It is a common dilemma in the US whether Rottweilers should have a tail or not. Keep reading to learn where this situation comes from, why people still dock their dog’s tails, its pros and cons, and how the procedure goes.
What is tail docking?
Tail docking is a canine medical procedure performed for therapeutic, prophylactic, or cosmetic purposes. It started in the 18th century in UK to avoid tax collection, and although the tax was discontinued towards the end of the century, tail docking remained and spread across the world.
Tail docking is usually performed upon puppies, while docking adult dogs in not advisable.
Tail docking is a relatively simple medical procedure performed under full anesthesia (although in some cases anesthesia may be unnecessary), and an experienced vet should be able to complete it within 5 to 10 minutes.
Regional differences in dogs’ tail docking
One of the differences in dog breeding between Europe and the US are the medical procedures which are (not) allowed in dogs. Rottweilers tail docking in one of them.
Namely, tail docking in Europe used to be allowed and virtually mandatory up until 2007. After that, tail docking became strictly prohibited by law in most European countries, with few exceptions. However, although it is banned, it is still possible to perform it upon Rottweilers, with a one consequence: a docked tail Rottweiler cannot compete nor participate in dog shows and exhibitions in Europe.
In contrast, there is still a relatively liberal attitude towards tail docking in the US, where it is still allowed. In other words, Rottweilers in the US can have their tails docked but do not have to, because the American Kennel Club allows tail docking.
Nevertheless, here at Fere Perfectum Dog Kennel we abide with ADRK and FCI standards and do not dock tails of our Rottweilers.
Why people dock their dogs’ tails?
There are still numerous reasons why tail docking in Rottweilers, in most dogs in fact, is still desirable.
To start with, many dog owners still opt for tail docking because they either do not intend participating in dog shows and choose to have a reliable friend and a pet instead, and prefer their Rott without a tail, or they dock their Rottweiler’s tail for cosmetic reasons.
Secondly, it is not a rare case for a mother with very young puppies to break a puppy’s tail by accidentally stepping onto it, or she could cut off the tip of the tail with her nail. Such injuries are noticed later on, and the older the dog gets, the more noticeable they become. As rare as they are, they still happen.
Hence, many Rottweiler owners opt for tail docking while the dog is still a puppy – to make it less painful and easier to heal.
Rottweiler tail docking pros
There are several pros to Rottweiler tail docking. Here are just some of them.
The least painful medical procedure for a dog is when it’s actually a puppy – that way the wound heals faster and the entire process takes less time. Adult dog could also be docked – but it is not advisable to do so as the tail in adult dogs has already developed into a significant body part and is used to indicate the dog’s mood and attitude towards the external world.
Secondly, since work dogs are more prone to injuries, docked tail dogs are in fact less prone to being hurt. This is so because the tail is the natural continuation of the spine and is one of the easily injured body parts. Hence, hunting and work dogs have their tails docked more often than others.
Thirdly, guardian dogs are often docked to appear more threatening and predatory – same with ears cropped. Just imagine a Doberman pincher with his ears down and a tail and compare it to a one with his ears up and without a tail, growling carnivorously at trespassers. I know, I also cannot imagine the first one, while just the thought of the second one gives me chills down my spine!
Rottweiler tail docking cons
On the other hand, Rottweiler tail docking has equally many proponents, if not even more than supporters.
To start with, animal cruelty is unacceptable and should be avoided at all costs, hence tail docking represents an unnecessary instance of painful beautification of dogs so that their owners would like them better. On the other hand, the countries which banned tail docking by law still allow certain exceptions to be made – probably when the dog is hurt and suffering, hence tail docking would bring pain and stress relief.
Secondly, some studies were carried out with the aim of determining the level of socialization of dogs with a tail and without it. The results indicate that tailed dogs were better accepted in unfamiliar canine communities because the tail helps them manifest their emotions properly, thus signaling other dogs their friendliness or curiosity rather than predatory intentions.
Thirdly, the common catchphrase about a dog wagging its tail is there for a reason. Tail facilitates dog’s internal navigation and, partly, coordination, and its existence in a dog means the dog is more prone to changing directions. Such trait is not desirable in work and guardian dogs, as they should find a trail and follow it, neglecting distractions.
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On the whole, many people in the US are still puzzled whether to have their Rottweiler’s tail docked or not. This is so because tail docking practice has changed from being allowed to being banned in Europe, while in the US the market it is still relatively liberal.
Although it’s a routine medical procedure for experienced vets, tail docking still has both many supporters and opponents. Whether to dock your Rottweiler’s tail is largely dependent on where you live and what you intend your dog for – to have it as a family pet or a work dog or a dog shows contestant.
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And now back to you! Rottweiler owners out there, what is your opinion? Is your Rottweiler docked or not? Why so? Feel free to share your ideas with us in the comments section below or in our social networks pages!