Rules for Dog Tail Cropping

Tail docking in canines is the removal of parts of the tail, and is performed in dog breeds such as schnauzers or Dobermans. In Roman times the procedure was believed to stave off rabies, and throughout history docking was performed to prevent tail injuries in working dogs. Nowadays, the main purpose of the tail cropping is to obtain the standard look in certain dog breeds. Tail docking is a controversial issue, and many humane societies and organizations are against it claiming it causes pain in puppies. The procedure is illegal in certain countries.

  1. Rules in the U.S.

    • Tail docking is legal in the United States if it is performed by a licensed veterinarian. Certain states such as New York considered bills to prohibit ear cropping and tail docking, but these were amended. The American Kennel Club describes the standard look for certain dog breeds with a docked tail. The breeds include Boston terriers, rottweilers, Jack Russell terriers, boxers, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes and schnauzers. According to the American Kennel Club, tail docking preserves the "breed character" and enhances good health. If docking is not specified in the dog's standard, the procedure is prohibited and penalized in dog shows.

    Countries Prohibiting Tail Docking

    • Dog tail docking has been banned in the United Kingdom since 2007. Tail docking is only accepted in certain working breeds such as spaniels, hunt point retrieve breeds and terriers, or if it is performed for medical reasons. Dog shows held in the U.K. are allowed to accept dogs with docked tails only if the docking was performed before the ban in 2007. However, working dogs that are shown to demonstrate their working abilities may have their tails docked. Other countries that prohibited tail docking include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

    Tail Docking Procedure

    • The tail docking should be done while the puppy is young (up to five days old), when the bones in the tail are not yet developed. The procedure is performed by severing the tip of the tail with a scalpel or by winding a tight band around the tail. The band stops the blood flow to the top of the tail, which will eventually fall off.

    Is Tail Docking Necessary?

    • Tail docking is necessary only if you intend to register your dog in competitions and the standard look of the breed requires a docked tail. Otherwise, tail docking is a matter of personal choice. Should you decide to dock your pet, schedule the procedure when the puppy is up to five days old so that the pain is minimal.