Tail docking is the practice of removing a portion of a dog’s tail, usually performed on newborn puppies between 2-5 days old. There are over 60 breeds that traditionally have had their tails docked for perceived health, hygiene, and visual reasons. However, routine tail docking is banned in many parts of the world due to animal welfare concerns. Only dogs used for legal working purposes may have their tails docked in countries with docking bans.
Why are some dogs’ tails docked?
There are a few commonly cited reasons for tail docking in dogs:
- To prevent tail injuries/amputation from working dogs getting their tails caught or stepped on
- For hygiene purposes in dogs with heavy tail hair to avoid the tail becoming soiled
- For a certain visual appearance associated with specific breeds
- To potentially strengthen the back legs/hindquarters in some working dogs
However, many of these historical reasons are now disputed by veterinary organizations and animal welfare groups. Research has not conclusively shown health or hygiene benefits to docking working dog’s tails. Additionally, docking for cosmetic reasons alone has been criticized as an unnecessary practice causing avoidable pain to puppies.
Which dog breeds traditionally have docked tails?
There are over 60 dog breeds that have historically had their tails docked. Some of the most common breeds include:
- Australian Shepherd
- Beauceron
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brittany
- Corgi
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pointer
- Poodle
- Rottweiler
- Schnauzer
- Spaniel breeds (Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels)
- Weimaraner
- Yorkshire Terrier
Additionally, any mix-breed dogs with parents who traditionally have docked tails may also have their tails docked.
Which working/hunting dogs need docked tails?
Working and hunting dog breeds that still require tail docking for legal working purposes include:
- Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
- Curly Coated Retrievers
- English Setters
- English Springer Spaniels
- Field Spaniels
- German Shorthaired Pointers
- German Wirehaired Pointers
- Gordon Setters
- Irish Red and White Setters
- Irish Setters
- Italian Spinones
- Large Munsterlanders
- Pointer
- Pudelpointer
- Small Munsterlanders
- Spinoni Italiani
- Sussex Spaniels
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Only dogs used for legal hunting, shooting, or rescue work may be docked in countries banning cosmetic tail docking. Certification from a veterinarian is required and pups must be docked by a licensed veterinarian.
Is tail docking painful?
Yes, tail docking is painful for puppies. Tails are docked between 2-5 days old before the pain nervous system is fully developed. While puppies do not visibly react to docking at this age, research indicates they experience significant pain based on physiological stress responses:
- Elevated blood cortisol levels
- Elevated heart rates
- Reduced body temperature
- Physical responses like vocalization and trembling
Behavioral studies also show tail docked puppies experience hypersensitivity to pain that persists as adult dogs. Surgical docking also leads to the formation of neuromas on the severed nerve tissue that can cause chronic pain.
What are the methods of tail docking?
There are two main methods used to dock puppies’ tails:
Banding/Tying Off
A rubber band or ligature is tightly tied around the tail to cut off blood circulation. The portion of tail past the tie eventually atrophies and falls off. This method typically does not require anesthesia.
Surgical Amputation
A portion of the tail is surgically removed with clippers or scalpel, and the wound is sutured or cauterized. This method requires general anesthesia.
Both methods sever nerves, muscles, and tendons and carry risks of complications like infection and excessive bleeding. Banding often requires a second procedure to remove the dead or improperly removed portion of tail.
What are the risks and complications of tail docking?
Tail docking, especially when not performed by a licensed veterinarian, carries many risks including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Improper tail length
- Inadequate anesthesia during surgical amputation
- Neuromas and chronic pain from severed nerves
- Damage to muscles/tendons impacting movement
- Fecal/urinary incontinence issues
- Permanent changes to nervous system development
Pain from complications may cause puppies to cry excessively, avoid being handled, or display aggression. Lifelong impacts like incontinence from nerve damage can greatly reduce a dog’s quality of life.
Are there alternatives to tail docking?
Yes, there are humane alternatives to docking working/hunting dog’s tails that allow tails to remain intact:
- Daily inspection and proper care of tail hair and skin to prevent soiling and injury
- Use of tail protectors when working to prevent injury
- Careful monitoring when working to prevent tail damage
- Proper bandaging if tail injuries occur to support natural healing
- Pain control and antibiotics if infections develop
- Surgical amputation only in cases of severe irreparable injury needed for dog’s health and welfare
These methods allow working dogs to retain their tails while preventing common concerns leading to docking like hygiene and injury issues.
Are there laws banning tail docking?
Yes, tail docking bans exist in many parts of the world. Currently, docking laws vary greatly by location:
- Docking fully banned: Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe
- Docking allowed only on working dogs: UK, Ireland
- Docking unregulated: United States, Canada
In the United States and Canada, cosmetic docking remains legal and unregulated in most areas. However, bans on docking and cropping have been introduced in recent years in parts of these countries.
Position statements against tail docking from veterinary organizations:
Many prominent veterinary associations have spoken out against routine tail docking of dogs not used for legal working purposes:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA opposes docking dogs’ tails unless there is a medical benefit for a particular dog. The procedure causes unnecessary pain and can negatively impact the animal for life.
Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
The AVA opposes tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons due to the high risk of complications, pain experienced by puppies, and lack of long-term benefits.
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
The BVA strongly opposes surgical tail docking of dogs for non-medical reasons. Evidence indicates tail docking results in significant acute and chronic pain.
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
The CVMA opposes docking dogs’ tails when done solely for cosmetic purposes or to meet breed standards. The practice can cause unnecessary distress, pain and long-term health risks.
Conclusion
In summary, over 60 breeds have traditionally had their tails docked, but routine tail docking is increasingly controversial and being banned worldwide. While historically done for reasons like avoiding tail injuries and improving hygiene, research does not support clear benefits to docking pet dogs’ tails. Additionally, tail docking creates significant acute and chronic pain for puppies according to veterinary behavior studies. However, working dogs such as retrievers and spaniels may still require docking in places permitting it, when certified and done humanely by a licensed vet. Continued education on tail docking’s risks and minimal benefits can help reduce this painful practice in dogs.