Why Do Doberman Owners Clip The Tail?

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Expert’s answer:

Doberman Tail Docking: Reasons and Opinions

Doberman tail docking refers to the practice of surgically removing a portion of the Doberman’s tail. This procedure is usually done when the puppies are very young, often between two and five days old. Tail docking has been a controversial topic, with differing opinions among owners, breeders, and veterinarians. Here are some reasons commonly cited for why Doberman owners choose to dock their dogs’ tails:

1. Breed Standard: The traditional look of a Doberman includes cropped ears and a short, docked tail. This appearance is specified in the breed standard established by kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Some owners and breeders believe that docking the tail is necessary to maintain the breed’s recognized appearance.

2. Aesthetic Reasons: Some owners prefer the appearance of Dobermans with docked tails, considering it more visually appealing. They believe it enhances the dog’s overall look and conveys a sense of elegance and strength.

3. Preventing Injuries: Proponents of tail docking argue that Dobermans and other working dogs can be prone to tail injuries when engaging in activities like hunting or herding. They believe that removing the tail can help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of tail trauma or injury.

4. Historical Purposes: Historically, tail docking was performed on working dogs to prevent injuries in their line of duty. While Dobermans are no longer primarily used as working dogs, some owners and breeders believe that tail docking maintains a connection to the breed’s heritage.

It’s important to note that tail docking is a personal choice, and opinions on the practice vary. While some argue in favor of tail docking, others question its necessity and consider it a cosmetic procedure without significant benefits. The ethical considerations of tail docking, including potential pain and discomfort for the dog, are also important factors to consider.

It’s worth mentioning that the practice of tail docking is becoming less common in many countries, and some countries have even banned the procedure altogether. In some cases, breeders and owners are opting to keep the tails intact, in line with changing societal attitudes towards cosmetic procedures on animals.

Ultimately, the decision to dock a Doberman’s tail should be made after careful consideration, taking into account the dog’s individual needs, breed standards, and ethical considerations. It’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian and gather information from reputable sources before making a decision.

Is it necessary to cut doberman tail
Is it necessary to cut doberman tail – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why are the ears and tail of Dobermans cropped?

One and only one reason why dogs get their ears cropped is to create a particular “look”. In essence, it gives them a tougher, more intimidating appearance. In the past, ears of breeds like Dobermans were clipped as puppies and later splinted, or taped to pieces of wood or cardboard, to force their ears to grow upward rather than floppy. Nowadays, it’s common to see breeds like American bulldogs without their entire ears.

Simply to give them a particular appearance, dogs are put through this grueling procedure. It’s entirely a matter of personal preference for the owner and might have a long-term impact on the dog.

In order to permanently end ear cropping and the importation of cropped dogs from abroad (save when done so through a reputable rescue organization for rehoming), we want to see stricter regulations in England and Wales.

Why do they cut doberman ears
Why do they cut doberman ears – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is cropping dog ears abusive?

Cropping is the removal of all or a portion of an animal’s external ear flaps. The remaining ears may occasionally be taped and braced during the procedure to teach them to point upward. It is a traditional procedure that is almost exclusively applied to dogs and was once carried out for perceived health, practical, or aesthetic reasons. Animal surgery that is unnecessary raises questions about animal cruelty because, according to veterinary science, the animal receives no medical or physical benefit from the procedure. Cropping is no longer permitted in many countries in the modern era, though it is still permitted in a small number of nations. Only a few dog breeds, including bull terrier and pit bull hybrids, the Doberman Pinscher, Schnauzer, Great Dane, Boxer, and Cane Corso, exhibit it in places where it is legal.

Dogs have their ears partially amputated—”cropped” is the kind word people like to use—for no other reason than to make them look intimidating. This custom has its roots in German culture and was developed as a result of the military’s use of breeds like Great Danes, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Schnauzers. Cropping is considered a form of mutilation, and both its country of origin and the majority of other FCI countries forbid it. I apologize for being so direct. The only significant area in the world where routine ear and tail amputations are still carried out is North America. Pet dogs should not undergo these procedures for either medical or professional reasons. Many devoted, dog-loving veterinarians will no longer perform these modifications..

Cropping was traditionally done on working dogs to lower the risk of health issues like hematomas or ear infections. Additionally, crops were done on dogs that might need to fight, either when hunting animals that might fight back or when defending livestock herds from predators, or because they were used in pit-fighting sports like dog fighting or bear-baiting. The ears were a convenient place for an enemy animal to grab or rip off fur..

Why do they dock doberman tails
Why do they dock doberman tails – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is docking a dog’s tail cruel?

A dog’s ability to communicate is hampered when its tail is removed, making it much more likely that both humans and other dogs will misinterpret it. This puts the dog at a distinct social disadvantage. As a result, tails cannot be cut off for any reason other than therapy.

