tail docking

[TerrisTrixi]

Just wondering about how everyone feels about tail docking. I just don't think I can do it without a good "reason". I know that in some countries it is illegal, but not in the U.S. Yes, I realize that it's done for looks and to adhere to standard, but my little guys are going to be pets, not for show.

[jadecomputergal]

I don't see anything wrong with not doing it if you aren't showing. Just an extra vet bill and some pain for the dog since they're too old now for you to do it yourself.

[TerrisTrixi]

thanks Jade! I've just been over and over this in my mind and can't come up with a good reason to have it done. And yeah, I'm one day too late to have the vet do it!

[CupofDog]

just another thought, i adopted my baby from a shelter and i don't know much about her history but her (docked) tail was infected when I got her at 4 months and even though she is ok, her tail nub is not straight, the bones are curved.

Honestly, I hope the practice of docking becomes illegal here too!

[TerrisTrixi]

I'm with you on that

[jadecomputergal]

Sometimes I wonder who sits around and comes up with such things. I know it's part of the breed standard, so I'm sure I'll have it done if I ever breed and have puppies I'm going to sell, but I still don't see what value it adds. I love to see the little tails wag. I have one Yorkie that was a rescue, and she wasn't docked properly, so she basically has no tail at all because what little she has is covered by her hair

[beachgurl_1988]

Dixie and Teddy both have docked tails. I am guessing it was done soon after birth. I think they look very cute without a tail ( I actually have never seen a yorkie with a tail), but if it was up to me, I probebly would not get them docked.

[jadecomputergal]

Originally Posted by beachgurl_1988

Dixie and Teddy both have docked tails. I am guessing it was done soon after birth. I think they look very cute without a tail ( I actually have never seen a yorkie with a tail), but if it was up to me, I probebly would not get them docked.

In some states, it's illegal for anyone who isn't a vet to do them once the puppy has reached either 72 or 96 hours old. (That varies by state.)

[CupofDog]

the purpose of docking, as I understand it, dates back to the practice of 'working' dogs. Yorkshire Terriers were originally used to kill fox and rats in small places. Many hunting/ ratter breeds had docked tails to eliminate the possibility of the tail getting caught by prey or in the hunting environment.

Its also important to note that the Terriers used as ratters date back to pre-industrial revolution England and weighed about 30 lbs. They are not the 3-7 lb. standard we all know and love.

Much like ratting, the practice of docking is outdated. Unless there are some YTers on here who are using their terrier to hunt vermin.....

[Toppersmom]

There are several members here on YT with full tailed yorkies and I person think they are very cute.
As far as using the dogs as ratters there was a post yesterday, I think, stating that the persons yorkie caught a mole!!! It seems to be in their blood even though we prefer them not to drag up critters.

[TerrisTrixi]

The only vermin that my YT hunts is squirrels, and boy does she love that!! She takes it personally when any of them (usually @ 4) show up at the bird feeder! If I say "where's the squirrels?", she runs straight for the door and has a field day looking for them!

[Tabatha00]

I got Mufasa with NO intention on showing him. I just want to love him and take care of him. I don't plan on docking his tail or doing anything about his ears. If his ears stand up they stand up, if not, I'll still love his floppy ears!!!! I love him like he is and could care less what the typical thing "to do" is.

[jadecomputergal]

Originally Posted by CupofDog

the purpose of docking, as I understand it, dates back to the practice of 'working' dogs. Yorkshire Terriers were originally used to kill fox and rats in small places. Many hunting/ ratter breeds had docked tails to eliminate the possibility of the tail getting caught by prey or in the hunting environment.

Its also important to note that the Terriers used as ratters date back to pre-industrial revolution England and weighed about 30 lbs. They are not the 3-7 lb. standard we all know and love.

Much like ratting, the practice of docking is outdated. Unless there are some YTers on here who are using their terrier to hunt vermin.....

I had wondered where the practice came from but never actually took time to look into it. Some things just make me go, "Hmmm." Like every time I see people eating escargot, I have to wonder who was the first person who thought, "Look at this slithery little thing. That looks good. I think I'll eat it."

[grandmatoall]

Originally Posted by jadecomputergal

I had wondered where the practice came from but never actually took time to look into it. Some things just make me go, "Hmmm." Like every time I see people eating escargot, I have to wonder who was the first person who thought, "Look at this slithery little thing. That looks good. I think I'll eat it."

Now that's funny!
I have 2 that are docked and 1 that isn't. They are all special in their own way. And I love them just like they are.

[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.