Valkyrie Elite Yorkies
Tail docking:
A brief history and summary of current research explaining why we choose NOT to dock
I have been back and forth about tail docking. I wrote this to share what I found through my research, while trying to make my own educated decision for my breeding program. The following information has led me to discontinue all tail docking for the foreseeable future. This could change as new research becomes available, if that research indicates that the benefits outweigh the risks. Until that time I will continue to stand by my decision to protect our babies from unnecessary surgical procedures that could have negative effects.
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Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the animal's speed, and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting, and baiting [2]. Romans believed that amputation of the tail tip and/or parts of dog’s tongue could prevent a dog from contracting rabies [1]. Obviously we know much more about the virus today and many of the practices that prompted docking are no longer common or legal. The history does shed light on why it was common in certain cultures. Today it is almost always done for cosmetic reasons, usually to abide by breed standard guidelines set by the various breed clubs.
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The yorkie breed standard in the US states tail docking should be done, but it is only for cosmetic purposes[1]. Kennel clubs with breed standards that do not make allowance for uncropped or undocked dogs put pressure on owners and breeders to continue the practice. Standards for many breeds put undocked animals at a disadvantage for the conformation show ring. People see the dogs in the ring as prime examples of what they look for in the breed. If breed clubs would accept natural tails, so would our average pet owner (many already embrace this idea). The American breed standard for boxers, for example, recommends that an undocked tail be "severely penalized." This kennel club created pressure is present with most traditionally docked breeds, and is oftentimes one of the reasons breeders still dock. I find it alarming the AKC claims that ear cropping and tail docking are "acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health,"[5] even though the practice is currently opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.[6] I am inclined to agree with the medical professionals on this one.
In Europe, docking is banned for any cosmetic purposes. Many of our Yorkies are from European bloodlines. In fact we add more European lineage each year. I have always been inclined to follow their guidelines since it is a truer reflection of our bloodlines and undoubtedly more humane, since they follow the AVMA recommendations. It is just not necessary to put a newborn puppy through such a traumatic experience for the sake of aesthetics. I would much rather create a good looking dog through careful selective breeding, rather than just chop off what someone doesn’t like. Let's be clear that I love the breed docked or not, but this is not about my opinion, it is about making the best decision for our program based on scientific evidence.
Docking must be done early. Usually vets will only accept puppies who are less than 3-4 days old. We do early neurological stimulation with each puppy from day 3-16 because that is prime time for the nervous system development. When done properly, you can condition a puppy to cope with stresses in a more effective way. The puppy will be better equipped to self soothe and be more comfortable when exposed to new experiences. It is meant to “very lightly” stress the nervous system in order to help it develop effective and reasonable reactions. I’ll repeat, “VERY LIGHTLY”. One of the reasons we start at 3 days and not on day 1, is that we want to give the puppies time to perfect their nursing skills and recover from any possible stress during delivery. There is nothing “lightly“ stressful about tail amputation. The AVMA states “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”[1] The required time frame for tail docking interrupts everything we are attempting with ENS. This is not only my opinion, but I feel it is a compelling argument based on current research. The risk of infection is also a threat. If infection sets in, the pain can not be measured with certainty, but I imagine the pain of an infected ingrown toenail or some other extremity. This prolongs the initial stress of the tail docking. The potential effect on the nervous system is only now being investigated.
A study conducted at the University of Queensland Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital found that puppies display signs of pain when tails are docked. Of the 50 puppies observed in the study, all 50 vocalized (shrieked) when tails were amputated, averaging 24 shrieks per puppy.[3] The American Veterinary Medical Association has expressed a concern that pain during this early development period could cause lasting damage: "There is evidence in many species that noxious stimuli in the perinatal period may permanently alter the normal development of the central nervous system and have negative long-term consequences [4]." Studies also indicate a heightened generalized sensitivity to pain as well as chronic pain of the tail nub, that is directly related to the severing of the nerves during amputation. I'm not saying that it will make or break a puppy's personality, but there is a very real possibility of negative effects on neurological development.
It is a well known fact that dogs use the tail as a means to communicate with other dogs and humans. Usually the tail position and movement in combination with other body language, collectively deliver the dogs intended message. It has been suggested that docking can create a major impediment to unambiguous interactions between canines [7]. NCBI released a medical article stating "after a scientifically robust examination of the dynamic functional foundations, sensory components and key features of body language that are integral to canine communication shows that the role of the tail has been greatly underestimated"[7] In one example, it is suggested that the removal of the tail could lead to "more frequent aggressive encounters", due to the increased chance of misunderstandings in reference to collective body language that includes tail activity. Tail activity significantly impacts the communication of both positive and negative emotions and intentions, which affect a dogs wellbeing. This is believed to be true based on the fact that tail activity is strongly fused with other behaviors that help dogs determine how to proceed with social interactions. After exhaustive studies, The NCBI (among others) agree, "the life-long negative welfare impacts of tail docking in puppies, especially impacts associated with impaired communication, as also the occurrence of chronic pain and heightened pain sensitivity, still strongly justify banning or restricting docking unless it is undertaken for therapeutic purposes.[7]
I have the utmost respect for each breeders right to decide what is best for their own programs, based on the individual goals of each breeder. I genuinely love the look of the docked tails just as much as the natural tails. l am solely responsible for the wellbeing of each and every puppy I produce. These puppies are at our mercy as breeders. I feel that my decision needs to be based on research, rather than personal opinions of any one group of people, and should reflect what is in the best interest of our puppies. Based on this research I can not justify tail docking as a warranted and beneficial medical procedure for my program.
Sources:
[1] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
FAQ on tail docking:
[2] Wikipedia: Docking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_(dog)
[3] Noonan, G.J.; Rand, J.S.; Blackshaw, J.K.; Priest, J. (September 1996). "Behavioural observations of puppies undergoing tail docking". Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 49 (4): 335–342. doi:10.1016/0168-1591(96)01062-3.
[4] https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/literature-reviews/welfare-implications-tail-docking-dogs
[5] Government relations position statements_ AKC_ [archived] https://web.archive.org/web/20160305202710/http://images.akc.org/pdf/canine_legislation/position_statements/Ear_Cropping_Tail_Docking_and_Dewclaw_Removal.pdf
[6] American Veterinary Medical Association_position on tail docking and ear cropping: http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/tail_docking.asp
[7] US National Library of medicine : Tail docking of canine puppies: a reassessment of the tails role in communication, the Acute Pain Caused by Docking and Interpretation of Behavioural Responses
