Tail docking for dogs that suffer from 'happy tail' is usually, as in your friend's dog's case, reduction to about a third. Similarly for spaniels used as beaters' dogs and picking up game in thick cover. A spaniel's natural tail is very feathered and they can suffer quite nasty injuries getting them caught in heavy brambles, etc. so docking them by half or two thirds is safer. In both cases, the dogs are left with enough tail to be able to communicate with other dogs using their tail position.
The old style docking of breeds like dobermans and some bull breeds, where they are left with no tail at all, or docking of ears, makes it very hard for other dogs to 'read' them and they end up in more confrontations as a result, so apart from the pain of the operation, the dogs are left with a permanent social disfigurement. It's a bit like removing a baby's tongue because you though it would make them prettier.
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Tail docking for dogs that suffer from 'happy tail' is usually, as in your friend's dog's case, reduction to about a third. Similarly for spaniels used as beaters' dogs and picking up game in thick cover. A spaniel's natural tail is very feathered and they can suffer quite nasty injuries getting them caught in heavy brambles, etc. so docking them by half or two thirds is safer. In both cases, the dogs are left with enough tail to be able to communicate with other dogs using their tail position.
The old style docking of breeds like dobermans and some bull breeds, where they are left with no tail at all, or docking of ears, makes it very hard for other dogs to 'read' them and they end up in more confrontations as a result, so apart from the pain of the operation, the dogs are left with a permanent social disfigurement. It's a bit like removing a baby's tongue because you though it would make them prettier.
"It's a bit like removing a baby's tongue because you though it would make them prettier." Ditto circumcision: Genital mutilation.
Close docking of tails and cropping of ears was used for 'fighting breeds' used in illegal dog fights, as there was less opportunity for the other dog to get hold of ears and tails, ripping and causing pain and injury to its victim. Abhorrent.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
My cocker spaniel has a happy tail and when he was tiny he whacked it side to side each time hitting his eyes. I must admit that it worried me very much. I mentioned it to the vet and told him that I was concerned that he would do permanent damage to his young eyes. He assured me that he'd never heard of any such problem.
Seven years later, he still has a happy tail but it doesn't reach his eyes and no harm came to him. Docking dog's tails is against the law in Scotland.
Hi @Uff I wouldn't ever argue for docking a tail on a spaniel who wasn't working in thick cover. It's not necessary for a pet. I'm not going to post pictures of the injuries they can suffer but there are plenty out there if you want to look for them. Greyhounds and lurchers do suffer from tail injuries from wagging too much (thin whippy tails, as Dove described). They can paint a whole kitchen wall with blood It's really difficult to heal as well, because they keep knocking them. I should add none of mine have needed it, fortunately, but there are medical circumstances where a partial docking is kinder - amputation of a damaged limb. But they keep enough to be able to 'talk' freely
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I'm sure you are absolutely right raisingirl and I have no doubt that if there had been a risk to wee Uff's eyes then I wouldn't have hesitated if the vet recommended it, to have his tail shortened just enough to avoid damage. Same as you and your dogs, he didn't need it.
That’s what happens when religions hold their major festivals according to the lunar cycle … occasionally they coincide …hopefully the observant ones are able to book their religious holidays off and the rest of us, like my OH, don’t mind working on Easter or any other Sunday … he’s booked some time off later in the month to visit his mum for her birthday. 😊
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
That's the great thing about not being tied by religious or school hols. More freedom, usually cheaper travel and accommodation costs and certainly lighter traffic.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
The old style docking of breeds like dobermans and some bull breeds, where they are left with no tail at all, or docking of ears, makes it very hard for other dogs to 'read' them and they end up in more confrontations as a result, so apart from the pain of the operation, the dogs are left with a permanent social disfigurement. It's a bit like removing a baby's tongue because you though it would make them prettier.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Ditto circumcision: Genital mutilation.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Seven years later, he still has a happy tail but it doesn't reach his eyes and no harm came to him. Docking dog's tails is against the law in Scotland.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.