Docked tails, or not?
 

With all these talk about NY banning docked tails...
I thought I'd start a poll!

I prefer the docked tail look. However, if the bill is passed and we have to stop docking the tails, then I guess I'll abide by it.

I didn't vote because none fit exactly. Gus has an undocked tail and I LOVE it. He uses it to express so much. You should see how fast he whips it around when he is happy. And when he runs with it held high it makes him look regal.
I'm sure a lot of people will always prefer the docked look but I also think if the law was changed and people had them with undocked tails for a while many would prefer the tail long. It grows on you.

hmm im not too sure how to vote here. I like how a docked tail looks but on the other hand its kind of mean I think. It doesnt really serve a purpose to me. If they didnt need it they wouldnt be born with them. But then again what do I know

I love my wee girl's undocked tail! She is so expressive with it. I can tell how she is feeling easily. It also balences out her little body and looks 'right'! Dogs were meant to have tails and there is no practical reason these days for Yorkies not to.I am definately 'for' tails and if getting another, hope he/she will have one too.

I voted for docked tails but that's just what I personally want. I think they're still adorable with tails. IMO you can't go wrong as long as it's a yorkie!:D

As I understand it, Yorkies' tails were originally docked to keep them from getting caught in machinery as they hunted rats in European factories. But after reading up on it, I can see why owners of longer-haired Yorkies would favor it. There's a hygiene and cleanliness issue. I think that's a legitimate reason to dock tails, especially in show-class Yorkies.

If I could go back in time, I wouldn't dock Eddie's tail. We keep his hair short, so the hygiene issue is moot.

Here's some information I pulled off a U.K. Web site that explains some of the reasons for docking:

Why Are Dog's Tails Docked?

1. To avoid tail damage

A number of working gundog breeds have to hunt game through heavy vegetation and thick brambles, where their fast tail action can easily lead to torn and bleeding tails which are painful and extremely difficult to treat. Docking the end of the tail eliminates the risk of injury.

Working terriers are docked for the same reason. In addition, terriers which are bred to hunt below ground for purposes such as fox control, have their tails docked to a length which is more practical when working in a confined space.

Other non-working breeds which have an enthusiastic tail action, are also liable to damage their tails, even in the home.

Since docking was banned in Sweden in 1989, there has been a massive increase in tail injuries amongst previously docked breeds. Within the 50 undocked Pointer litters registered in that year with the Swedish Kennel Club, 38% of dogs suffered tail injury before they were 18 months old and in 1991, the number of individuals with tail injures had increased to 51% of the group.

2. For reasons of hygiene

Long haired, thick coated breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Old English Sheepdog are docked to avoid the hair around the base of the tail becoming fouled by feces. Even with constant grooming and washing, such fouling is unpleasant. If allowed to get out of hand, it can lead to severe problems of hygiene, or even flystrike and subsequent infestation by maggots.

Hygiene problems can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether by docking.

3. To maintain breed standards

Breeds which have been docked over many generations have been selected for specific qualities of build and conformation, but not for tail length, shape or carriage.

If left undocked, it is unlikely that the best dogs would carry good tails. In seeking to maintain the quality of the breeds, breeders would therefore be left with a diminished number of suitable sires and dams. The genetic pool would be reduced, greatly increasing the risk of hereditary diseases taking hold. Some breeds could even disappear for ever.

I'm for tails. I sincerely doubt yorkies are used for ratting anymore. And the tiny little stump yorkies are left with now is useless for pulling the dog out of a rat holes - which was the orginal reason for docking. (the tail should be about 3-4 vertebrae long to be useful - like a JRT.)

I think the Hygeine issue is a bit redundant - Dixie is docked and she still gets dags. When Dougal had a long coat he'd get knots around the base of his tail but that's just cos I'm a slacker when it comes to grooming.

Tail damage - I think this is a pathetic reason - where are the stats on tail damage? Why not dock ALL dogs' tails then? Surely no one breed is more at risk of tail damage than any other?

I can't really comment on the breed standard argument because I don't know the first thing about showing and I don't want to cause offense but I feel that breeders would adapt, we're all smart people who want what's best for the dog - - surely!

Dixie was docked before I contacted the breeder - if I had my choice she'd have a waggy tail just like my Dougal baby.

Sorry if i'm a bit vociferous but I just don't understand why you'd want to deny a dog their tail.

The only thing that worries me about making it illegal for vets to do tail docking is that some people will try to dock their dogs' tails themselves. And I saw the horrible results of that on an RNZSPCA TV programme and I would not wish that on any dog.

I'm for tails. I sincerely doubt yorkies are used for ratting anymore. And the tiny little stump yorkies are left with now is useless for pulling the dog out of a rat holes - which was the orginal reason for docking. (the tail should be about 3-4 vertebrae long to be useful - like a JRT.)

I think the Hygeine issue is a bit redundant - Dixie is docked and she still gets dags. When Dougal had a long coat he'd get knots around the base of his tail but that's just cos I'm a slacker when it comes to grooming.

Tail damage - I think this is a pathetic reason - where are the stats on tail damage? Why not dock ALL dogs' tails then? Surely no one breed is more at risk of tail damage than any other? (whoops I didn't read Alaskayorkie's post properly and there are some stats, but I can't see ANY of those reasons applying to yorkies.)

I can't really comment on the breed standard argument because I don't know the first thing about showing and I don't want to cause offense but I feel that breeders would adapt, we're all smart people who want what's best for the dog - - surely!

Dixie was docked before I contacted the breeder - if I had my choice she'd have a waggy tail just like my Dougal baby.

Sorry if i'm a bit vociferous but I just don't understand why you'd want to deny a dog their tail.

The only thing that worries me about making it illegal for vets to do tail docking is that some people will try to dock their dogs' tails themselves. And I saw the horrible results of that on an RNZSPCA TV programme and I would not wish that on any dog.

I was upset to find out that Mya's tail was cut off. My new puppy will have his tail. I have a Pom and hygene is not an issue with his long hair tail. I would not cut a dog's ears either, my cat is not declawed. I keep the hair long on Mya's tail it her little pom-pom that she waves when happy *grin*

the uk is banning the docking of tails and im glad i dont think docking should be done, however i do prefer the docked look but i wouldnt put my dogs through pain just cos i like the look better so mine have there waggy tails which i love too.

I have two yorkies and my little girl is German. They don't dock tails over there and she's precious. She holds her tail so pretty it looks like a little pom-pom. But on the other had I like my little boy's docked tail too. Yorkies are just plain adorable no matter what!

I do like the look of the docked tail, especially in a showring. But I also could live without it!

I voted that I didn't care because Yorkies are cute and sweet no matter what.

I don't know if a law should be passed to ban it or not. It is no different then cutting the dew claws of big hunting/sporting dogs or docking the tails off other dogs. BUT that is just my personal opinion.

I LOVE YORKIES NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!

I feel like a hypocrite because Little Bit's tail is docked but I really think it is cruel and if I had had to do it or have it done myself, I couldn't have done it. I truly believe it is a cruel unnecessary act performed on an unfortunate animal that has no say in the matter.