Why do some breeds of dogs have their tails cropped?

Question

I am woundering why some breeds always have their tails cropped, while other breeds they leave the long.

I am going to answer you all.

DoggyCrazy:
Every seen a Rotty or a Cocker with a tail? Why do they look funny?

Furbabbymoma:
How come over the last 50+ years every dog I have had has had a long tail and never broken it?

Raspberry:
I am with you, no reason to clip ears or crop tails.

Crayon:
I have never had a dog that hurt himself. They have swept things off a coffee table though.

Dog’s Best Friend:
I hope the rest of the kennel clubs will let dogs be dogs.

Bcrcollie:
I hope that South Africa and Norway lead the way.

Pegogirl:
I think the AKC is out of their mind. They decide what is the perfect dog. If you don’t crop the tail it doesn’t fit. I have a beagle that is too big so he is disqualified.

Answer 1

If you own a pet that normally has a tail docked, you are certainly free to leave it if you like it.
It is different for us that show and breed dogs. We must follow strict ACK guidelines on breed standard.. If the breed standard calls for a docked tail, then you have to have it to show your dog.
This is the way it's been for years and years and things don't change very fast.
On an upbeat note, dog shows in Europe are starting to get away from tail and ear docking. Maybe someday that will happen too. But don't worry about pain. Everything is done a certain way at a certain age to minimize discomfort.

Hope this answered your question!!

Answer 2

The reason you don't see these dogs with tails is did you ever see one of their tails? It is long, no hair and boney. If they wag their tail they would bruse your leggs. Usually breed that need their tails or have their tails clipped is because they are nothing but bone. Nothing like a retreiver or a busher dog. There is no hair on them and they are as hard as a rock. Breeders had them clipped because the tails were ugly and posed no help to the dog for balance or speed.

As for the ears, certain breeds were done to make them look more feirce and wolf like. Others because it made their ears stand at attention. A bad ear cut can ruin the best of show dogs just as a bad tail cut. That is the only reason they are cut.

Answer 3

I don't believe it should be done unless it is a working dog. Most people get the pets and have it done not realizing it was due to their job. Every breed was bred for a specific purpose.

It has nothing to do with possibly getting the tail hurt in everyday family functions. Someone stated none of their dogs ever hurt their tails. That's good because they can bleed horribly and its very difficult to heal. Puppies tails are docked long before they know the world even exists.

Answer 4

In South Africa it will be banned shortly, I see at the world agility champs in norway you cannot enter a dog with a docked tail, they will not allow it entry into the country.
Know a guy with a docked german Shepherd, it is a "working" dog and the prisoners find it "hilarious" to slam cell doors on the dogs tails.
personally I don't like docking, know several Jack Russells with the most gorgeous waggy tails!

Answer 5

very long hair is nice but requires upkeep and u have to grow this out for a long time

Answer 6

My springer spaniel does not have her tail docked. It is not cute when they do. Usually it is docked because akc has set that dumb standard. I bought my dog in Germany, and it is illegal to alter the dog this way. My spaniels mom was imported from uk to germany and her dad is from denmark, she resembles the springers in the uk and not the springers in the usa-she looks the way they are supposed to look no dip in the back etc...I think akc is nuts to allow that in the breed it changes their gait.

Answer 7

I prefer hair that is shoulder length or longer, And also since that men who like ladies are more often then not right, they like long hair because it looks more feminine, as most guys have short hair.

Answer 8

Cropping dogs tails is manly for two reasons, first manly for looks. Dog breeds that are known for it, usally have it done for looks. Other wise, it could be to prevent happy tail, dogs with happy tail can hit it on things which can cause bleeding. Personaly, unless it's a medical reason I would say don't do it.

Answer 9

Some dogs like Dobermans, because of the length and girth of their tails, they can break easier. So to save them from a "potential" breakage, and pain, it is better to have them docked.

That is what the vet told me and my grandpa a few years back.

That is not my opinion, this is what the vet told us. I was just repeating what she said. I just called my sister in law who is a vet tech in Harvard Illinois, she just mimicked what the previous vet advised us. Granted she is just starting out, she said this has been what she was taught in college.

Answer 10

dogs have their EARS cropped and their TAILS docked.

the only reason dogs tails are docked is for looks. there were some old wives tails going around in the old days too (if you dont dock it- they will damage it. this is untrue - 99% of dogs will NEVER damage their tails).

not only does it cause unessecary pain (sometimes life long), it is very unhealthy to have your dogs tail docked. this is because a dogs tail is used in balance and as a mechanism to open the sphincter when they do their business. wagging long tails also provides exercise for butt muscles.
if they have their tails docked, it can cause problems later in life with bowel motions and urinating (including incontinence). There is also significant evidence to suggest it affects female dogs in the vaginal region.

most registered vetinary societies are against it, and any good vet would refuse to do it (unless its for the money!).
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