Docking crosses

[barnjess]

Do you think there is any point in a x breed being docked when they are just a pet?

[Rusty-Buck]

not really unless just for looks. When we got Buck he already had a docked tail but I have often wondered what he would look like with a full tail

[rottiegirl]

even though docking couses VERY little pain when done properly, why bother with a mix or non-working dog?

[bernicesmama]

I would never have my dogs' tails docked, but that's just me. I have two mutts and their tails do get in the way sometimes, but that's how they are made and supossed to be so I leave it alone. My dogs never ask me to change anything about myself so i wouldn't ask the same of them.

[whimzikal]

Thanks, I was asked about this and really can't see a reason to do it.
Cosmetically it isn't even appealing.
I wish like all get up that Joe wasn't docked. He is and I love his little nub but
imagine his TAIL I truthfully wouldn't have the heart to do it anyway.
I love all my dogs, but really love when they wag....they are body waggers

Can you imagine what they's ask if they could???
Mine would want me to lose a few pounds, more room on the bed.
Then they's complain I wasn't cushiony enough......
vicious cycle! (They'd ask Kody to have smaller feet)

[Trace]

I don;t see any point to it.

I do love to see tail docks when breed standards call for it though.

I still can't get my head around jack ruskies having tails - guess that I have been out of the UK for too long. LOL.

[Riding Hulio]

before I make up my mind, why is there such a thing as tail docking? I don't know if I could do it, but then again I wouldn't want a boxer or a dobie or a rotti with a huge tail, I guess I 'm just used to that LOOK. I used think to think it was ok but then found ear docking criminal, and de-claws ok, but there is really NO difference, off with it's tail! lol I guess I am on the fence for this one. just what is the point of the docked tail (i'm sure there is a reason)

[Appylvr]

I believe the reason it was started was for working dogs. Here's something I found on Google about tail docking...

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 faeces. 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.

Originally Posted by Riding Hulio

before I make up my mind, why is there such a thing as tail docking? I don't know if I could do it, but then again I wouldn't want a boxer or a dobie or a rotti with a huge tail, I guess I 'm just used to that LOOK. I used think to think it was ok but then found ear docking criminal, and de-claws ok, but there is really NO difference, off with it's tail! lol I guess I am on the fence for this one. just what is the point of the docked tail (i'm sure there is a reason)

Hey! I have a Rottweiler/Bullmastiff cross and he looks just fine with his tail!
SEE?

[Blaze]

I think they should only be docked if it is the standard or they are working dogs.
So no, I don't think there is any point otherwise.

[AussiesCollies]

I agree with Lilly. There's no point in docking a tail in a mixed breed. I think it should only be done if the standard says so.