Why do they dock the tails on rat terriers?

Question

Are there any breeders in the US that don't?

Answer 1

They dock tails because it is standard for that breed to have them docked (AKC standard as well) The breeder usually has the tails docked at 2 days old just as poodles and cocker spaniels, yes actually there are but most breeders that don't do that don't either have a knowledge of what they are supposed to do or you will get a rat terrier that will be 45 lbs, (not really but probally not good quality) If you wish to get one that is of good quality check with a breeder(s) to see of up-coming litters and tell them you want one but wish not to have the tail docked, then you will probally need to go ahead and put a deposit down so they know that you are serious

Answer 2

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Well first off do you know her tails was actually docked? Why do I ask? Because the Rat Terrier breed carries the bobtail gene which means not every short tailed RT has actually been docked. Anyways as to the why? Like most Terrier breeds the RT was bred for pest control as well as hunting squirrels, hare and other small game. a long tail can get in the way while trying to back out of hole the dog went into after prey and the hunters needed to be able to get a sturdy grip on the dog and pull it out.

Answer 3

They dock the tails because they think it looks good. It is very very rare to find a breeder who doesn't dock tails.. However, if you look, sometimes you can find a breeder who will leave the tail of a pup from an upcoming litter undocked for a fee. My mother has a Rat Terrier who is undocked and thats what she had to do.

Answer 4

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RE:
Why do they dock the tails on rat terriers?
Are there any breeders in the US that don't?

Answer 5

THis is a great question. They are born with tails lol... ( in reference to answer above)

You will have a hard time finding breeders who do not dock the tails. Mainly because people want them done. THe rat terrier is known for its docked tail. THat is what society has potraed them as. THey think thats what they are supose dto look like. Chances are your best luck would be search rat terrier rescues and or shelters.
America and the world its self has the images in bedded in their heads of what a animal should and has to look like.
For example
pittbulls boxers great danes schunazers dobermins ect
all have
docked tails and croped ears
but they wernt born that way
thats how america thinks they have to look.
BUt really and truley
I think alot of them look cuter with their big floppy ears and tails.

Answer 6

Terriers are Ratters the name Terrier means earth dog. These are dogs that have been bred for getting rodents that live underground. That tail in the Terrier beer is a Handle. The tail is strong enough where when the dog comes out of the hole he is grabed by the tail and it does not fase or hurt the dog one bit. You also don't want the tail to get in the way of work.

Check out the Easth dog trials you will see what I mean.

Answer 7

I don't know why dock tails or crop ears on any dog. They are like that for a reason. It's a cruel practice and I know people don't want to pay for the vet to do it with anethesia so they do it at home. I had a boxer and I can't believe how cute he looked with his ears naturally floppy. I don't care for the way they look w/them cropped. Luckily, I have Shelties so I don't have to worry about cropping and/or docking. Do you have a rat terrier? Is it really energetic? My friend has one and it bounces off the walls and it's not really young any more! She thinks he'll outgrow it but I kinda doubt it.

Answer 8

not all rat terriers have docked tails. some r born with short tails and some have full length tails. and they can be left in the natural state or can be docked at two days of age

Answer 9

they dock the tails because its breed standered. i don't think any breeders don't dock but if you find a breeder right before they have a litter let them know you want to keep the tail on. they dock the tails at 3 days old!

Answer 10

Because they are rat hunters. That's what they were bred for originally. They need to go in tight spaces underground so they crop the tail so it doesn't get snagged on anything. Same thing about Jack Russell Terriers.