Comments on: Why Are Aussie’s Tails Docked?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:00:43 +0000

I personally wish my mini-aussie’s tail was not docked. I don’t really see it as necessary, especially in this day and age when these are mostly not working dogs. I asked the breeder about the docked tail, and she didn’t have a good answer. She said the one dog whose tail she didn’t dock was practically hairless and rat-like looking. But, that dog was a runt and apparently had other issues as well.

There are examples of working dogs who keep their tails like Border Collies and Blue Heelers. I suspect the majority of work-related reasons for docking dog tails are really more cosmetic reasons.

By: John

John — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:34:55 +0000

Our Aussie doesn’t have his tail. I don’t care for the cosmetics and I hope it’s not just tradition. We are more concerned about the dog’s well being and health. If it doesn’t have to be removed for health reasons, they should be left alone. It makes me feel like a finger being cut off.

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:50:43 +0000

Oh, I was just reading through some of the comments and saw Paula’s asking about why Border Collie’s tails aren’t docked. Maybe one reason is because they originate in Scotland/England where they herded sheep in pastures, where there really wasn’t the same type of “scrub” as out west in the U.S. where the Aussie originated, so nothing really to get their tails snagged on, was not an issue? Just a thought! =)

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:41:44 +0000

I love the docked tail, Aussies just aren’t wigglebutts with a tail! I always thought the unnaturally docked tails were docked originally to avoid the burrs, snags, getting caught on brush while out on the range herding. Like you said, to avoid infection, etc. And I know how hard it is to get burrs out, if there were burrs anywhere, our Duke would find them. He was so good though, if he could reach them on himself, he bit them and pulled them out. We also have a Border Collie and his tail is a PAIN to keep nice! But that’s country life for ya!

By: Jeanne Joy

Jeanne Joy — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:34:35 +0000

Hi Virgil,

It depends on how short you want the tail. Generally speaking you should place the band between the second and third joint (vertebrae) which will yield about a two to three inch tail at maturity. The ASCA breed standard allows for a maximum tail length of up to four inches.

Kind Regards,
Jeanne Joy

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:28:21 +0000

I have owned Aussies for over 20 yrs. Over the past couple of years my chiropractor that works on my dogs and I have comptemplated the chronic issues with subluxation of the pelvis as compensation for the lack of the tail for balance. She notices it most in docked breeds.I did own a dog years ago with a very bad dock (right to the pelvis). She could not jump horizontally well nor did she deficate easily. So the impact to the surronding muscles can greatly be affected. Out of curiousity last year I left 1 tail on pups out of 2 different litters. Both were dilute so not a showable color. I normally have the newborns adjusted shortly after having their tails docked. The ones without the docks did not require adjustments to their pelvis or tails. The docked pups all did.They were the first to walk with their heads up and not shuffle. I kept one of the pups myself and she can run backwards with a dog chasing her almost as fast as running forward. I do like the docked Aussies, but I think the tails are quite pretty and I have more performance people wanting tails on their dogs. As a breeder I don’t have a problem with people docking OR leaving the tails on. This day and age there are few working farms and most dogs are pets. So the chance of damage to the tail is minimal. I do trial and work my dogs and never have had them ever kicked from behind, but I suppose it could happen on a ranch working in tight quarters in chutes, trailers or holding pens.

By: Virgil Jones

Virgil Jones — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:59:43 +0000

I would like to know how much of the tail should be left after docking a miniature australian shepherd.

By: Allyson

Allyson — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:40:19 +0000

I have 2 Aussies (docked w/ AKC papers) and I just had my first litter this summer. There is nothing to describe seeing all 6 puppies nursing in line with their little tails wagging. I am so glad I decided not to dock their tails… and now, at 5 weeks old, they do the full Aussie wiggle… little tails and all. They also run through the yard with their tails straight up, waving at full mast.

They all have their sire’s thick full curly coat. (He’s got a showcoat on a working body… ) I’ve run him all day through burrs, tall grass and whatnot, and nothing gets past his outer coat… Everything combs out with a coarse comb.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:44:00 +0000

I am so used to the aussie without its tail,I dont think I would be used to it with one. I love that aussie wiggle that we have all come to love-and are used to seeing in and out of the show ring.
I can totally understand the importance of docking-since life on the farm is tough and you really dont want the aussie getting hurt due to its tail being stomped on or full of burrs…but I do have a question: if this is such an issue,why dont they dock border collies-who do the same kind of work?

By: Kim Waldron

Kim Waldron — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:18:09 +0000

I’m almost ambivalent when it comes to the issue of tail docking. I see the value of both sides; the docking for safety and/or cosmedic reasons and the natural tail in its full, bushy beauty
My parents are always thankful when the dogs and I come to visit. Their coffee tables and the items on them are untouched by big, wagging tails