You might leave it until the dog is closer to it's full grown size and weight (since s/he will have to be put under anesthesia anyway). My Ness's tail is actually cropped way too short, in my opinion, and I wish it was long enough. It is like.. 1/2 inch long or shorter. :(

Abbie's tail was docked shortly after birth (breeder's preference). I've not seen a long-tailed Yorkie, but I hear they are feathery and lovely. I, personally, would like to see ALL dogs return to their natural form for the showring. Who started all the docking and cropping, anyway?

I think it was started to keep the tail out of the way while they dogs were ratting.

Ratting
 

Exactly. Too long of a tail is a hinderance, however a nub is perfect to grab ahold of if needed to pull the dog out of a tunnel.
I'm sure there are other reasons, but I know that's one of them!

I have to say I agree. It's also no dif then docking ears..that is done up til they are 4 months..
Yorkietrainer..this seems to be the first thing we've ever agreed on lol

It seems odd to me that people believe that the puppy cannot feel pain. I am sure it is painful to any age dog. My puppy did not have her tail docked. Her tail is one of the cuteset things about her. :) :aimeeyork

<bonks self in head> Of course! OK, that makes sense. Why didn't I think of that? As long as it's not for 'aesthetic' reasons :).

Ella's tail is left long. We wanted it that way. I would never have wanted it docked.
I agree with what someone has already said her tail is the best thiing about her. It is all feathery and it flows and I love to see it wag.
I heard somewhere (and I might be wrong about) this but since a dogs form of communication is through the tail when it is docked other dogs can have trouble communicating and can become defensive. The same when they have fur covering their eyes. Like I said I might be wrong about that but I thought it was interesting.

My Molly's tail is not docked,and I was so pleased that I actually got a rescue that was not docked,I'd have loved her any way,but to see that feathery tail wagging a mile a minute is wonderful.I just dont understand why they still do it.

I never said it didn't hurt them. I'm sure it hurt at 3 days 5 days and as older. I just agree with yorkie trainer I dont' think it's any worse than a c-section. And I also think animals take pain dif from us. Otherwise they would put them on paid meds for anything like they do us. Most vets won't give out pain med unless it's insisted by the pet owner. Course the reason for that is they don't want them to be up moving around. I don't understand people. They will pierce ears eyes bellys and god knows what else. They have plastic surgery and all but are against anything vain being done to a pet. Do you not think fixing an animal causes pain? Or breeding them causes pain? I just think if someone chooses to do this it shouldn't be looked at as atrocious..opinions on not doing it are great but don't look at them as wicked. I've seen people on here support things that aren't even worth supporting but this is one of those things that is a personal preference..so I say if you want to do it..if you don't dont..I like cropped not against it..but i wouldn't at an older age just for the simple fact the dog is probably used to it's tail at that point and might miss it..

Both of mine have docked tails. But when Sugar has pups in like 2 years I havent really decided if I will do all of the tails I love the way it looks I saw a female at the vet and it looked so pretty

it's going to hurt much more at this stage of life...i think it's similar to baby boys being circumcised compared to when a older male being circumcised.

I agree it prob hurts ALOT more..i don't know why i debate on it in favor of doing it..if it came down to it..i couldn't do it at that age either lol

WHAT??? Okay...
 

"Yorkietrainer..this seems to be the first thing we've ever agreed on lol"

ROFL- YEAH!! :p

Oh, and to whomever compared docking a Yorkie's tail at an older age to circumsicion (sp?) at an older age- you couldn't be FURTHER off. You're trying to compare a sexual organ being operated on to a tail. While both have nerve ending, one is WAyyyy more laden w/ nerves than the other. Again, I'm sure it's painful. But pain is something we put our dogs through ROUTINELY for a spay/neuter. A docked tail has both an aesthetic value (to some) and also poses great health benefits for some. OH! And we should think of AGING Yorkies. They tail is beautiful NOW, but as they age and their hair receeds...yeah, that glorious flag winds up looking like a dried out rats tail. JMO!

it was docked to prevent injurys and was also easyer to handle the yorkie when it was ratting. :)