Tails

A nice article on why aussie breeders still dock tails can be found here:

http://allaboutaussies.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/why-are-aussie%e2%80%99s-tails-docked/

The article explains the history of the tail-docking tradition and is summed up by stating that it is tradition that keeps this practice going. It is also stated in the breed standard that the dog have a naturally bobbed or docked tail. I have heard of some imported dogs being shown here with tails, but I don't know how that was received. In countries where tail-docking has come to an end, show standards have changed to accommodate.

People are just used to that distinctive aussie tail-less profile, as well as the characteristic butt-wiggle that compensates for the missing tail. For some of the lighter-boned dogs, taillessness may be the only thing that distinguishes them from a border collie, at least to people who don't know the dog.

There is debate on whether tail docking should be continued. Proponents claim that it is not simply cosmetic or tradition--that there are physical reasons why it's better for these dogs to not have tails. Aussies, unlike border collies, are a breed developed in the West, where they work in dry, rough fields where stickers and all sorts of hazards could prove dangerous with a tail.

Growing up in the rural west, where aussies and border collies were equally common, I never heard a case made for docking a border collie's tail, no matter what the working conditions were. Not that it never happened, I just never heard of it. As far as I could see, border collies had tails, aussies didn't, and cattledogs could go either way. Tradition.

Personally, I love seeing aussies with tails. I am inclined to liking the different, especially if it is a natural alternative. I do believe there are physical reasons to keep tails in tact as well. (Be sure to read the comments after the article mentioned above). Most aussies have coarse outer coats that make stickers not much of an issue. I've mostly noticed stickers being more of an issue in the toes or ears than anywhere else. They brush right out of the rest of the coat. Being in a chiropractic family, I am also aware that there are reasons why having a tail, which is a continuation of the spine, is beneficial. An in tact tail is better for control of the muscles of the hind end, bowel health, pelvic alignment, and balance.

So for me, it comes down to an issue of cosmetics or health. These puppies will be keeping their tails, especially since they will not be registered and the show ring is not in their future anyway. There was a time when I might have had them docked for the "socially acceptable" factor, but not today. Maybe these guys with their full, beautiful tails, will give some border collie a run for his money on the agility course.