Illustration of Dog Tail Docking Procedure

　　Dogs with naturally short tails, long tails, or no tails exist in the world. However, some owners think that a long tail affects the dog's work or appearance, so the idea of tail docking arises. But is docking really painless for dogs? When is the best time to dock a dog's tail? Please see the following content for details.

　　1. Reasons for Dog Tail Docking

　　1. Docking for Hunting Dogs

　　For example, Cocker Spaniels or English Setters have their tails docked so their tails won’t be scratched by branches when chasing prey, which could affect their work and make them less noticeable to prey. Docking is done to facilitate hunting.

　　2. Work Dogs and Reduced Taxes

　　At one period, keeping dogs was a privilege of nobles; common workers or the poor were not allowed to keep dogs due to heavy taxes. However, working dogs were tax-exempt, so people docked their tails as a mark. Nowadays, most tail docking is done for aesthetic reasons.

　3. Maintaining an Alert Posture

　　Because dogs tuck their tails when scared, breeds like Dobermans and Bulldogs are docked so they always maintain an alert and brave posture.

　　4. Displaying Elegant Temperament

　　Nowadays many people dock dogs’ tails for appearance, but the dog’s well-being must be respected. Tail docking is almost entirely done to satisfy human aesthetic needs.

　　2. Breeds with Tail Docking

　　Affenpinscher: can be docked or undocked; docking length about 1~2 inches.

　　Russell Terrier: tail docked at about 1/3 length.

　　King Charles Spaniel: can be docked; length removed should not exceed one-third of total tail length.

　　Miniature Pinscher: docked appropriately (leaving 2-3 tail segments).

　　Poodle: docked one-third of tail.

　　Silky Terrier: docked about two-thirds.

　　Yorkshire Terrier: docked at half the total tail length, held slightly higher than the back.

　　Australian Terrier: docked length leaves less than half of the total tail length.

　　Wire Fox Terrier: docked at three-quarters of the total length.

　　Irish Terrier: docked at three-quarters of total length.

　　Jack Russell Terrier: docked so the tail tip is level with the head.

　　Lakeland Terrier: docked so that the tail tip is level with the back of the head when held high.

　　Bedlington Terrier: docked, tail held vertically upward.

　　Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: docked, happily held but must not curl over the back.

　　Welsh Terrier: docked, leaving length about the height of the back of the head.

　　Boxer: docked appropriately (leaving 2-3 segments).

　　Doberman: tail cut off at about the second tail vertebra.

　　Giant Schnauzer: docked at the second vertebra (not exceeding the third vertebra).

　　Rottweiler: leaving one or two vertebrae near the body.

　　Standard Schnauzer: docked, leaving length between 1~2 inches.

　　Australian Shepherd: docked or natural short tail; tail length shouldn’t exceed 4 inches.

　　Belgian Shepherd: leaving 2~3 tail vertebrae.

　　Old English Sheepdog: docked near the body.

　　Welsh Corgi: docked as short as possible, without jagged edges. Length up to 2 inches at most.

　　Brittany Spaniel: naturally no tail to about 4 inches in length, either natural or docked.

　　American Cocker Spaniel: docked one-third.

　　English Cocker Spaniel: docked one-third.

　3. When is the Best Time to Dock a Dog's Tail

　　Generally, tail docking should be done as early as possible, around 7 days after the puppy’s birth. At this stage, the puppy’s development is not complete, and its tail growth is very delicate. Docking at this time causes minimal harm and pain. Once the dog grows past this optimal docking period, careful consideration is required before deciding to dock.

　　Moreover, tail docking surgery at a young age usually does not require anesthesia, significantly reducing surgical risks. Older dogs require anesthesia for tail docking, which carries additional risks. Therefore, early age is better for docking.

　　4. Precautions for Dog Tail Docking

　　Before docking, ensure the dog is healthy and perform docking ideally within 7-10 days after birth. Shave and disinfect the surgical area and instruments before surgery. Fully ligate blood vessels to stop bleeding during docking, and strictly follow sterile surgical procedures. Postoperative anti-inflammatory medication and wound care should not be neglected.