cons to tail docking. Our experiences with tailless dogs have been varied, but for the most part good - just being honest to give a well-rounded overview.
NEGATIVE:
1. A major "negative" occurs when inexperienced or uncaring breeders/puppy-mills try to dock tails. Injury can also occur when a veterinarian is inexperienced, or in a hurry. We have seen dogs docked by inexperienced breeders and even vets attempting to produce extremely short tails, resulting in loss of adequate bowel control. This results in "messy" rear-ends, where excrement collects under their tail area and down the backs of their legs, and it can be a life-long problem. In some cases this can cause complete incontinence (full loss of bowel control.)
2. Any surgery or wound can develop an infection and it isn't uncommon for a puppy to develop an infection in their tail stump. This is most likely to happen in unsanitary conditions, but germs are everywhere so even reputable breeders can have this happen. As with all infection, the possibility of permanent injury or even death is real.
3. Phantom pains are another possibility. In all our years breeding and docking, We've never personally seen this in our puppies but it can and does happen. We'd guess there is a greater risk in older pups or adults but docking done on an appropriately-aged puppy could still end in continuous pain.
POSITIVE:
1. In a true working situation, a docked tail can prevent injury as an adult dog. In all our years, we have not personally known a dog who has broken a tail - but it can happen when running under a fence, or when tangling with an unruly steer.
2. When living out in the "sticks", grooming a tailless dog is easier than grooming one with a gloriously fluffy tail! True story.
3. A furiously wagging tail can knock a small child over, swipe items off the coffee table, or otherwise cause mischief. Training can take care of this issue as well.
We enjoy short tails... We also love intact tails!
WHY DON'T MORE BREEDERS OFFER INTACT PUPPIES?
Obviously, puppies' tails are traditionally docked before day 5. A reputable breeder can begin assessing their litters pretty early on, because they know the "who" that has come before... but the first week... We know the ancestry, the feeding and care routines, and we know gender and color of the individual puppies. That's it.
One cannot assess breeding or show prospects until 7 - 8 weeks... Show, sporting or breeding prospects sell for more than companion puppies, and because of this most breeders will not leave tails intact. That tailed puppy could be their only "show-quality" puppy in the litter, so they would lose money. Cold, hard facts that every breeder must weigh and balance before making a decision - whether for a single puppy, or for their entire litter...
To complicate matters, temperament is as important as structure, as this combination determines fitness for purpose. What if the puppy you choose at a few days old isn't a good match for your home? A reputable breeder will not sell on looks alone - we must consider the possibility of the chosen puppy not developing the temperament you are seeking.
WANT A TAIL? NEED AN NBT OR DOCKED PUPPY?
As Natural-Rearing breeders, we are constantly promoting the "whole dog" - a healthy, naturally-cared for companion. Those who come to us tend to have a different mindset... Overwhelming customer demand for intact tails coincides with our natural-rearing ways so we are more than pleased to keep our lovely puppies intact for our companion homes! In fact, our last two litters have been left fully intact!
We are sensitive to the needs of those looking for a show or herding/sporting prospect. You are welcome to contact us regarding your specific needs.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Please feel free to contact us regarding adding a RunAmok puppy into your family!
Dan & Jaque
This will give a little history as to why the Aussies have no tails, and we will also cover another issue in the process. As breeders of the lovely Australian Shepherd we frequently receive inquiries from prospective puppy owners wondering if we would consider leaving their puppy's tail intact. Yes, absolutely! But first, let's look at the reasoning behind docking.
DO AUSSIES HAVE A NATURAL BOBTAIL OR ARE THEY DOCKED?
In some instances, an Aussie puppy may be born with a natural bobtail - This variation runs in our lines, however, in most cases the bobbed tail commonly seen is created through a surgical procedure called "docking". Docking, if performed by someone skilled, is a quick albeit somewhat painful practice resulting in few "complications".
DO THEY SUFFER WHEN THEIR TAILS ARE DOCKED?
Over the last 30+ years we have heard countless breeders and even a few veterinarians state this is a "painless" practice... In spite of the many assurances to the contrary, this is not a pain-free procedure. As "traditional" Aussie breeders we have watched and performed docking repeatedly over the years and we can agree with the premise that "nerve-endings are not fully mature" before 5 days of age, so early docking is less painful than if the procedure were to be done on an older puppy. Most docked pups tolerate the procedure well and are back to nursing and maneuvering around within a short time - but we have also seen puppies who are clearly more distressed, some crying hours after the docking. Anyone stating otherwise is either uneducated or intentionally seeking to misinform.
The docking of older puppies can be extremely painful and should never be done unless there is a serious medical reason requiring this procedure.
BUT WHY ARE THEY DOCKED???
This is a herding breed, and as such, these beautiful dogs have traditionally been used to herd cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock. In spite of the changes in our society, the Aussie is still commonly used in many areas for this very purpose!
The traditional reason cited for docking has simply been this practice negates tail injuries - the obvious logic is "No tails = No tail injuries"! Herding can be a dangerous business and dealing with much larger animals that are not always "cooperative", tails are just one more part that can be seriously injured or broken; ranchers simply can't afford to have a dog they rely upon laid up "in bed" for weeks over what is otherwise an easily preventable injury.
