Why do some dog breeds get their tails docked?

Just as not every human is born with a tail not every dog is born with a tail. In fact, only about 25% of dogs are born with tails. But if you have a purebred dog with a tail, your veterinarian may suggest that you have your dog’s tail docked. Short-eared dogs, bulldogs, and pugs are the most common breeds that have been shown to be docked in the United States.

Why do dogs have their tails docked?

The practice of docking a dog’s tail started with the ancient Egyptians. Other than to identify a dog’s lineage, they were probably used as a means of controlling undesirable behavior. While it’s still not entirely clear why docked tails were used, it may be something to do with the fact that flat or curled tails appear to make it easier for dogs to break through fences.

Why do some dogs not have their tails docked?

Common misconceptions may lead to people docking their dogs for no reason. One of the biggest misconceptions is that if a dog does not have a long tail it is healthier. It is not. In fact, the length of the tail is usually unrelated to health issues. If a dog has a long tail, it does not mean they are healthy. A long tail is simply a breed characteristic. It is not unhealthy to have a long tail.

Why do some dogs have their tails docked?

Believe it or not, having a docked tail is a genetically inherited trait. If both parents of a dog have docked tails, their puppies will also have docked tails. Docked tails are more common in smaller, shorter breeds such as teacup chihuahuas, corgis, shih tzus, bulldogs, and pit bulls.

Why do some dogs have their tails docked short?

To prevent dogs from having long, curly tails, sometimes vets will perform a tail shortening procedure known as docking. This involves cutting the tail at an angle so that it stops naturally when the dog stands. If your dog is considering getting their tail docked, make sure that you do it for them, and not because it’s fashionable. Long, curly tails are a unique trait that make each dog breed stand out among others. A short tail can make a dog look less strong and intimidating