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Ear Cropping and Tail Docking, Pros and Cons

DOG FANCY readers support alerting dog owners to ear cropping and tail docking risks.

Kathy Swanick

Page 5 of 5

Disagree

  • "I believe that docking tails is good for working dogs and dogs with thin tails, which can be broken if they're whacked against something ."

  • "Some dogs should have their tails docked when they are pups. For example, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds really beat up their tails, especially while being boarded. It can cause lots of trauma and infection."

  • "I have had Boxer pups' tails done when they were 1 day old. I held the pups while it was done and could not discern any pain or distress. Unless it was proven that this procedure caused pain, I would continue to have my dogs' tails docked."

  • "I have a Miniature Schnauzer. A friend who is a breeder told us to get the tail docked or it would be longer than the dog."

  • "I think it is fine for breeds that need their tails docked like the Rottweiler. I have a 3-year-old Rottweiler myself and I think it's cute for him to have a little 'stubbed' tail."



  • "You should dock tails on the breeds that are supposed to have short tails because it's done when they're a day or two old, and they don't know what's happening, and no anesthesia is given."

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Posted: Sat May 5 00:00:00 PDT 2001

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Ear Cropping and Tail Docking, Pros and Cons

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Reader Comments
i hate when people reguard docking or cropping as "tampering with mother nature" or "altering gods work" EVERY dog breed available is "tampered" with we breed diffrent dogs for diffrent traits take even your newer labradoodles and puggles, thats tampering with mother nature and thats how we've arrived at all our dog breeds today from doberman to husky , find a better statement then tampering with mother nature or altering gods work as well as when did we decide neutering didnt hurt because if u gave a dog a choice between tail docking or neutering the dog would choose docking
Slicc, Tampa, FL
Posted: 9/9/2009 11:38:46 PM
I have a 7 week old pitbull I rescued off the side of the road when he was only about 3 days old. And now he is in perfect health and is on his way to the vet tomorow to get his new ears. I have three other dogs all with cropped ears and it did not faze any of them and they all look wonderfull. they are also all the sweetest dogs ever
noah, brainerd, MN
Posted: 7/26/2009 3:45:19 PM
I consider my dogs like my children. Just as I accept my children the way the came, so too do I accept my dogs. There is a reason we don't allow cosmetic surgeries on babies...it is amoral! Poor dogs, don't even have a say in the matter. How can some people be so arrogant to think they know better than mother nature? Dog "owners" are much different than dog "lovers".
Stephanie, Fort Mill, SC
Posted: 6/14/2009 7:21:40 AM
I read your section of comments about ear cropping and tail docking. I breed dogs that require both and I have spent thousands of dollars over the years to ensure that all procedures are done by fully qualified vets in clinics that ensure their health and safety. I am sure I take better care of my dogs including those two procedures than most people who own a dog that never gets it's teeth checked or annual physical exams. As long as both procedures are done properly and with minimal risk, those people that pass judgement on those of us who do these procedures on our show dogs only - should either mind their own business or learn a bit more about what they are talking about. To say it is not needed and that "Fluffy" is just adorable even with a long tail, just doesn't get the situation. I know that banning is coming and I am breeding for better ears and tail sets so I will be prepared when the time comes. Have they done all their homework? If it wasn't for good breeders there wouldn't be any good dogs - just the crap and designer dogs that make it to your website for sale. I see puppies for sale in my breed that are called "parti - toy - liver color - none of these exist, they do not belong under the name of the breed they are being sold as.
Sandi, Nanaimo, BC
Posted: 10/5/2007 3:58:20 PM
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