Why do breeders dock dogs' tails?

Many people are misled into believing that docking dogs' tails is a beneficial or harmless procedure. In reality, tail-docking is a cruel practice that hurts dogs in the name of aesthetics. So why do breeders still do it? 

Dogs’ tails are cut off for four main reasons:

• Conforming to the breed standard: One of the main reasons why breeders dock tails is to adhere to American Kennel Club standards, which promote outdated practices and prevent undocked dogs from participating in shows.
• Following false sanitary reasons: There is a myth that docking tails is more hygienic and that’s why some misinformed pet owners choose to push for the surgery.
• Believing it protects the dog: Some owners think that docking their dog's tail will prevent their tails from getting caught in things and injured.
• Beautifying the dog: A common reason for tail-docking is for appearance. Many people feel like docked tails make the dog look better, but it may just be that we’re more used to seeing it.

Not only are most ideas around protection and hygiene false, but dogs actually need their tails. They are part of the spine and help animals keep their balance and move more freely. Dogs also use their tails to communicate. Removing them creates multiple disadvantages.

How are dogs' tails docked?

The process of canine tail-docking is often cruel, painful and unnecessary. It causes physical pain to the animal and restricts their ability to communicate and move freely for their entire life.

Typically, if done by a qualified veterinarian, the process of canine tail-docking involves local nerve blocks and sterile instruments to cut the tail and close the incision. Even when performed by a veterinarian, there's still a risk of infection and blood loss, as well as short-term and chronic pain.

Some breeders perform dog tail-docking procedures themselves, which is dangerous. They use nonsurgical tools to chop off the tail, and the equipment may not have been sterilized properly. Another method they use involves rubber bands or stout strings to crush the vessels and nerves in the tail, causing the tissue to die and eventually fall off.

Both these methods can cause extreme pain and discomfort for the dog. They can also cause behavioral issues, leading dogs to act fearful or aggressive when people or other companion animals make contact with their tails.

The tail-docking procedure is typically done in the first five days of a puppy's life because of a myth that they are too young to feel pain. This is not true, and anesthesia can be dangerous for such young animals. They usually suffer significantly. Such operations done on young dogs can negatively affect how they process and perceive pain throughout their lives.

Is tail-docking ever necessary?

Tail-docking for cosmetic and breed-conforming reasons is never necessary. In some rare cases, removing the tail prevents potential health complications. The veterinary medical term for this is “caudectomy.” It's the amputation of part or all of a dog's tail that's typically done for clinical reasons, such as:

• Complete tail paralysis: In the event that a dog's tail becomes completely paralyzed, the tail drags down, which could lead to hygiene issues, chronic injury and infection. In this case, docking the dog's tail removes the source of discomfort and protects the dog from further issues.
• Damaged tail: A severely injured tail can have multiple fractures and open wounds. Veterinarians may perform a tail-docking procedure to alleviate pain and prevent infection and sepsis.
• Tail tumors: Tumors on the tail can cause pain and infections that may spread to other parts of the body. Veterinarians may need to amputate the tail to improve the dog's long-term prognosis.
• Infected tail: Tail infections can result from wounds or bone infections and cause severe pain and illness. If the dog doesn't respond to other treatments, the veterinarian may consider tail-docking to remove the source of the infection.

While there are some reasons why a veterinarian would dock a dog's tail, it's important to note that they are all about protecting the animal from further pain or illness, not for cosmetic or convenience purposes. Many major corporate veterinary chains only offer tail-docking if it's medically necessary. Vets will typically treat conditions like infections with antibiotics and medications before considering tail amputations as a last resort.

Working dogs may also have their tails docked to protect them from injury in their field, but this is an exception. In some parts of the United Kingdom, for example, veterinary surgeons must certify that they have seen evidence that the dog is likely to work in one of the specified areas, and the dog has to be no more than five days old when the surgery is performed.

In these cases, docking is done to protect dogs who are working in dense vegetation and confined spaces where their tails can get stuck, injured and infected.  There is no consensus among veterinarians about docking a dog’s tail for preventive purposes.