The few remaining supporters of tail docking offer a variety of implausible justifications to support their positions. For example, they claim that some heavy-coated breeds need to have their tails docked for hygiene reasons, despite the fact that many undocked breeds have thick coats and that regular care is all that is required to maintain good hygiene. Another theory is that docking guards against hunting dogs’ tail damage. However, the majority of puppies who have their tails docked are kept as family pets and are never used for hunting, and studies have shown that docking does not lessen tail injuries in the general dog population. The length of the tail in docked breeds varies according to the breed standard, and many hunting dog breeds do not have docked tails. The justifications offered to defend tail docking are obviously unfounded. Simply put, there is no justification for reviv
ing this painful custom.

Additionally prohibited are cosmetic tail docking in a number of nations, including Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, and Denmark. Numerous other European nations, including Cyprus, Greece, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Austria, have ratified a European Convention that forbids the cosmetic docking of tails. Only a registered veterinary surgeon is authorized to dock tails in the United Kingdom. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which opposes the practice, calls it an “unacceptable mutilation”.

If a dog’s tail is docked, do they experience pain?

A: Docking your tail causes pain. Under ideal or typical conditions, it is challenging to gauge the degree or length of the pain. Painful procedures performed during the neonatal period, when the nervous system is susceptible, can have adverse long-term effects that affect how pain is processed and perceived later in life. 26,27.

Why is cosmetic tail docking not allowed under AVMA policy?

The most important query is not “How dangerous is the procedure?” but rather “Is there sufficient justification for performing it?”. e., for appearance’s sake) implies that the procedure is not required by medicine. There is no obvious benefit to our patients in performing this procedure because there is no evidence that shows dogs who have their tails docked experience self-esteem or pride in appearance, which are common justifications for having cosmetic procedures done on people. The owner’s perception of a pleasing appearance is the only advantage that cosmetic tail docking of dogs seems to provide. According to the AVMA, this is insufficient justification for undergoing surgery.

Does having your tail docked hurt?

A: Docking your tail causes pain. 25 It is challenging to estimate the degree or length of the pain under ideal or typical conditions. Negative long-term changes that affect how pain is processed and experienced later in life can result from painful procedures performed during the neonatal period when the nervous system is vulnerable. 26,27.

Why is cosmetic tail docking prohibited by AVMA policy?

The crucial question is not, “How dangerous is the procedure?,” but rather, “Is there sufficient justification for performing it?” Undergoing a surgical procedure for cosmetic reasons (i.e. e., for show) implies that the procedure is not necessary medically. There is no clear advantage to our patients in having this procedure done because there is no evidence that dogs who have their tails docked experience the same sense of self-worth or pride in appearance as people who have these procedures done on them. The owner’s perception of a pleasing appearance appears to be the only advantage of cosmetic tail docking of dogs. The AVMA feels that this is not enough of a justification to perform surgery.

Doberman tail docking healing process
Doberman tail docking healing process – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What occurs if a dog’s tail isn’t docked?

A: According to some commentators, some working dog breeds may be at risk due to long tails. For instance, it has been suggested that: A guard dog could be grabbed by the tail to stop its attack. Pointers and other hunting dogs may suffer damage to their tail tips in brush.

A: Three factors are thought to have contributed to the development of dog tail docking at various points in time. The tail tip and/or a portion of the dog’s tongue could be amputated in order to prevent rabies in dogs, according to ancient Roman theory. 1.2 In the past, dogs were docked if they belonged to a poor person who was not allowed to hunt game because it was thought that the tail assisted a dog in the chase. 2 (Ironically, it’s sometimes asserted that docking improves a dog’s strength or speed. 3) In order to prevent tail injuries during activities like hunting, working dogs’ tails are still traditionally docked (see related question below). Early sources, however, tended to advise docking only in instances where the tail was excessively long for the animal’s size and thus might be vulnerable to injury. 4.

A: Although tail docking appears to have developed for a number of reasons, for some breeds it was initially advocated primarily to enhance appearance. Books from various eras openly discuss docking some breeds to give them a more appealing appearance (e. g. The American Book of the Dog, 1891, p. 619, 6695; also6). The anecdotal evidence that supports preventive docking is strongest when it comes to pointer hunting, but even in this instance, the idea of enhancing “beauty” is brought up. Regardless of where the tradition originated, docking was made a formal tradition within some breed fancies in the United States when pedigree dog shows’ rules were established in the middle of the 1950s.

Veterinarian opposition to cosmetic tail docking has a long history. One American example is the description of cosmetic tail docking as “indefensible” in The Dog by Youatt and Lewis. There is a lack of data specifically relating to the attitudes of veterinarians in the United States, and there are dissenting opinions (just as some breeders have opposed docking in breeds where this is traditional, see12). The majority of veterinarians tend not to support routine, cosmetic tail docking as part of a breed standard.

Doberman tail docking price
Doberman tail docking price – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is a Doberman’s tail clipped by owners?

Tails are also docked for the exact same reason. The Doberman tail is particularly thinner and susceptible to painful breaking or damage just from every day wear/use. Docking the tail stops more serious harm or damage in the future.

