Why do rottweielers always have there tails docked? Is it necessary?

Question

Just wondering if it is normal or if you have to request it. Also if it is common to have this as well as ear cropping done with pitbulls.

Answer 1

Note: This is not an article about whether or not tail docking is ethical. That is not a can of worms that I really feel like opening at the moment. This article merely looks at the possible history of the practice.


When I explain that Rottweilers usually have their tails docked when they are only a few days old, the person usually follows with another question.

"Why?"

So that's the question we'll look this month: why do Rottweilers have docked tails?

In the case of the Rottweiler, I've found a couple of theories as to why the practice originally started.

First off, there is the guard dog theory. According to this theory, tails of guard dogs were commonly docked to make the dog look more fierce and so that robbers would not have a handhold. The fear was that burglars working in teams would break in. One would grab the dog by the tail and hold it while his partner either finished incapacitating the restrained dog or quickly grabbed what valuables they could. This theory is also used in explaining why Dobermans also have their tails docked.

Personally, I have several problems with this theory. First off, I can understand that the docked tail might give the dog a more business like, or "fierce" appearance. However, it would take one very brave, or very stupid, burglar to grab a guard dog by the tail. Rottweilers and Dobermans are both extremely, powerful and agile dogs. First the attacker would have to actually get close enough to tightly grab the dog. Then he would have to hold the powerful, thrashing animal.

And even then, I still have a hard time believing that the dog could not angle around and get within striking range of some body part or another. I tested that theory with my tailed mixed breed, Dingo, by grabbing him close to the base of his tail in play. He had no trouble twisting around touching his nose to my wrist.

As far as Rottweilers in particular go, there is another problem with this theory. Unlike Dobermans, the main function of the Rottweiler was not originally as a guard dog. Yes, they do have a strong guardian instinct. However, the breed's main function for most of its existence has been as a cattle drover or general farm dog. Rottweilers did not make a name for themselves as guard/police dogs until the early 20th century. However, even the earliest standard of the breed called for a docked tail.

Why?

Rottweilers did not live a pampered existence. They worked hard in very dirty conditions for most of their lives. As cattle drovers, they were constantly in close contact with livestock and the waste those livestock leave behind. A tail could become encrusted with cattle droppings, weighing it down. Likewise, the tail could be stepped on or injured by one of the cattle. In such unsanitary conditions, even a minor injury to the tail could become dangerously infected. Lacking modern veterinary care, it's entirely conceivable that the smallest cut could lead to the death of the dog.

It was a much safer option for owners back then to dock the tails when the puppies were still in the care of the mother instead of risking the loss of a valuable helper later in life.

In the USA today, most people do dock tails and crop ears in many breeds. In some other countries it is illegal to do so because it was found unneccessary and inhumane. The pitbulls ears are cropped so that when fighting, they are not grabbed and then damaged by the other dog.

Answer 2

Of course it's not necessary. It's only done because some people think it's fashionable to mutilate their animals. I think it is reasonably common in places that still allow it, because it's a practice that has been part of breed standards for a long time. Although I believe that kennel clubs, dog shows, etc., are no longer allowed to stipulate that dogs of those breeds must have docked tails or cropped earsor whatever.

Ear cropping's been illegal here for as long as I can remember, and tail docking has also recently been banned (unless done by a vet, under anaesthetic, and for medical reasons). It's lovely to see all the young rotties, dobermanns and so on around now with their tails- they look so much more natural!

Answer 3

It is entirely normal, and you would need to request it if u wished your dog to retain his tail. For some reason, the breed has been defined as having a docked tail, and thus all rottweilers have the docked tail. The ear cropping is also common.

Answer 4

Ear cropping came about because certain breeds have really bad trouble with ear infections due to the shape of their ears. Later it became fashion but the underlying medical reason is still there.

Tail docking on large dogs probably came about as another answerer said, i. e., knocking over things. Coffee tables would not be an option if you had a large happy dog in the house with a full tail.

Answer 5

It done simple because that is how breeder wan the breed. It has nothing to do with long tails many breeds have long tails and they don’t dock them. Cropping ears and docking tails is just in a sense to make the dog look better for show etc. If you don’t want your dog to be cropped or docked you just tell the breeder and that wouldn’t be done. I saw a Boxer with uncropped ears and he was very cute with his natural ears.

If you think about its really quite sad its altering the dogs normal appearance and the dog has no say. Grant it dosent hurt them but its really not needed

Answer 6

Both the tail docking and the ear clipping is done for cosmetic effect. It doesn't improve their life any. It is actually labeled cosmetic surgery for animals along with declawing.

