Great discussion!!!! I think if we make the point of docking being cruel, then we also have to throw dew claws and ear cropping in the mix also. I would think ear cropping would be the worst! Glad I didn't need anything chopping or removed when I was born.
Yorkies used to hunt in places that could be a hazzard to them having a tail. However, I think a long coat would have also been a hinderance. Don't know how they escaped getting short cuts and that being the breed standard.