[topknot]

Okay - from what I have read in some places the history of yorkies were used as ratters. Reason for the tails to be docked was so that the tails would not get nibbled on. I am not sure how true this is, but only what I have read. I have also read they were used in coal mines as a sort of canary - to show the lowering amount of oxygen in the mines over the day. Not sure which one is truth or they both could be - just what I learned from reading. But does explain the beginng of docking the yorkies' tail. Then I read on the site, Council for Docking Tails, that many breeds that have docked tails were also continued to be docked for reasons of safety while going through the brush to prevent injuries and another reason for hygiene - since feces seem to get hung up on the long tail hair and plug this area, thus could clog anal glands and cause further problems.
I personally like both: long and docked tails, just use to the docked look. But would not mind a long tail. I had a maltese back in the 80s - malteses have long tails. But the standard guidelines would need to be changed and I just do not think at this time or in the near future they will change it.