Before getting a docked tail for your Doberman consider some pros and cons of having it shortened. Having a short tail is characteristic of certain breeds so you may find it odd to see a full-grown dog with a naturally short tail. In addition to the looks some breeds are considered fiercer with their tails docked. Docking can also save your Doberman from getting caught in the nettle of a predator.
Why do Dobermans get their tails docked?
Docking a tail is a common procedure performed on dogs especially in the Doberman breed. Most dobermans have their tails docked at some point in their lives. It’s also a fairly common procedure although you’ll notice a difference between the two. One standard calls for a docked tail and the other requires a natural one. Either way the procedure is considered a flaw in both cases.
Dobermans typically get their tails docked between one and five days of age though it can be done as late as seven days. The earlier the procedure is done the better for the dog. However it’s important to note that adults can also have their tails docked though it’s not recommended. Adult Dobermans will need a full anesthesia for this procedure and recovery time will be much longer.
Is it cruel to dock a dog’s tail?
Surgically docking a dog’s tail may be considered cruel. The process requires cutting through soft tissues and bone tendons ligaments and nerves. Some people believe that removing the tail will improve the dog’s performance in certain jobs while others argue that it can cause chronic pain. But while the practice of docking is controversial there are some good reasons why it should be practiced.
Docking is considered mutilation which generally is prohibited under anti-cruelty laws. However some argue that ear cropping is justified in certain circumstances and that the same can be said of tail docking. Nevertheless the procedures are not medically necessary and veterinary consultation is not necessary. Some dogs may benefit from the procedure and the surgery does not require a visit to the vet.
doberman tail docking length
Whether you want to maintain the traditional look of a Doberman’s tail or change the length there are several things you should know. A good rule of thumb is to dock the tail by five to seven days of age. Young puppies do not feel pain while having their tails docked and many breeders do not completely remove the tail at the docking session. Rather many wrap the tail with a band and let it fall off on its own after a few days.
A docked Doberman tail is about two to three inches long. However a dog’s tail can be much longer. The tail of a Doberman may be between fifteen to 19 inches long and may have a slight curl. In addition some Dobermans have a more pronounced curl than others. To see if your Doberman’s tail is docked or undocked check out the photos below.
What are the benefits of tail docking?
Many institutions strongly oppose tail docking for Dobermans. There are no legal rules that prevent the procedure but the practice is widely disseminated. While tail docking is an option it is often associated with negative side effects such as incontinence. This article will look at some of those negative effects. Also we’ll discuss the benefits of tail docking for Dobermans.
Though the procedure is not medically necessary it is painful for the dog. It can also interfere with the dog’s agility. Fortunately Dobermans can adjust to the surgery and recover from it with time. However if the tail is damaged the process may take a longer time. Moreover it is safer than cropping ears or fitting the dog to breed standards.
Because tails are extremely thin and are not the strongest parts of a dog they can break easily. The resulting wound may bleed heavily and result in an unsightly abnormal shape. A veterinarian would then need to repair the ear and administer antibiotics to prevent infection. Aside from the monetary benefit tail docking prevents serious damage to the tail and ear.
