I like them docked, but I prefer the way many show breeders dock them longer. I think just cutting the thinnest part off; the part most likely to break is the safest. Even in countries where docking is outlawed, working dogs are allowed to have their tails docked. There is much variation in natural tail length and girth, and some Yorkies have a very narrow tail that could easily be broken if left intact. A yorkie with a very thick tail probably will never have a problem, but we must remember, that they have not yet be selectively bred for thick tails, so there is much variation. They are looking at the safety issues in Europe, where docking has been outlawed for years, for example:
Quote:
Swedish veterinary reports indicated that 17% of Boxers are sustaining tail injuries in and around the home
environment. Wagging tails cannot be immobilised, and these injuries frequently result in tail amputation.http://www.k9alliance.com/resources/...-FactSheet.pdf |
I hope the US doesn't make any new laws without considering the safety factor first. My sons' Shih Tzu's and Maltese Dog's tails are not docked, but the Shih Tzu’s are so much thicker than Joey's and both breed's tails curve over their back. It looks like the Yorkie's tail is straighter and might be easier to break.