Originally Posted by nana911 (Post 3238979)

I don't mean to be contentious because one should always defer to their vet and vet's are pretty much our only option on the developing physiology of our babies. But, I've always been bothered by the scientific communities assumptions of what and what does not constitute pain. I remember years ago when it was assumed that newborn skinkids, that now go to specialized NICUs were believed to feel little pain because their nerves were underdeveloped, especially the preemies. They now know better and realize that by treating them that way they were hindering their recoveries. They understand that they feel pain, acutely, just as we grown ups do. I cannot imagine that we shouldn't at least think about applying the same standard to our best friends.

Originally Posted by nana911 (Post 3238979)

I don't mean to be contentious because one should always defer to their vet and vet's are pretty much our only option on the developing physiology of our babies. But, I've always been bothered by the scientific communities assumptions of what and what does not constitute pain. I remember years ago when it was assumed that newborn skinkids, that now go to specialized NICUs were believed to feel little pain because their nerves were underdeveloped, especially the preemies. They now know better and realize that by treating them that way they were hindering their recoveries. They understand that they feel pain, acutely, just as we grown ups do. I cannot imagine that we shouldn't at least think about applying the same standard to our best friends.

Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 3238760)

I had a pup that had its tail done at day 12. It was much the same situation as yours (very tiny pup) and I had the same reservations as you. My vet explained that the pup's development has more to do with it than how old it is. Some pups just take longer to get going and that has a lot to do with how the nerve endings etc. are developed. He absolutely will not dock a tail on one that hasn't plumped out yet.

Long story short....though this ran counter to everything I had heard before, I did get the tail done and the pup had no more distress than her littermates that were done earlier.

It's a personal decision on whether to have it done. Having gone through it, I appreciate my vet holding off on doing the docking as she was too delicate to have it done earlier. After discussing this with him, I now understand his criteria and know in advance whether he will do the docking or not. I think that day 3 is ideal for thriving pups and they probably feel more pain if you hold off on the docking, so for them I go ahead and get it done then. If I have any that are lagging behind, I bring them in and he looks them over and usually we're in agreement if there's one to hold off on. There have been a couple I've brought back and had done between days 5 and 7.

Originally Posted by ls1smith (Post 3239048)

:)I say leave the tail!

I recently saw my first yorkie with a tail and it was beautiful. She carried it so high and proud! I took one look and wished like crazy my girls had their tails. Plus, it is one of the things I love the most about my Biewer. I love watching that little wag, wag, wag, when she is happy.

I don't think you can lose by leaving the tail!:)

Originally Posted by blondschilli (Post 3239043)

Thanks for telling your story, The vet did say 10-12 days being that he is so tiny for his age at 8 days he is now 3 oz. So gaining and nursing well, I really think I am just going to sell him cheaper and not register him, Its not like I would have gotten rich off one pup anyway and to me it is not about the money, Its the love for the pup. Glad your pup was okay. I think Im chickening out. LOL.:animal36

Originally Posted by erinlee (Post 3239072)

I don't think you're chickening out, I think you're doing what's best for the little guy. :) Hugs!

Here's two pics I found online, and they are SO precious and adorable. I do believe that the only reason the tails were docked were so that they could be pulled out by their stumps when they were hunting rats in the coal mines. I don't think anyone on here has their Yorkies out working in the coal mines, so I dont' see why anyone continues to dock at all.:confused:

Originally Posted by blondschilli (Post 3239002)

Thanks for the replys, Can I get him Akc registered with the tail not being done. At this point I only have one to sell better than none if something were to happen to him, everytime I look at him I just cant see putting him through this at this age and still so tiny but doing well and quite healthy. He would be the first tiny male yorkie I ever saw with a tail. Show me some pics of a small yorkie with a tail if u would someone has a pic out there.

Originally Posted by blondschilli (Post 3239085)

Yes I did read an article on hunting dogs and they say no one really does this any more so it should be banned, the article was from England but I think USA needs to wake up and change laws also. Oh those pics are the cutest, and to think we have a need to chop off their tails, I think they look adorable with their tails, thanks for the pic, now I know I am not doing this canceling the vet visit, We are keeping the tail.:aimeeyork

Originally Posted by teacup0819 (Post 3239094)

Trixie is AKC registered and she has her long tail....I believe the only drawback is that you cannot show your dogs with the long tail.....I paid full price for Trixie and would do so again in a heartbeat.....in fact, when I do get another yorkie, I will request that the tail be left intact. :animal-pa

Originally Posted by yorkielady06 (Post 3239150)

Definately can be registered as long as both parents are full registration. I would register him and limit his registration and place him in a pet home. Not due to the tail, but to his size. Are both his parents screened for health issues? (OFA, BAT, CERF)?
Some not so ethical greeders out there love to get their hands on tiny boys to put in cages and stud to anything they have. Not the kind of life you would want for your little bundle I am sure but that happens all the time. Please be sure to screen owners and have them sign neuter agreements....;)