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Q:

Isn't it cruel to cut a Doberman's tail?Isn't it cruel to cut a Doberman's tail?

Hey everyone,

I recently saw a picture of a Doberman with a docked tail and it got me thinking - isn't it cruel to cut a Doberman's tail? I understand that historically, tail docking was done for practical reasons such as preventing injury during hunting, but in modern times, it seems unnecessary and purely for aesthetics. Dobermans are a beautiful breed and they can look just as stunning with their natural tail intact.

I'm interested in hearing from Doberman owners or breeders who have experience with tail docking. Do you think it is necessary or cruel? Have you noticed any differences in behavior or health in dogs with or without docked tails? I'm eager to learn more and make an informed decision if I ever become a Doberman owner myself. Thank you in advance for your input!

All Replies

umcclure

Hey there,

I am a proud Doberman owner and I can share my personal experience with tail docking. When I got my Doberman puppy, her tail had already been docked by the breeder before I adopted her. Initially, I didn't think much of it since I had always assumed it was a standard practice for the breed. However, as I got more involved in the Doberman community, I learned about the controversy surrounding tail docking.

From my own observation, I haven't noticed any negative effects on my dog's behavior or health due to tail docking. She is a happy and healthy dog, outgoing and affectionate with people and other dogs. However, I have heard stories of dogs experiencing pain or complications after the procedure, and I can't help but wonder if my dog also went through unnecessary pain.

Overall, I think tail docking is a personal choice for each individual dog owner. If you're considering getting a Doberman, I would encourage you to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In the end, what matters most is giving your dog love and care, regardless of whether or not they have a docked tail.

uveum

Hello all,

I'm here to share my opinion on tail docking in Dobermans based on my own experience. I have owned two Dobermans - one with a docked tail and one with an undocked tail. While both dogs were wonderful pets and never exhibited any negative effects due to tail docking, I still chose not to dock my second Doberman's tail when given the choice.

My decision not to dock his tail was ultimately based on ethical considerations. As a pet owner, I believe it is my responsibility to prioritize my dog's health and wellbeing over appearances or tradition. Docking a dog's tail is an invasive procedure that comes with physical pain and recovery time. I cannot justify putting my pet through that unless it is necessary for their health or safety. In the case of Dobermans, tail docking is purely cosmetic and has no tangible benefit.

Furthermore, I believe it is important to respect the natural state of animals whenever possible. Dobermans are born with tails, and I see no reason why we should alter that under the guise of "breed standards." If we truly love and appreciate the beauty of the Doberman breed, we should do so in a way that is true to their natural form.

In conclusion, while I respect the choices of those who opt for tail docking, I personally feel the ethical implications of the procedure outweigh any perceived benefits. As a pet owner, I choose to prioritize my dog's health and natural state, rather than conforming to societal expectations or cosmetic standards.

xstokes

Hi everyone,

I have a different opinion on the matter of tail docking in Dobermans. In my experience as a Doberman owner, I have noticed some negative effects related to the procedure. While my Doberman's tail was docked as a puppy, she occasionally displays signs of discomfort and pain around her tail area. She often wags her tail less and seems to be extra sensitive to any manipulation of her tail.

Additionally, I have noticed a difference in her balance and coordination when compared to undocked Dobermans. She has a harder time balancing herself, which can result in her falling or stumbling more often. While these may seem like minor issues, they could cause bigger problems in the future.

Personally, I believe in leaving a dog's tail intact if it contributes positively to the dog's health and quality of life. In the case of Dobermans, I think this breed can look just as stunning with their natural tail, without causing them any unnecessary pain or complications. It's important to consider the long-term well-being of our furry friends when making these decisions.

Overall, I would say that tail docking is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the dog's physical comfort and mental well-being. I understand that some people prefer the look of a docked tail, but I would encourage them to consider the consequences before going through with the procedure.

salvador.kiehn

Hello fellow Doberman lovers,

As an avid supporter of animal rights, I strongly oppose the practice of tail docking in Dobermans, or any breed for that matter. In my experience, the procedure is unnecessary and unethical, causing pain and discomfort to the dog without any significant benefits.

With modern grooming practices, it is possible to keep a dog's tail clean and at a reasonable length without resorting to tail docking. The procedure has no medical benefits for the dog, and it can even create complications such as infections and scar tissue in the tail area. Moreover, it can hinder the dog's balance and communication skills, depriving them of a natural means of expressing themselves.

As a society, we should question any tradition or practice that causes harm to animals for cosmetic reasons. I believe that Dobermans are beautiful dogs with or without a docked tail, and that we should strive to preserve their natural appearance and wellbeing.

