While docking dogs tails does it have its avid supporters, there are those that are staunchly against it as well. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. He usually is by me when in the house except at night (hubby said he couldn't sleep in the bed awwww). Why Do They Dock the Australian Shepherd Tail? And since guard dogs would be seized by the tail, cutting them off made the tails have a more manageable length. Now, she is an AKC Breeder of Merit and ASCA Breeder Judge. Even still, theres only a 50-percent chance of the puppy being born with a bobbed tail. All Aussies are welcome. Some things youll want to consider before making your decision are: In general, an increasing number of people are choosing not to dock their Aussies tail because its notneeded. There is no valid or logical reason for docking their tails. This means that they all conform to ethics and breeding standards set by these organizations. Naturally, tails enhance balance when a dog is running. What Is the Ideal Australian Shepherd Tail Docking Length? Dogs also use their tails as rudders when swimming. It shouldnt be surprising then that in addition to tail docking, some dog owners and breeders opt to crop a dogs ears as well. Theyre strong, thick, and flexible helping them wade through the water quickly and make quick turns. And during these activities, their long tails were at risk for what their owners considered unnecessary or easily avoidable injuries. If you do your part as a responsible owner, you will find that an Aussie will be an intelligent and devoted companion to you and your family. Gemfire Australian Shepherds is a small breeder in Arkansas. In an effort to support responsible breeding practices, purchased designer mixes (eg. By the time youre done reading, you can decide for yourself whether to get your Australian Shepherds tail docked or leave it the way it is. This will be the main basis for matching puppies with new owners, although color and gender preferences will still be considered. You are not alone! Answers for 45+ Types of Crackers, 20+ Sugar Glider Colors and Patterns Explained (With Pictures), 30 Different Types of Huskies (With Pictures), Pitbull With Blue Eyes: Facts, Health, Genetics & Pictures. If you think the Australian Shepherd is cute, wait until you meet the mini version! Now, even if only one parent carries the gene, theres still a 50% chance that their pup will be born with a bobtail. But if you want an adventure buddy who will accompany you on your daily run and will enjoy learning new tricks, this might be the perfect breed for you. by Robyn (Toronto, ON Canada) I am looking to purchase a blue merle Aussie Shepherd in the spring of 2011 and have a question about docking. Getting on a waitlist does not always guarantee that you can purchase a puppy. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. some have them them but the breed was bred not to have a tail they are not cut off like some breeds they are born that way. We all want our canine companions to live happy and healthy lives, but sometimes it can be hard to know what we Our purpose at Aussie University is to educate and motivate Australian Shepherd owners to become experts in their pets' health, training, obedience, and care.Our resources and network will help you and your Aussie achieve paw-some success, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. At the time, dogs were used for hunting and cutting their tails off improved speed. Looking for an Australian Shepherd with an intact (undocked) tail? Which begs to question, should an Aussies tail be docked if theyre brought into a family as a companion? But why are some born with a bobbed tail? Moreover, dog shows and contests stipulate the minimum requirements for specific dog breeds to participate in the matches, and for the Australian Shepherd, its a docked tail. Bobbed Tail vs. Normal Tail. (Aussies with tails- breeders) Why Do People Dock Australian Shepherd Tails? Why Are Australian Shepherd Tails Docked? A normal Australian Shepherd's tail will taper, with the vertebrae getting smaller as it reaches the end of the tail. Gemfire Australian Shepherds Arkansas, Other Sources for Australian Shepherd Puppies, How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? Also, for a long time, it was common practice for an Australian Shepherds tail to be docked, which is why people wonder if they are supposed to have tails. Gold Ring Australian Shepherds is a family-run kennel in Louisiana. Q: What is the difference between a robot and a cyborg? The "Why" Behind Their Most Primal Instinct, link to Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds? So while many are born with a tail, many breeders dock their tail because its seen as more desirable for owners. If you dont notice the feces right away, your Shepherd can easily spread this to other parts of their body by moving or wagging their tail. Heterochromia is a condition where a dog's eyes are different colors; usually, one is brown, and the other looks blue. The practice is also done for cosmetic reasons and to protect the dog from injury. In this article, well explain more about docking from both sides. But, the only other reason for docking is to prevent injury, and thats more related to working dogs and not totally necessary for companion Aussies. Breeders that don't dock by: Anonymous There is a Facebook group that is for people looking for Aussies with tails in the US. The tail is cut short enough to prevent further injury and wagging in this scenario. If you've ever seen a Dachshund, you know that they have quite the adorable short tails. Depending on where you got your dog from, they may not have their original, lengthy tail. They prefer to see a docked tail with both of these breeds to reflect the breed's working heritage and because they feel it looks better. The vet may also administer a pre-anesthesia sedative-analgesic to allow the placement of the breathing tube in the windpipe for anesthesia inhalation during the surgery. Some Mini Aussies are born with a natural bobtail, whereas others are born with a long, feathery tail. However, because breeding Australian Shepherds for bobbed tails is complex and potentially fatal, most reputable breeders prefer docking the tails to breeding for the T-gene. