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Dog tails and earsWhy dogs have tails and why they need them
 A Doberman with uncropped ears What are dog tails for - and does it matter if they are cut off (docked)? And what about dog ears - is it a good idea to cut or crop them? In many countries around the world, one or both these practices are illegal. Before you get your puppy docked or cropped, think about whether it's really necessary - and check to make sure it's legal in your country. Unless there are sound medical reasons for either of these procedures, why not leave them alone and avoid putting your puppy through the pain and discomfort of an unnecessary operation?
On this page: Why do people cut dogs' tails? Is it legal to cut dogs' tails? Dog ear cropping - can I cut my dog's ears? What are dog tails for?Dogs use their tails for two things: balance and communication. A tail helps a dog keep its balance when it is running - particularly when going around corners. A dog without a tail that was hunting prey at high speed would slow down when cornering and perhaps even fall over. Dogs also use their tails to help them balance when walking along narrow obstacles. Dogs that swim use their tails like a rudder. The most obvious use for dog tails is communication. Just as humans smile or nod politely to other humans, dogs use their tails as social signals to other dogs. The position of a dog's tail tells you many things about his mental state, his social position and his intentions. For example: If his tail is high and wagging back and forth, he's probably feeling happy. If it's horizontal, he's probably interested in something. If it's upright and rigid, he's feeling threatened. If it's wrapped between his legs, he is scared and trying to make himself invisible. It's interesting to note that puppies usually don't learn to wag their tails until they are about 4 weeks old or more. This is because they don't need to communicate much until they are socializing with their littermates. Tail wagging becomes crucial for the puppy to signal his intentions and feelings to his mother, his littermates and any adult dogs he may meet. It's all part of learning dog language for the new pup. Why do people cut dogs' tails?Tail docking means cutting off a dog's tail, usually as a puppy. Tail docking for cosmetic purposes is carried out on several breeds, such as boxers, Dobermans, pointers and many spaniels and terriers. People who support docking dog tails say it helps to prevent tail damage in hunting dogs and maintains hygiene in some heavy coated breeds. In some breeds, such as boxers and Doberman Pinscher dogs, tail docking has simply become a habit: people are used to seeing those dogs with short tails. So their tails are cut even though the dogs don't hunt and don't have hygiene problems. Is it legal to cut dogs' tails?Cosmetic tail docking is banned in many countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and the Virgin Islands. Docking dog tails is increasingly seen as an unnecessary surgical procedure that interferes with a dog's natural communication and agility. Some countries ban the practice for most breeds but may allow some breeds, particularly working dogs, to be docked. These include Denmark, England, Finland and Germany. In England and Wales, tail docking is permitted for a small number of breeds but only if done by a registered veterinary surgeon. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons opposes the practice, however, on the grounds that it is 'cruel, painful and unnecessary'. Puppies' tails are usually docked at 2-5 days of age using a pair of scissors or a tight rubber band. It is often carried out by the breeder without anaesthetic. Some people claim that a puppy's nervous system is not well developed at a few days old and that it doesn't feel any pain from having its tail cut. There is strong scientific evidence, however, that puppies' nervous systems are quite well developed at that age and that they experience severe pain when their tails are docked. Most domestic dogs will never be in a situation where they need their tail docked. Even dogs originally bred for hunting spend most of their time nowadays in the suburbs and are less likely to suffer injuries to their tails. People rarely keep large number of dogs with heavy coats so they have more time to groom their dog properly instead of relying on surgery. Even if a few dogs do injure their long tails, that's no reason to cut the tails of all puppies! Tail injuries are relatively rare and any necessary surgery can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Some vets even suggest that cats are more likely to suffer tail injuries than dogs - but no one suggests docking kittens' tails! Puppy dog tails are crucial for a puppy's development of good dog communication skills, as well as his physical stability and balance. Why would anyone choose to deny a puppy those important doggy characteristics? Tail docking done for any reason other than medical
necessity is simply mutilation.
Look for a breeder who does not dock their puppies' tails. Dog ear cropping - can I crop my dog's ears?Dog ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure in which the dog's ears are cut to make them stand up. The practice was often used for fighting dogs to prevent their ears being grabbed during a fight. Dog ear cropping is often done on guard dogs, such as Doberman Pinschers or Great Danes, to make them look more ferocious. 
A boxer with uncropped ears 
A boxer with cropped ears
Dog ear cropping is illegal in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and all countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. Supporters of ear cropping sometimes claim that the practice helps to prevent ear infections. However, you can prevent ear infections by proper cleaning and good dog ear care. It does not require surgery.
Dog ear cropping is simply mutilation for cosmetic
reasons.
To prevent ear infections in your puppy, don't crop his ears - clean his ears regularly instead. It's a simple task that doesn't need surgery! Dog tail docking and dog ear cropping are unnecessary cosmetic surgery procedures that are banned in many countries. More puppy care at PuppyPrimer.comDon't cut your puppy's tail or ears! Why not learn the language of dog tails and find out what your puppy is really saying with his wagging tail?
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