tail docking

[lilbuffalo3308]

My puppys tail is docked and almost non-existant. It is maybe an inch long... but now that he has more hair you can kind of see it. I have never seen a yorkie that does not have a docked tail... im interested, any pics??

[YorkieRose]

Do you know what states ban a breeder from docking past a certain age..? Interesting.

[jadecomputergal]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

Do you know what states ban a breeder from docking past a certain age..? Interesting.

But I'll be glad to look it up for you if you want to give me specific states.

[YorkieRose]

It would be nice for all to know...although I do not know the law could be enforced! I have done extreme tinie's at 10 to 14 days...the tails were the size of a new borns...

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I have read that because the yorkies tail is skinny it breaks easily, and tail docking prevents this. My preference is for a docked tail, but some breeders cut them too short.

Exactly - the skinny tail can be broken by vermin or in tight quarters. That's how the practice originated. As I understand, it continues mostly as an AKC requirement, as the practice is being banned in other countries.

Maltese also have REALLY skinny tails and my childhood Maltese, Sammi (RIP) kept that tail intact for 19 years and plenty of falls/ doors/ mishaps. He was blind before he passed on, but that was all. He died in his sleep one night a few weeks before he turned 20.

There are a bunch of YTers with full tails. I think all doggies are beautiful and while I do respect the integrity of the history of purebreds, I prefer natural tails...