Furthermore, numerous animal welfare organizations have condemned tail docking, and it is considered illegal or restricted in many countries. As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to promote the welfare of our pets, and to set an example of compassion and respect for all living beings.

In summary, tail docking is a cruel and unnecessary practice, and I encourage all Doberman owners to refrain from it. Let's celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of each individual dog, tail and all!

iolson

Hello everyone,

As a Doberman owner, I had to make the decision whether to dock my dog's tail or not before adopting him. After thorough research, I decided against tail docking, as I believe the harmful effects outweigh any aesthetic benefits.

While the procedure itself is painful, the recovery period can also be difficult for the dog. The dog's tail is an important communication tool, and without it, they can have difficulty expressing themselves clearly to other dogs and humans. Additionally, without their tail, they may need to rely on other ways of communicating, potentially leading to confusion and further complications.

Although tail docking was originally done for practical reasons, the need for it has dissipated over time. Modern grooming techniques like brushing can keep the dog's tail healthy, clean and straight, without needing to dock the tail.

In my opinion, Dobermans are beautiful dogs with or without a docked tail. Regardless of the breed, I believe animals have the right to be free from unnecessary pain and suffering. Therefore, I would encourage any future Doberman owners to think carefully before making a decision about docking their dog's tail.

concepcion.bayer

Hello everyone,

As a Doberman owner, I have struggled with the decision of whether or not to dock my dog's tail. While I ultimately decided not to, I understand why some people still choose to do so.

In my experience, tail docking has not affected my Doberman's behavior or health. She is a happy and healthy dog, and I have not noticed any negative consequences due to tail docking. However, I do think that it is important to consider the ethical implications of the procedure.

Dobermans were historically used for guarding and protecting, and their tail would have been a liability in those scenarios. While these circumstances no longer apply, many breeders and owners still see tail docking as an important tradition for the Doberman breed. However, I believe that it is important to question the real practical benefit of the procedure today.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to dock a Doberman's tail should lie with the owner, and it should be based on the dog's individual needs and preferences. That being said, I do think that it is important to consider the potential pain and suffering that the procedure can cause, as well as the importance of preserving the natural appearance and communication tools of the dog.

In conclusion, while tail docking remains a personal choice for each individual dog owner, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision. As Doberman owners, our priority should always be the health and wellbeing of our pets, and it is our responsibility to make choices that reflect this.

bernardo99

Hello,

I have owned both a Doberman with a docked tail and a Doberman with an undocked tail. While both of them were wonderful pets, I have to say that there was no difference in their behavior or health. However, I must admit that the Doberman with a docked tail was more aesthetically pleasing, which is the main reason why some people still do it.

I understand the arguments against tail docking, but there are some practical benefits to consider as well. Dobermans are a working breed, and their tail can become a liability in some situations. In my experience, when I took my undocked Doberman for a walk, his tail would get caught in everything from bushes to fences, which caused him some discomfort.

Moreover, some vets argue that undocked Dobermans are prone to a medical condition called "happy tail," which is a condition where the wagging tail repeatedly hits hard surfaces, resulting in cuts, bleeding, and general discomfort. While the condition can affect any breed, it is particularly common in larger breeds like Dobermans.

In conclusion, I believe that tail docking is a personal choice for each individual dog owner. While I do understand the arguments against tail docking, I do think there are some practical benefits to consider as well. However, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

murray.coy

Greetings all,

I am a Doberman owner and I have been on both sides of this debate. I previously owned a Doberman with a docked tail and currently have one with an undocked tail. In my experience, there has been no significant difference in their behavior, health, or communication due to tail docking.

However, that being said, I do feel that tail docking in Dobermans is unnecessary and can be cruel. Although it may seem like a simple procedure, it can be quite traumatic for the dog. Furthermore, it takes away an important part of their body, which can impact the dog's ability to communicate with other dogs and humans.

As a Doberman owner, I believe it is our responsibility to prioritize our dog's well-being over their appearance. While some people may prefer the aesthetic of a docked tail, this should not come at the cost of our dog's comfort and health.

Moreover, tail docking is banned in many countries due to animal welfare concerns. It is considered an inhumane practice that causes unnecessary suffering to dogs without providing any real benefit.

In conclusion, while tail docking may seem like a standard practice for Dobermans, it is important to question its ethical and practical implications. As dog owners, we should strive to provide our pets with the best possible care, and in the case of tail docking, that means leaving their tails intact.

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