[SirTeddykins]

Not dismissive of the possibility but cited incidents of broken tails are remote at best compared to the number of dogs who experince no issues during a lifetime of benefiting from an intact tail. Dogs can lose legs, claws and teeth but we do not approve of removal because we have not conditioned ourselves to find the removal of these necessary parts aesthetically pleasing.

The sole reason for the tail removal in Yorkshire terriers was for conformity in shows in the 1800s. These dogs were not working dogs even then so broken tail was not a risk. However, the Victorian era was rife with ignorance due to the times hence the trend of taxidermy and poaching and other barbaric practices which were later made extinct as our knowledge grew

The argument for broken tails, therefore, is weak on the above basis.

I believe cropping will soon be outlawed and rightly so and myself and others will celebrate humans continued enlightenment.

Neutering etc is a separate controversy and should be approached on its own merits.