[yorkietalkjilly]

Docking a tail on a Yorkie may be done for cosmetics to some but many breeders do it because they know it is practical. On any Yorkie I have had, they have probably needed it as they are reckless dogs and give no thought as they race under, through and around anything when they are chasing something or playing. Yorkies with tails carry their rather thin tail out and not curled protectively over the back. It is not a substantial tail like a Lab's is to its size - the Yorkie tail is rather frail and carried out back and is subject to catching on things. In the old days when they were under houses and under barn stall sides with rusty nails and splinters, farm equip. etc., they were racing around chasing vermin and would catch their little tails and shred them badly. Now with lawn furniture and equipment and things out back, Yorkies still race under and by things with abandon. You can find things sticking out haphazardly under some antique furniture and I have a few pieces like that - pieces Tibbe can and does get under - sometimes running. I am glad Tibbe doesn't have a tail, dewclaws or long ears to catch on anything and tear. He gives no thought to himself when he starts after a squirrel or a toy or another dog and he will go through, under or around anything to get to it.