Grooming is another driving force behind the decision to dock working dogs. The terrain these animals cover routinely in their travels varies from desert and grassland to forest - navigating muddy creeks, rivers, and through bramble-bushes. In a refined setting the Aussie's exquisite tail is lovely and doesn't require much work - However, in a traditional role, these fabulous tails can spell extensive grooming for an otherwise busy rancher.
The "real" reason most breeders choose to dock is to meet the Australian Shepherd "breed standard". A breed standard is the set of specific guidelines detailing correct conformation, temperament, instinct, etc. In other words, this is the blue-print every good breeder should aim for. Dependent upon the registry, an adult Aussie's tail is to not exceed 3-4 inches in length at maturity. At this time in the United States, in most commonly used registries, a dog may not be shown or allowed to compete if the tail exceeds this length... so if tails are left intact, breeders lose the opportunity for their finest dogs to compete and title. This really is a "big deal", because the goal is to produce outstanding animals - and shows and trials can "weed out" the less-than-stellar animals from a breeding program.
IS THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD BREED STANDARD FLAWED?
To be clear, as reputable breeders, of course we appreciate our breed standard and have great respect for those who have come before us... However, when a given breed has a standard set forth which is unobtainable by the majority of the dogs in the breed then we believe the standard is unreasonable - or faulty - at its core. Did we actually say that? YES.
It is true that an Aussie can genetically be the "real deal", born with a natural bobbed tail and - if structurally sound - may meet the standard in all respects, to the point of winning the Nationals! Winning on its own merit would be an amazing feat - and it would make sense for breeders to find a mate of like quality to breed their fine animal to... The sad reality is these animals cannot be bred to other naturally-bobbed dogs or we risk spinal defects!
Quite simply, it is impossible to achieve the Australian Shepherd breed standard thru genetics alone - thus we hold to the belief our standard is, indeed, faulty. While we enjoy short tails, we are not likely to follow our peers "just because" something has, traditionally, been done.
BOBBED VERSUS TAILED? PROS AND CONS!
We have detailed (ha) the driving reasons behind tail-docking; however we will also share some practical pros and cons to tail docking. Our experiences with tailless dogs have been varied, but for the most part good - just being honest to give a well-rounded overview.
NEGATIVE:
1. A major "negative" occurs when inexperienced or uncaring breeders/puppy-mills try to dock tails. Injury can also occur when a veterinarian is inexperienced, or in a hurry. We have seen dogs docked by inexperienced breeders and even vets attempting to produce extremely short tails, resulting in loss of adequate bowel control. This results in "messy" rear-ends, where excrement collects under their tail area and down the backs of their legs, and it can be a life-long problem. In some cases this can cause complete incontinence (full loss of bowel control.)
2. Any surgery or wound can develop an infection and it isn't uncommon for a puppy to develop an infection in their tail stump. This is most likely to happen in unsanitary conditions, but germs are everywhere so even reputable breeders can have this happen. As with all infection, the possibility of permanent injury or even death is real.
3. Phantom pains are another possibility. In all our years breeding and docking, We've never personally seen this in our puppies but it can and does happen. We'd guess there is a greater risk in older pups or adults but docking done on an appropriately-aged puppy could still end in continuous pain.
POSITIVE:
1. In a true working situation, a docked tail can prevent injury as an adult dog. In all our years, we have not personally known a dog who has broken a tail - but it can happen when running under a fence, or when tangling with an unruly steer.
2. When living out in the "sticks", grooming a tailless dog is easier than grooming one with a gloriously fluffy tail! True story.
3. A furiously wagging tail can knock a small child over, swipe items off the coffee table, or otherwise cause mischief. Training can take care of this issue as well.
We enjoy short tails... We also love intact tails!
WHY DON'T MORE BREEDERS OFFER INTACT PUPPIES?
Obviously, puppies' tails are traditionally docked before day 5. A reputable breeder can begin assessing their litters pretty early on, because they know the "who" that has come before... but the first week... We know the ancestry, the feeding and care routines, and we know gender and color of the individual puppies. That's it.
One cannot assess breeding or show prospects until 7 - 8 weeks... Show, sporting or breeding prospects sell for more than companion puppies, and because of this most breeders will not leave tails intact. That tailed puppy could be their only "show-quality" puppy in the litter, so they would lose money. Cold, hard facts that every breeder must weigh and balance before making a decision - whether for a single puppy, or for their entire litter...
To complicate matters, temperament is as important as structure, as this combination determines fitness for purpose. What if the puppy you choose at a few days old isn't a good match for your home? A reputable breeder will not sell on looks alone - we must consider the possibility of the chosen puppy not developing the temperament you are seeking.
WANT A TAIL? NEED AN NBT OR DOCKED PUPPY?
As Natural-Rearing breeders, we are constantly promoting the "whole dog" - a healthy, naturally-cared for companion. Those who come to us tend to have a different mindset... Overwhelming customer demand for intact tails coincides with our natural-rearing ways so we are more than pleased to keep our lovely puppies intact for our companion homes! In fact, our last two litters have been left fully intact!
We are sensitive to the needs of those looking for a show or herding/sporting prospect. You are welcome to contact us regarding your specific needs.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Please feel free to contact us regarding adding a RunAmok puppy into your family!
Dan & Jaque
