A Tale of a Tail

» StrmDncr - What A Tale!

You have to wonder what people were thinking when the decided to dock tails and ears on some breeds. I can see the difference on A Dobbie with cropped ears and other breeds like Danes. We have become to used to seeing the breeds that way that went we come across a dog with a full tail or floppy ears we automatically thinks it must be a mutt. I remember the first time I saw a Dane in the show ring with floppy ears. Not being in the breed I just had to ask and was informed that they felt it was crule to crop ears so the new standard allowed for both. I had to agree but still, the dog looked silly in my eyes. I'm used to it now so it's not so bad. But what really floored me was the Dobbies with ears and tail. They look completely different. I'd really like to see dogs in their natural state. Give a poodle a more normal clip ( I think it's called a Dutch clip) leave the ears and tails alone and let them be what they were meant to be.
But, that is my opinion. Take it as you will..
Pat

Pssst... Great article. I had the same problems with my Newfies. How big, how much do they eat, Oh and my all time favorite, is that a St Barnard?
Our breed club had t-shirts made up one year. "I may be great but I'm not Saint" I loved it... LOL

-- posted by StrmDncr

Permalink Print Discussion Email Discussion Join the latest discussions

» jerrib - I always wondered why

Thanks for shedding some information on this practice.

-- posted by jerrib

Permalink Print Discussion Email Discussion Join the latest discussions

» WMSmith - Re: What A Tale!

In response to What A Tale! posted by StrmDncr:

Pat,
I know what you mean. I've seen pictures of tailed Rotties, and I always do a double take and stare at the picture to be sure it's a purebred. When I was small, we had a Doberman with natural ears and I've known many boxers like that, too. So that look doesn't really look that odd to me. But I think I would certainly be taken aback to see a tailed one though.

-- posted by WMSmith

Permalink Print Discussion Email Discussion Join the latest discussions

» WMSmith - Re: I always wondered why

In response to I always wondered why posted by jerrib:

Thanks, Jerrib!

Another interesting tidbit that I found while researching this article is that the Romans often docked tails because they believed that it prevented rabies. Now where they got that idea, I'll never know.

-- posted by WMSmith

Permalink Print Discussion Email Discussion Join the latest discussions

» Red - great information...

Wendy,

This article is chocked full of information. thanks for doing such a great job.

I tend to agree that the tails were docked for sanitary reasons. A cow can hurt a dog badly by stepping on a paw or its tail. I've seen that happen a few times when I was growing up on the farm. However, the dog soon learns to stay at an angle where his paws and tail are protected. Dogs nip at cow's hooves, but if you notice, most of them put their neck far out and go in at an angle. Once stepped on, they learn the lesson quickly.

Loved the article. I'm glad Joy brought my attention to it by featuring it. I enjoyed my visit very much.

-- posted by Red

Permalink Print Discussion Email Discussion Join the latest discussions