Docking Your Dog's Tail
This procedure is typically done on puppies between 3 and 5 days of age. No anesthetic is involved, and the tails are docked to an appropriate length for the breed. Some of the breeds normally docked include the Rottweiler, Doberman pincer, Boxer, Schnauzer, Miniature pincer, Toy Fox Terrier (amongst other terrier breeds), Corgi, Poodle, and Sckipperke to name a few.

This procedure is much preferred done while the puppies are less than a week of age. Afterwards, the puppy has to wait until it is of age appropriate for anesthesia, which is much more involving a procedure, with a much longer healing process. There is also associated pain with the procedure when done on an older animal, and complications include bleeding, premature stitch removal by the dog, poor healing of the area, and more chances for scarring to occur.

Unless the dog is being utilized for show purposes in the conformation ring, tail docking is best left undone if beyond the age of 5-7 days.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently made a statement with regards to cosmetic tail docking in the dog. Essentially, and ultimately the AVMA would like to see this type of cosmetic procedure discontinued for cosmetic purposes only.

Cropping Your Dog's Ears
Ear cropping is done on a select group of dogs for cosmetic purposes only. Boxers, Great Danes, Doberman Pincers, Miniature Pincers, Schnauzers, Bouviers des Flandres, and American Pit Bull Terriers, are among the more common breeds in which ear cropping is performed.

Usually recommended to be done around the age of 10-14 weeks old, the procedure requires full anesthesia. The ears are then cut in a way that instead of flopping down to the side of the head, they stand erect on the head to a point.

In most breeds however, the ears require a period of bandaging and support splinting in order to get them to stand. This is essential for the ears to ultimately stand, and if not done sufficiently, the ears may not stand erect. The longer the ear length is, the more time required for splinting is necessary.

Although breeders can perform this procedure, it is best left to a licensed veterinarian, who has appropriate anesthetics. Puppies who undergo this procedure expect at least a few weeks of painful, sensitive ears. Unfortunately, the splinting of the ears is necessary especially during the early stages of healing, which adds to their discomfort. Unless you're planning to show your dog in conformation classes, ear cropping is un-necessary, and therefore becomes personal preference.

Be sure and understand all that is involved not only with the surgery, but afterwards during the splinting procedures. Know what to expect, and when to seek help during this time from your veterinarian, to avoid ears that ultimately won't stand.

The Association of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA), has recently made a statement regarding cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking in the dog. Essentially, and ultimately the AVMA would like to see this type of cosmetic procedure discontinued for cosmetic purposes only.

Unfortunately, people are now "de-barking" their dogs..I personally don't agree with any of it. It is needless.

Answer 7

the two concepts are in basic terms elegance. Ear cropping is starting to be much less and much less uncomplicated, yet tail docking continues to be oftentimes executed in those breeds. considering the fact that tails are executed while the puppies are in basic terms some days previous, it incredibly is the breeder that makes that determination oftentimes. Ears are executed later, and it incredibly is harder accepted to hit upon a vet to do the technique. it incredibly is not any longer taught in vet college, you study it in inner maximum prepare. various extra moderen technology vets do no longer know a thank you to do it and don't incredibly care to check, on account it incredibly is a protracted painful restoration. Tails are speedy, and the puppies are too little to undergo in concepts. that would not propose it would not injury. you are able to no longer use any anesthetic or discomfort reliever using fact they are too youthful. edit particular there replaced into an thought that cropping ears extra effective airflow and decreased ear infections, yet examine has shown that it is not the case. interior of any given breed, cropped and uncropped ears have not have been given any distinction in % that get contaminated. If it incredibly helped with an infection, we'd be cropping Cocker Spaniels, Labs and Goldens. In working or battling canines, there is existence like argument to crop ears and tails, besides as do away with dewclaws, to sidestep injuries in adulthood. yet for a canines that lives in a house, isn't a wild animal, and would not artwork for a residing.... it incredibly is in basic terms a elegance situation.

Answer 8

Rottweilers and Dobermans have their tails docked because their tails are long and thin. People can get hurt if they are slapped by the dog's tail, plus any loose object can get knocked over or broken.

Answer 9

it is quite common for this procedure and is done when they are very young pups and WITHOUT any anaesthetic.
It is all for show that's all, the breeders are the ones that want it usually but then again so does the public.

Answer 10

"Request that it be DONE"??????

You'd be LAUGHED at *&* "hung-up on" if you "requested "it NOT be!!!!!
That's the BREED STANDARD!

It's ***NOT*** "mean" or any OTHER *B-S* word that the MORONIC AR/himaniac/peta-NUTZ spew!
NOR is cropping!!!

Go read the definition of ANTHROPORMORPHISM for a clue as to their "thinking".