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Australian Shepherd Tail Docking

by Robyn
(Toronto, ON Canada)

I am looking to purchase a blue merle Aussie Shepherd in the spring of 2011 and have a question about docking.

I would prefer that my new addition does not have a docked tail. How can I ensure I find a breeder that does not dock the tail? Is this something that I can request...?

Please let me know the how to go about this?




Comments for
Australian Shepherd Tail Docking

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Re: Docked tail
by: Anonymous

You should not have a problem with NOT having your puppies tail docked as long as you have chosen your puppy within 3-5 days old. This is when tail docking/dew-claws are done. As long as you have reserved your puppy, the breeder should abide by your wishes. The breeder will probably make sure however, that the pup is paid for in full. Good luck with your new puppy!
Docking confused
by: Smagee

I am confused...
I thought it was the breeder that docked the tail..then I just watched a youtube video that stated it was a natural dock... so I thought they were born that way.

So are ALL docked?
Re: Docked Tails
by: Anonymous

You are correct. Some aussies are born with naturally docked tails and some are not. Tail docking on all breeds are done between 3-5 days old. By this time, they are strong enough, yet all the nerve endings etc are not fully developed. Yes, it may be painful at the moment of docking but only for a minute. It is done quickly with a little betadine, and a quick clip (some vets use nail clippers)and some skin glue.If one is to wait until after this time, most vets will consider this a tail amputation. This of course will require anesthesia, sutures and most likely pain medication as this is a VERY sensitive part of a dog! After this time, it becomes more painful for them, recovory time is prolonged and more than likely, a touchy subject for quite awhile.
All of my pups had tails docked at 3 days. No further problems or complications..My stud dog got a lump on the end of his tail(nub) at about 6 years old..when removed he was in excruciating pain for almost 2 weeks.He also had a VERY high pain tolerance. In my opinion, if your puppy doesnt have a docked tail when days old,PLEASE,PLEASE do not do this to your dog unless it is a health concern!!! PS Now days, it is acceptable in many breeds to keep the tail. This is a personal choice. I hope this helps.
docked tail
by: Elizabeth

If you want a puppy without a docked tail, the breeder would have to choose the puppy for you since the other pups will most likely be docked. This is just something to consider.
My Aussie has a tail
by: Mary

It took me six years to find a breeder who would allow me to have a dog with a tail. Others acted as though I slapped them in the face when I inquired. Unfortunately, when a pup is chosen at a few days old, you do not know what you are getting. My blue merle turned out to be Alpha with many health problems. Try to do your best to research litters where you can select your pup when their personality can be seen.
why dock me?
by: kaithedog

i am vehemently opposed to tail docking any dog for 'looks.' loss of a tail makes the aussies not as able to swim well. if my breeder does not agree to stop docking, i won't be getting another aussie . just because this was 'in fashion' years ago for aussies does not mean this process should continue.
Tails left on is not a big problem
by: DW

I live overseas and it is illegal to dock the tails where I live. When looking for a puppy in America, I contacted a number of breeders and asked them if they could leave the tail attached. Almost all of them were very nice about this and said that it would be no problem as long as I paid in full and I would have to choose a puppy within the first 3 days. There are what I call the "high-end" breeders who raise their dogs for specific purposes and they usually did not want to do this: they observed the dogs for temperament to place them better, then looked for show dogs, then the rest were for pets. You need to find someone who is responsible in breeding and does all the genetic testing first and then simply ask them.

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