When it comes to docking a dog's tail, people's common reaction is: cruel! The tail is growing well, so why do you have to dock it? It is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the key is that it is not pleasing to the eye. In fact, for some dogs, tail docking is not only for appearance, but also for their own health. Overall, the benefits of tail docking surgery outweigh the risks!

Let us first understand what tail docking is. Tail docking occurs when people surgically cut off a dog's tail.

There are many methods of tail docking surgery, but the most common method is to use sterilized thin thread to tie the tail below the part that needs to be cut off when the puppies are just a few weeks old. This hinders blood circulation. After a few weeks, the tissue that needs to be cut off will become necrotic and fall off naturally. Therefore, there will be no bleeding during this process, and the newborn puppies' nerves are not fully developed, so they will not endure much pain.

In fact, there are many reasons for tail docking in dogs, and the reasons for tail docking in different breeds of dogs are different.

For example, Cocker Spaniels need to have their tails docked because, as gun hounds, they often need to chase quail and other prey through thorny bushes. If their tails are not shortened, their tails that swing wildly from side to side will be whipped against bushes, causing injuries, so humans cut off their tails.

Corgis were used as cattle dogs in the past, driving cattle to pastures and even markets during the day, and taking on the responsibility of guarding the cattle at night. Corgi herds cattle by nibbling on their hind legs to make them move. When a cow or sheep is bitten on the heel and becomes angry, the dog can escape at an extremely fast speed. It will bend down on the ground to avoid being kicked to death. This is really thanks to its short limbs. In order to prevent the Corgi's tail from being stepped on while running, the Corgi's tail is docked.

Another example is that dog breeds such as Doberman and Rottweiler are used for defense and bite. Their tails are docked so that their tails will not be attacked during battles. In addition, there is also a saying that after these dog breeds have their tails cut off, they can no longer use their tails to show "submission" body language, which is more conducive to cultivating their brave and ferocious characters.

Of course, many dogs have now bid farewell to their original work, and the purpose of tail docking is only for appearance. Therefore, some people think that docking a dog's tail is an inhumane act, and this has generated a lot of controversy. Although tail docking surgery has become a traditional industry standard for some dog breeds, in some countries and regions in Europe, tail docking is no longer required for participating dogs.

We would like to remind owners that the standards for tail docking are different for each dog breed, so you must consult a professional before docking, and do not cause irreversible consequences due to your own carelessness!