YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Would you Buy a PET Yorkie with an undocked tail?

Twinkie_love · 12-08-2005, 04:09 AM

I would also like to add that I do agree with Kim that some breed standards are contradictory for the dogs. I was reading a very interesting article by Robert Wansborough that argues that "docking dogs' tails puts them at a disadvantage in several ways. Firstly, dogs use their tails actively in communicating with other dogs (and with people); a dog without a tail might be significantly handicapped in conveying fear, caution, aggression, playfulness, and so on. In addition, certain dog breeds use their tails as rudders when swimming, and possibly for balance when running, so active dogs with docked tails might be at a disadvantage compared to their tailed peers".

Although each of these criticisms has its counterarguments the scientific evidence concludes that docking the tain causes pain and may lead to behavioural problems even though certain breed standards (i.e. Yorkshire terrier) have docking the dog's tail as a requirement.

12-08-2005, 04:09 AM	#80
Twinkie_love Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 207	I would also like to add that I do agree with Kim that some breed standards are contradictory for the dogs. I was reading a very interesting article by Robert Wansborough that argues that "docking dogs' tails puts them at a disadvantage in several ways. Firstly, dogs use their tails actively in communicating with other dogs (and with people); a dog without a tail might be significantly handicapped in conveying fear, caution, aggression, playfulness, and so on. In addition, certain dog breeds use their tails as rudders when swimming, and possibly for balance when running, so active dogs with docked tails might be at a disadvantage compared to their tailed peers". Although each of these criticisms has its counterarguments the scientific evidence concludes that docking the tain causes pain and may lead to behavioural problems even though certain breed standards (i.e. Yorkshire terrier) have docking the dog's tail as a requirement.