docking tails for yorkies illegal

[Lesley Carol]

Docking was originally carried out because the yorkie was a working dog (ratter). The tail was removed to ensure that there was nothing 'additional' which rats could attack, giving the dog the advantage every time. The same applies to the Jack Russell. Here in the UK it's illegal to dock - but I believe that a special certificate can be had if your dog is (provably) a working dog, when docking can be carried out for safety reasons (although this is rare, I'm told).

[diane boden]

The law over here changed in 1991 so that only qualified vets could dock tails, their main body ruled it could only be done for medical reasons but a number still continued to do it- it brought in good money, some charging alot for the process to be done. Problem was as no breeder would give out the name of any vet who docked so they could be prosecuted in was un-forcable as many people continued to dock for themselves.
Its only been recently it was made illigal to dock pet dogs, though working types can be docked. Some show breeders get around the law by regestering their pups with the Irish kennel club as its still legal in Ireland, its now illigal to show a docked dog of a formally traditionally docked breed but only at shows where the public have to pay an entry fee. If breeders want to continue to dock tails they are finding ways around the ban. There have been changes to the breed standards to allow for tails but I think its going to be many years before theres any conformaty. Alfie holds his tail up-over his back most the time and it looks really cute, Rosie carries hers like a flag-pole.

[greyacresmom]

First:

The Dewclaws were from the time the dogs were wild. As time has gone on, they have become less usefull for dogs. Some are even born without them now. They have "evolved"..

They get hung up when hunting...but can get torn out just playing. So over time, they can get infected, and hurt a great deal.

As for dewclaws growing in a circle and getting into the skin? All nails can cause problems, and if you take care of your dogs needs, the dewclaws will be dremmeled/cut on a regular basis.

When our hounds do lure coursing, we tape their dewclaws for saftey, (if they have them)

As for the tail:

Hunters will tell you that when the hunting dog has the long feathery tail, the hair can/will hinder the animal in the brush. Getting stuck and such. I personally think that a hunter can shave the tail and have the same effect. Just like they shave the longer areas on the legs and such.

Do I think it is cruel? Yes....But I am a Mom of the '80's. So I didn't even have my son circumsized. I think to this day that is why he is such a gentle soul. I would not do it to a person, why would I do it to a dog?

[vlccairo]

Originally Posted by kezza

I'm very glad it has been banned here and i really hope the USA follow suit in the near future.
I too think it is totally unnecessary and many will still try to defend this procedure by saying it is for 'hygeine reasons' or to 'prevent tail injuries'...these just sounds like weak excuses to me for a procedure they know deep down is wrong and uncalled for...its dated in my opinion and it is about time this beautiful breed was celebrated in its full entireity.....the sooner the top show yorkies are being shown with complete full tail the better.
I love my Pixie's tail...its so pretty...she has long silky hair on hers which i brush out everyday..it is truly beautiful and never stops wagging...why would you want to remove it?

Good post, Kez. The first time I saw a Yorkie with a full tail was in Denmark a few years ago. He was soooo beautiful running around with his lovely tail floating in the breeze!

[bailie]

Originally Posted by diane boden

The law over here changed in 1991 so that only qualified vets could dock tails, their main body ruled it could only be done for medical reasons but a number still continued to do it- it brought in good money, some charging alot for the process to be done. Problem was as no breeder would give out the name of any vet who docked so they could be prosecuted in was un-forcable as many people continued to dock for themselves.
Its only been recently it was made illigal to dock pet dogs, though working types can be docked. Some show breeders get around the law by regestering their pups with the Irish kennel club as its still legal in Ireland, its now illigal to show a docked dog of a formally traditionally docked breed but only at shows where the public have to pay an entry fee. If breeders want to continue to dock tails they are finding ways around the ban. There have been changes to the breed standards to allow for tails but I think its going to be many years before theres any conformaty. Alfie holds his tail up-over his back most the time and it looks really cute, Rosie carries hers like a flag-pole.

in northern ireland its illegal to dock tails as its classed as the uk, my sonny runs with his tail held high and i love it, my beau has her tail docked, and she is beautiful, i often wonder wat she wud look like with a tail lol

[Britster]

Jackson's always holding his tail up high

[kezza]

Originally Posted by vlccairo

Good post, Kez. The first time I saw a Yorkie with a full tail was in Denmark a few years ago. He was soooo beautiful running around with his lovely tail floating in the breeze!

Thankyou!

[kezza]

Originally Posted by Britster

Jackson's always holding his tail up high

and what a beautiful tail it is too!

[Wrenee4]

We dock our yorkies tail and would LOVE to have it at least be a choice w/AKC. If you show they MUST be docked. I wouldn't have them docked ever again...our Biewers are not done and I LOVE the tail!!

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Wrenee4

We dock our yorkies tail and would LOVE to have it at least be a choice w/AKC. If you show they MUST be docked. I wouldn't have them docked ever again...our Biewers are not done and I LOVE the tail!!

You are going to have to go after YTCA for the tail cropping. I remembered a few years ago when a Boxer got to the top 10 at Westminister and he was showing ala natural (nothing cropped or docked) so I looked at their standard and then I looked at YTCA's standard. The Boxer standard allows it both ways where as YTCA will only allow docked.

I have heard it through gossip there are some top Yorkie show people leaving tails on because they know it is only a matter of time before cropping/docking will go away and they are very nervous about their topline/tail set.

I think one of the most beautiful parts about the Biewers is their tail...they are beautiful!!!!

[YorkieMother]

Originally Posted by HannahandMo

Why is it that in Germany it illegal to dock the tails of Yorkie Biewers aka Biewers akc Beiwer ala pom pon etc... and yet we in the United States won't pass that law. FYI this is not a posting on whether the Biewer is a seperate Terrier or part of the Yorkie family. It is about what can be done if anything about making it illegal to dock yorkies tails. Yes I dock tails as I am a breeder and I conform to the standards of AKC though mine are CKC registered, but I would love for a new standard to be in place. I know they are cute with docked tails, no disputing that. But if amputating something can be avoided ..why not. I have seen some beautiful yorkies with long tails as well. I am basically curious as to if anyone has information or if any laws are being worked on for this. Not interested in starting a long debate on it. Just simply curious. I do understand the health and hazards of dewclaws, but not the tail. If anyone could tell me if there is a reason other than cosmetic that would be appreciated. I am not being sarcastic, I just truly don't know

Tails on Biewers are not docking in Canada or the States either as it is considered the standard to have a long tail as the breed is from Germany where docking is not allowed in any dog.
So they just do not get docked at all as the oringally breed standard said leave them long.

In the States and Canada yorkies are docked though and it is the standard to do so but in Germany they again are not allowed to dock any dog so the standerad says leave them.

Now tha said you can not dock in New York am I correct not sure if it is state or just the sity that said no more doicking???

JL

[JeanieK]

It is illegal in the state of NY

[manina]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

It is illegal in the state of NY

I was in Ny this summer in Central Park and every yorkie I saw had their tails done. When did it became illegal and who would police that.
bark@ulater!!!!!
manina,mileymaxsasha

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by manina

I was in Ny this summer in Central Park and every yorkie I saw had their tails done. When did it became illegal and who would police that.
bark@ulater!!!!!
manina,mileymaxsasha

I think about a year ago. But that does not mean you will not see yorkies with docked tails

They just have to go to another state to get it done.

[my4yorkies]

Yes I like the yorkie with the tails docked or not...Ihve never seen a yorkie in person with their tail...I would love to see one...
I adore the yorkshire breed anyway they come...