To have my yorkies tail docked or not

[kpstoybox]

Originally Posted by IlovemyJax

Today my Izzie is 1 yr old and weighs 2.3 lbs. Tomorrow she is being spayed and she was born premature and was not able to have her tail docked. I'm debating on having in done tomorrow while she is having other surgery. What's everyone's opinion?

The problem is...it is no longer a dock. It is an amputation. I have heard of both normal and bad healing results from amputating the tail after the cartilage turns to bone. As much as I prefer a docked tail on a yorkie...if you are not showing her...there is no need to put her through the additional pain and recovery time it will add to her spay. The recovery from the spay may be hard enough for such a wee girl..no reason to possibly add to it IMO.

[Teresa Ford]

No. She is too old.
Some of us are writing the AKC on a regular schedule. We want them to allow Yorkies (and other dogs who are normaly docked) that have full natural tails, to be allowed to compeat without losing points.

[angieNchloe]

Originally Posted by gidget529

It is my understanding after a certain age it should not be done. You might want to post in the breeder's talk section. They might know a little more about taildocking at a later age.

Just from an aesthetic standpoint, I think they look cute either way.

I agree, I'd research this closely as I've been told after so many weeks, it's too late because of the blood flow to the tail. Now I'm no pro by any means.

[Roxiesmama]

That video is freaking adorable!!

I was just saying to SO that I wish Roxie's tail wasn't docked, but when I got her she was nearly 3 and it had already been done. Every time I watch Alana's videos with Peppermint, I'm jealous and wish Roxie had a full tail.

I wouldn't do it at this point.

[MamaZiggy]

i also agree with the others, Ziggy has his tail intact and i LOVE it, i love how it curls up and rests on his back, its sooo cute! but i also like the docked look.. BUT at your baby's age, i think it would be unfair to amputate simply for cosmetic reasons.

[capt_noonie]

I'm confused. Did the OP actually find a vet who was willing to dock the tail at one year old, or she was just thinking about having it docked and had not discussed it with her vet? I'd be horrified if my vet would agree to do this.

Someone I know bought a yorkie mix at 6 weeks, and had found a vet who was willing to dock the tail while in for a spay and he even asked for a "filipino discount" I told him to not ever go back to that vet. I wish I knew the name of that "vet".

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I'm confused. Did the OP actually find a vet who was willing to dock the tail at one year old, or she was just thinking about having it docked and had not discussed it with her vet? I'd be horrified if my vet would agree to do this.

Someone I know bought a yorkie mix at 6 weeks, and had found a vet who was willing to dock the tail while in for a spay and he even asked for a "filipino discount" I told him to not ever go back to that vet. I wish I knew the name of that "vet".

I agree. Any vet that would be willing to inflict that kind of pain and mutilation on an animal for cosmetic purposes should not even be allowed to practice. While a docking is a small but unnecessary procedure on a puppy a few days old it is a major surgery for an older dog. To link it to a spay is unthinkable.

[SWHouston]

The original intent for Docking (on Terriers anyway) was to enhance their movement in tight locations. Ferreting out varmints, and having to quickly move forward and back, to facillitate a capture and or kill.

There is/was a practical length of a Docked Tail, and that being short enough not to get in the way, but, long enough for their "handlers" to reach into a hole or somewhere, and pull them out by it. That length usually was between 3" and 4" for a mature Dog (sometimes a little longer).

I have one each...
My Make Sneakers is Docked... very cute !
My Female Becca has a full Tail... VERY beautiful !
Spccially when washed and fluffed.

But as stated, there's a time to do that, and it's when they are puppies, NOT adults !

[Deuce]

Rizzo votes NO!

She is way too old now, it should have been done by the breeders vet at 3-5 days old. Now it's just an amputation, and totally unnecessary, grow out the hair, it's so beautiful when it's waving around.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Rizzo votes NO!

She is way too old now, it should have been done by the breeders vet at 3-5 days old. Now it's just an amputation, and totally unnecessary, grow out the hair, it's so beautiful when it's waving around.

That's a beautiful picture! I do love seeing a full tail too.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Rizzo votes NO!

She is way too old now, it should have been done by the breeders vet at 3-5 days old. Now it's just an amputation, and totally unnecessary, grow out the hair, it's so beautiful when it's waving around.

Soooo prettiful!

Jax waves his tail back at ya! Haha, everyone always says it looks like a litle flag!

[Lou]

Through a miscomunication the breeder did not dock Skeeter's tail as I had requested. I debated about having his tail amputated when he was neutered too. I'm soooooo glad I didn't. Out of the four yorkies I have he is by far the cutest and to see that wonderful tail flying back and forth when he is happy is such a treat. The others just wiggle their little nubs. LOL.

[LovinOurYorkies]

Originally Posted by IlovemyJax

Today my Izzie is 1 yr old and weighs 2.3 lbs. Tomorrow she is being spayed and she was born premature and was not able to have her tail docked. I'm debating on having in done tomorrow while she is having other surgery. What's everyone's opinion?

Hoping Izzie's spay surgery went well with no complications... how is she doing?

[My Ladybug]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Rizzo votes NO!

She is way too old now, it should have been done by the breeders vet at 3-5 days old. Now it's just an amputation, and totally unnecessary, grow out the hair, it's so beautiful when it's waving around.

This is a gorgeous tail! I just love it. I'm so glad my yorkie has her tail intact

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Rizzo votes NO!

She is way too old now, it should have been done by the breeders vet at 3-5 days old. Now it's just an amputation, and totally unnecessary, grow out the hair, it's so beautiful when it's waving around.

Such a pretty girl!

I have to agree w Deuce and Britster, the full tails do look beautiful in movement. The only way the docked tails get that movement is if the pup is kept in full coat. That movement is beautiful. I tried growing out Gidget's tail hair to try to get that movement even though her coat is shorter - not the same.