Should Rottweilers Have Their Tails Docked?
Rottweiler (detailed introduction)
Most of the Rottweilers we see seem to share one characteristic, which is that almost all have docked tails. Therefore, owners of Rottweilers often consider whether they should have their Rottweilers’ tails docked. In fact, tail docking has both advantages and disadvantages, so the decision depends on the owner’s purpose for keeping the Rottweiler.
If the owner is raising a Rottweiler as a working dog, then docking the tail is necessary. Because when Rottweilers work and travel through jungles, their tails are prone to injury and subsequent infection. Tail docking can protect their health. Additionally, Rottweilers have relatively low tail mobility, which can affect normal work. Docking the tail can ensure task concealment and improve the quality and efficiency of their work. Lastly, since the dog does not exhibit a tail-tucking behavior after battle losses, this helps better cultivate the Rottweiler’s fighting ability.
If the dog is purely kept as a pet, then the owner can choose not to dock the Rottweiler’s tail to avoid the pain and injury caused by docking.
If tail docking is necessary, a reputable pet hospital should be chosen, and an experienced veterinarian should perform the procedure. Proper tools need to be prepared for docking the Rottweiler’s tail: a suitable pen tube, a valve core, scissors, medical iodine for disinfection, and so on. It is very important that the owner never dock the tail themselves and must seek professional medical assistance.
After tail docking, the owner should also provide scientific care and management. Use iodophor daily to wipe the docked tail area to disinfect and sterilize, ensuring the wound heals quickly and the tail naturally withers and falls off. It is important that the owner uses a rubber band tightly bound at the docking location with enough force to block blood circulation, causing muscle necrosis and ensuring smooth docking.
Therefore, if it is not necessary for work, do not blindly dock your Rottweiler’s tail just because others do.