Consider this before you say, “Well, I’m just getting my dog as a pet, we don’t plan on protection sport or boisterous play with other dogs, and I live in a safe neighborhood. The Doberman is constantly on guard. One of our friends had a Doberman as a pet. She got into an entirely unforeseen domestic argument with someone she had known and trusted for a long time; as a result, her Doberman turned on the attacker. It should be noted that these dogs are instinctively protective. Whether you think your dog will need protection or not, they do and they are looking for it. It is a liability and disservice to leave them un-cropped when it is their nature to act for you. In this day, we can never be too careful.

Third, we are concerned about ear infection. Dobermans are notorious to have constant reoccurring inner ear infection with un-cropped floppy ears due to restricted air flow. With daily care of cleaning the ears thoroughly this risk can be reduced. Areas with a lot of humidity or moisture are more prone. Bacteria, mites, and ticks seek after dark, moist, and warm environments. These undesirables would thrive in the inner canal of an ear that was covered by a flopping ear. These infections can result in hearing loss, an inner ear rupture, and other painful side effects. The cropped ear helps to increase airflow and light, which not only lessens or prevents ear infections but also, according to some studies, enhances hearing.

Doberman tail docking length
Doberman tail docking length – (Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why do people cut off Doberman ears?

When the practice first started, it was carried out for practical purposes. The Doberman was used as a guard dog. Increased hearing abilities resulted from ears that stood upright. This was an important feature for a watchdog. Nowadays, cropping the ears of Dobermans is typically done to meet show requirements or just for the owner’s personal preference.

An elective procedure for dogs is ear cropping. It’s a choice. It has no known health benefit and is done solely at the dog owner’s preference. The Doberman breed has traditionally had its ears cropped in order to produce a particular appearance. Some nations have made ear cropping illegal.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that ear cropping is “integral to defining and preserving breed character” in certain breeds, but the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes ear cropping in dogs. Because the procedure is purely cosmetic, they believe it poses unnecessary risks.

Is Doberman tail docking good or bad?

When it’s performed correctly there are no long term consequences. Docking the tail has absolutely no limitation in the dog’s communication and social behavior. However, it’s absolutely unnecessary in a Doberman and does not do anything beneficial for the dog. It’s only a cosmetic surgery.

Do dogs remember tail docking?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do dogs remember tail docking?

“Docking’s usually performed by a veterinarian or breeder without anesthesia, the rationale being that although it certainly causes pain, the puppy isn’t fully alert yet and won’t remember it,” says Emily Patterson-Kane, PhD, an animal welfare scientist at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Elective surgery for dogs: It may sound odd, but it’s exactly what some purebreds undergo shortly after birth. Two surgical procedures ear cropping and tail docking have long been routine in certain breeds like Dobermans, German shorthaired pointers, and schnauzers. But an increasing number of experts and animal organizations argue that just because something is the norm doesn’t mean it’s OK.

Docking removing part or all of a dog’s tail, usually with surgical scissors is done when a dog is just a few days old and their tail’s still “soft. ” This surgery is also known as “bobbing. ”.

“Docking’s usually performed by a veterinarian or breeder without anesthesia, the rationale being that although it certainly causes pain, the puppy isn’t fully alert yet and won’t remember it,” says Emily Patterson-Kane, PhD, an animal welfare scientist at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Patterson-Kane doesn’t support the procedure herself.

Does tail cropping hurt dogs?

A:Tail docking is painful. 25 The intensity or duration of the pain under ideal or typical circumstances is difficult to quantify. Painful procedures conducted in the neonatal period when the nervous system is vulnerable can result in negative long-term changes which affect how pain is processed and perceived later in life. 26,27.

Q: Why does AVMA policy oppose cosmetic tail docking?

A:The essential question is not “How harmful is the procedure?”, but rather “Is there sufficient justification for performing it?” Performing a surgical procedure for cosmetic purposes (i. e., for the sake of appearance) implies the procedure is not medically indicated. Because dogs have not been shown to derive self-esteem or pride in appearance from having their tails docked (common reasons for performing cosmetic procedures on people), there is no obvious benefit to our patients in performing this procedure. The only benefit that appears to be derived from cosmetic tail docking of dogs is the owner’s impression of a pleasing appearance. In the opinion of the AVMA, this is insufficient justification for performing a surgical procedure.

Are Dobermans aggressive?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Are Dobermans aggressive?

Are Dobermans aggressive towards strangers? Dobermans can be aggressive towards strangers, but this is usually only if they feel threatened or that their owners are in danger.

Are Dobermans aggressive towards other dogs? Dobermans can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially while on a leash. However early socialization can prevent this. Male Dobermans have also been known to have issues living with other male dogs in the same household. While this routine procedure is not banned or regulated in the United States, it is becoming more controversial. Some states are considering legislation to ban ear cropping, but they have not yet done so.

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Chelsea Vaughn

Chelsea is a former marine biologist who switched gears in her twenties to build a small house and start a business. She enjoys traveling and going on hiking adventures with her husband, their two Australian Shepherds and their African Grey Parrot.

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