Why Tails Matter
It’s not just for looks; Corgis use their tails for balance, communication, and expression. Let’s discuss the emotional and physical effects of tail docking and why many experts and countries are against tail docking. There is a long and dark history on this highly debated subject, so it is important to look at the scientific studies (not opinions) when learning about this topic.
Here at Corgi Bliss we choose to keep their beautiful natural tails. We’ve spent countless hours researching studies, listening to opinions, and deep diving into the history of specifically why Pembrokes are docked.
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) is an amazing resource if you would like to learn more about docking.
What exactly is tail docking?
The “docking” of a tail is the partial amputation (caudectomy) of a dog’s tail, normally done in the first 3 - 5 days of life. This is not done under anesthesia, and not always done at a vet clinic. Some people think it stops the tail from getting hurt, especially for dogs that work on farms or hunt. They also think that it looks better, but there is another side to this. A lot of vets and animal experts think that it’s not necessary and negatively affects the puppies. It’s like cutting off a part of their body without a necessary medical reason. Countries like the UK, Australia, Germany, and many other countries have even made tail docking against the law. If you would like to see a current list of these countries, the “Wagging Tails” website is a wonderful resource.
In the United States, tail docking is common in certain breeds, whether the dogs are used for work, show, or as pets. The amount of tail removed at the site of amputation varies by breed, with AKC Breed standards specifying a desired length.
The practice of tail docking raises significant welfare and ethical concerns, while offering no substantial health benefits for dogs.
Reasons Not To Dock
Dogs use their tails to communicate all sorts of emotions. Joy, fear, dominance, alertness, and even confusion. Without a tail they lose an important way of expressing themselves. Docking, or cutting a dogs tail off, can cause pain and trauma. Docking usually takes place at day 3 of a newborn puppies life. Those first few days are the beginning of the most important window of time for imprinting on a puppy’s life - in a positive or negative way.
History of Tail Docking
“Tail docking and ear cropping date to the early Romans, who believed that the practices prevented rabies. During the European Middle Ages, through the end of the 18th century, Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics was widely accepted. As such, people believed that by docking the tails of the parents, "the newborn puppies would look like their parents" and also exhibit short tails. In addition, long-tailed or floppy-eared dogs used for hunting, fighting, or watching flocks were at a greater risk of injury associated with those activities. As such, tails were docked, and ears were cropped to reduce the number of places another dog or other animal could grab. The owners of working dogs often believed that tail docking reduced a dog's maneuverability, thereby discouraging the dog from chasing game, while other dog owners often believed that tail docking resulted in a stronger back and increased speed.
“Finally, various tax schemes may have accounted for the proliferation of tail docking. In some areas, dogs used for work were not taxed, so the owners of such dogs would dock the tails to indicate that the dog was used for work and not subject to tax. In other areas, farmers were taxed according to the length of their dogs' tails, so docking was used to reduce the tax liability. Moreover, sport hunting was considered to be reserved for the wealthy nobility, and it was believed that only long-tailed dogs were suitable for hunting. As such, the owners of long-tailed dogs were required to pay a high tax, and tail docking became a practice of the commoners.”
- Amy L. Broughton (Michigan State University College of Law - “Cropping and Docking: A Discussion of the Controversy and the Role of Law in Preventing Unnecessary Cosmetic Surgery on Dogs”
Will My Corgi Look Good With A Tail?
While many are accustomed to the traditional nubbins that you see all over social media, a full and natural tail adds grace and elegance to the breed. Their happy smile is just that much more dazzling when matched with a wagging tail.
It is down to your preference when choosing a breeder for your Corgi Puppy, but here are some photos of Pembroke Corgis born here at Corgi Bliss with their natural tails to help you decide!