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. If you're thinking about getting an Australian Shepherd, know these dogs are very energetic. It is a genetic trait that's passed down from parents to puppies, and Australian Shepherds happen to be one of the breeds that are affected by it. There are many folks searching high and low for a breeder who offers Aussie pups with full tails. When he was a puppy he liked to play with the other 'pets'. Zalika68 3 yr. ago I obviously don't want to support the nearest puppy mill so a quality breeder is important to me, yet those will strive to stick to breed standard. To get on the waitlist, you must fill out an application form. Most have white or tan markings or "trim" in addition to their primary body color. When getting yourself your first Australian Shepherd, you must take into account all costs that are part of owning this adorable, hardworking pet. Don't let the Australian Shepherd's name fool you. For us, tradition and custom do not justify this barbaric and painful procedure. Puppies born with tails longer than 4 inches are docked when they are a few days old. He is my Velcro dog. The answer is to prevent the dog from being able to scratch and hurt himself. Others who oppose tail docking state how dogs may lack as much balance when running as they would if their tails were at a more natural length. all about the uniqueness of these great dogs in this article, everything you need to know about Australian Shepherds and their shedding habits, An undocked tail is long, messy, and could get matted, To prevent damage from tall grass, weeds, and other outdoor dangers. Responsible Australian Shepherd breeders will be transparent about the puppys health and lineage. Ears and tails on dogs were surgically altered for various reasons. What Is the Ideal Length for a Docked Tail of an Australian Shepherd? Most have white or tan markings or "trim" in addition to their primary body color. LHT Aussies is a breeder in Oklahoma. The vet may bandage the tail to prevent more blows, but it doesnt stop the dog from wagging its tail this leaves the scarred tissues prone to more injury as the wagging continues. You'll need to keep them physically and mentally busy to prevent them from turning to destructive behaviors. Instead, your Shepherds tail could be short (called docking). He is very smart. Hi there, I am wondering if anyone knows of any good quality breeders who don't dock tails? I'm a lifelong canine enthusiast that grew up in a family of vets. 10 Best Pomeranian Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks! In a breed like the Australian Shepherd where tails A Tale of Tails Read More The "Aussie grin," as it's known, is a sign of appeasement. Australian Shepherd Dogs: Personality & Characteristics. All rights reserved. Below we explain why most Australian Shepherd pups have their tails docked within a few days of birth, why this is an unnecessary procedure that we never do, and we end the page with a picture gallery of our own GLORIOUS AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD TAILS! The number of vertebrae in the Australian Shepherd varies by one or two. Moreover, dog poop can get caught in the tail because its close to the anus. Companion trained young adult Australian Shepherds are occasionally available, starting at $3,800. The impact injures the tip of the tail, causing it to break open and bleed. If you are interested in a Gold Ring pup, you have to fill out a puppy application and send it via email or snail mail. Puppies sold on a companion contract will start at $1,200, while show prospects start at $1,500. You can be sure of this as Anne has also been teaching obedience classes for 17 years already. As your dog goes about their day-to-day life, they increase their chances of their tail fur getting tangled and even matted. All Aussies are born with tails, but some are born without their natural long tail. They are located on a ranch, and all their dogs participate in daily activities around it. But do not worry because there are some other places you can check to find an Australian Shepherd puppy for sale: RECOMMENDED:Blue Merle Australian Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know. Despite being developed as working dogs, Australian Shepherds or Aussies are now considered one of the most popular companion dogs in the United States. You must prevent the dog and its mates from licking the area until its healed. Their Aussie puppies are socialized to humans and animals at an early age. If you're anything like me, your four-legged family member means the world to you. The Australian Shepherd breeder is also an AKC Breeder of Merit. The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that, despite its name, has a very American origin story. There are 2 ways that the docking may be done. The skin is then sutured over the remaining tail tissue to facilitate healing. However, most will have their tails docked shortly after birth. Yes! Docking their tails prevented these injuries from happening and allowed them to continue working without worry. Aussie puppies from good breeders are usually reserved way ahead of time. These smells are called pheromones and are designed to help dogs display aggression, fear, playfulness, or caution. Be very cautious with breeders that sell Australian Shepherd puppies just for a few hundred dollars. The tail can be described as bushy. Sometimes a third of the tail may be removed, but in other instances, half of the tail is cut. **Since Mini American Shepherds are now recognized as their own breed, it is requested that all MAS, minis or toys are posted in subs for those breeds/mixes. These tails were not cut or removed, but rather, look that length at birth. Another reason people claim docking an Australian Shepherds tail is a good idea is for hygiene purposes. A few puppies are sold as show/breeding prospects. After reviewing your application, they will contact you via email or phone. How Is Tail Docking Performed on a Mini Australian Shepherd Tail? They are a husband and wife team that competes their Aussies in various competitions like conformation, agility, herding, etc. Always consult with a licensed and credible veterinarian for dog-related concerns. In this case, the amputation isnt too short to avoid other problems like pulling injuries or nerve damage. Puppy Prices and Expenses. We feel it is worth searching for. ), Hi, Alec Littlejohn here. Pine Spring Australian Shepherds Breeder Information and Details: Poise Aussies and AHTs is a small show kennel in Cleveland, Texas. 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