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Originally Posted by Nancy1999  In science, there’s something called the status quo bias, in other words, it’s better to keep things as they are then change something is until we are sure it’s superior. Most scientific testing is based upon this, and I fully support it. I do agree though, we should never support anything blindly, but before we make decisions we should understand both sides of the argument. I think we forget that there is nothing “natural” about dog breeds, the Yorkie would never developed in the “real world”. Breeders have picked and chosen which traits should be in the Yorkshire terrier and eliminated other traits, they’ve never had to think much about breeding for tail, except “where” it sat, they didn’t have to take thickness or length into consideration. If we outlaw docking, breeders would start breeding for a thicker tail, but even that simple suggestion would have repercussions, we would be limiting the gene pool again, and this could disastrous have effects. I totally agree with you, breed clubs should be heading this effort, not pet owners, but only because breeders understand the full extent of the problem. Some commercial breeders are interested in banning docking but it’s probably because it will save them money, I doubt if they care about the best interests of the dog. As I said before, I really don’t know the answer to this question, I think it’s much more complicated than some seem to think.
Regarding the skinny tip I think you're right, some do take much more than that. Ann, I hope you know I appreciate your opinion too.  If I made the rules, they would just dock the skinny tip! |
Actually it is more complicated than that. What if there was a preponderance of folks that liked the "skinny" look of a tail? And how thick is thick? How skinny is skinny? what height should the tail be carried at?
Should the tail be curved up and over the back? Or should it be carried upright roughly over the pelvis?Shoud it be curved in this position or straight?
How much hair is Normal, or should be ideal on the tail? What color, what graduations of color?
Lots of questions Nancy, which a breed club will need to answer with NO NO information, or guidance. Tallyho, we are supposed to be the "guiders". but when rules are imposed from above, one needs to adjust; we just don't know how or even why the standard should be changed! So in Europe while I can't speak for other breeds the BRT clubs, have been in major argument and discussion about what is the "correct" long tail. Eight years later No consensus has been reached! You see once you change the standard, breeders will try to breed to it. But what IS the Correct LONG TAIL? Who the hell knows? NO-one. The BRT was NEVER bred to have a long tail, which was for very good reasons. And this is a new breed only about 60 or so years old. We never had long tails, we never wanted long tails. And in our breed long tails is a detriment to their work.
There is a very small body of research that says in performance dogs the tail a long tail is actually used as a balancer.
But I digress into my passion for BRT's. In terms of Yorkies, unless they are doing a specific function, I think long tails are probably okay. Again I feel that breeders choice is the best way to go here.