Getting a dogs tail docked?

Question

I've always wondered-What's the point in this? Do they do it for any specific reason or just for their appearance?

Answer 1

I'ts just for appearance. It should be illegal and I think that one day it will be.

Answer 2

It depends on the breed. In weimaraners, and most other hunting breeds, it is because the tail often gets damaged hunting (there isn't much fur to protect it) and it is much easier and less traumatic to dock at 3 days of age versus docking an adult dog. Nowadays, with most dogs being companions or show animals (ie: not doing the job they were originally bred for), the question of whether it is necessary is a controversial topic. Docking is banned in most of Europe and Australia.

Answer 3

Some working dogs still get their tails docked. Many hunting dogs with longer tails have their tails docked to prevent injury and infection out in the field.

Answer 4

At one point it was a mark of ownership for working dogs. It was a way for early animal control to tell the difference between an unattended working dog guarding livestock in a field, and a stray dog just wandering.

Some breeds require tail docking for their breed standard.

Most countries have banned tail docking, as it is largely considered inhumane.

Answer 5

In some breeds such as dobermans it was to protect the tail from damage. Now it's just esthetics and I think it's a cruel practice. I believe England has outlawed docking of tails and cropping of ears.

Answer 6

Tradition and appearance and sometimes because of the breeds traditional purpose.

Edit:
I use to raise Rat Terrier dogs.... I always docked the tails myself. It was alwasy done in the first two days of life. Yes it did probably hurt the puppy..... for about two minutes. We always used a steptic pencil to stop bleeding.... but NONE ever passed out....

Answer 7

It depends on the breed. In the past, many hunting breeds had their tails docked to avoid injuries while running in the brush, while other breeds were done purely for cosmetic purposes. Now it is all done for breed standard, which is for looks.

Answer 8

its pretty much just for appearance!!
sad eh:(

some horses get there tails docked too
which is even worse
cause they cant swat at flies and stuff

Answer 9

I believe it's just for appearance, but dogs with log/shaggy hair I'm sure it's done for sanitary reasons as well

Answer 10

if it is a purebred it is just to meet the standards of the breed. and it is only for apperance. just like cropping ears. it serves no purpose to the dog and it can be painful if it is done later in their lives at the age of like 8 weeks