Do cocker spaniels need to have their tails docked?
The reason tails were docked was to prevent injury as the dog ran through heavy brush while flushing game. However, today’s cocker spaniels are kept mostly as pets rather than hunters. Tail docking does have consequences on the animal.
Are all cocker spaniels docked?
Tail docking is common in Cocker spaniels and some of the other spaniel breeds and is generally carried out for two reasons. The first is to protect the dog from injury when he is working. Anyone that has seen a working cocker hunting for game will know just how vigorously they wag their tails.
Why do working cockers have their tails docked?
The original purpose of tail docking was to prevent damage to the ends of working dogs’ tails. The owners of hunting dogs discovered that the adult dog was less likely to injure its tail at work, if the end of the tail was removed soon after birth. Split tails tend to re-open repeatedly and heal poorly.
Do working dogs need tails docked?
Docking the tails of working dogs by a third while they are puppies could significantly decrease their risk of injury, according to research.
Why do people dock dogs tails?
Though docking and cropping are done mostly for appearance’s sake, many owners and breeders say removing hunting and farm dogs’ tails might prevent injuries during chases or herding. Others say docking keeps energetic breeds like boxers from hurting their tails by thumping them against walls or dog crates.
Why does my cocker spaniel smell?
A smelly cocker spaniel might have a problem with their bottom or his anal glands. The easiest way to determine if they have blocked anal glands is by the pungent, rotten smell coming out of their bottoms. Cocker spaniels need their anal glands expressed or emptied.
Do English cocker spaniels have short tails?
In particular, since 1881 Cocker Spaniels with docked tails have been a part of the fabric of the United States, and we must educate the general public that under proper veterinarian care, tail docking of young puppies continues to be a very safe and humane procedure and is not cosmetic.
Why you shouldn’t Dock your dog’s tail?
When a dog’s tail is docked, they can develop an infection or even a nerve tumor called a neuroma. Either of these will be painful, and could even cause the dog to become overly protective of his tail.
What are the benefits of cutting off a dog’s tail?
Nowadays, people cut off dogs’ tails for four main reasons: to conform to the breed standard, sanitary reasons, to protect the dog from injuries, and for cosmetic purposes. Breeders of purebred dogs often perform these surgical modifications to keep up with AKC standards.