Tail Docking
Tail docking became the breed standard as Aussie owners learned the dogs born with shorter tails were safer.
Tail docking is done to prevent injury to working dogs and for hygiene.
Performed by an experienced vet, there is very little risk. For sure less risk than spaying/neutering.
Puppies’ tails should be docked from 1-3 days old when the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is undeveloped. They will only show discomfort for a few seconds and return to nursing as soon as they are back with mom.
There is no evidence that tail docking causes “chronic muscle tension”. This is a made up argument by inexperienced people.
Aussies were originally bred to work with livestock. Their tails were more susceptible to being trampled or grabbed by the animals they worked with. They also had issues with their tails being broken or tangled by limbs and brush as they worked in fields. Tails also increased the possibility of being bitten by a rabies infected animal.
Although working Border collies do not have docked tails, they work by staying low to the ground and safely tuck their talks between their back legs. Aussies do not crouch and carry their tails up and over their backs - completely exposed. Even with the difference, a recent story told of an undocked Border Collie here in the US having it’s tail grabbed by a horse. The horse then flung it through the air, breaking its back. It’s worth a few moments of minor pain for a newborn puppy so that it will be protected for life.
Why does your puppy need a docked tail if it will never be a working dog? It might not. But it is the breed standard if you choose to show your dog. Also, for tail docking to be near painless, it needs to be done close to birth. We do not know which puppies will be working dogs or show dogs and which will not, so it is safest to dock all tails. Also, even pet pups have herding instincts and may take off to “herd” any animal you pass on a walk or while visiting a farm. Best to be safe!
Docking is not cruel! It is compassionate! It is looking out for the best welfare of our beloved Australian Shepherds.
(Note: It is not considered the breed standard to dock Aussiedoodle tails).