Why are Rottweilers tails docked? While looking into different dog breeds, I wondered why so many have their tails docked. I decided to investigate the Rottweiler’s history and figure out what’s going on with their missing tail.
So, why are Rottweilers tails docked? The simple answer is for cosmetic purposes and personal preference. That’s for the current age. Historically, their tails were docked for safety reasons as the dogs were not just pets then. There were also believed health benefits obtained from docking a rottweiler’s tail.
As a breeder in America, you have the choice to dock the tails of a new litter. Breeders typically decide before the pups are born to get the docking done within 2-5 days of their birth. While there may be controversy in tail docking, it is still common practice for many professional breeders.
The Purebred Rottweiler
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the standard breed of Rottweiler has a docked tail.
As the oldest purebred dog registry, AKC carries some weight in the dog breeding industry. With this influence, docking a Rottweiler’s tail is so common in America.
“Tail – Tail docked short, close to body, leaving one or two tail vertebrae. The set of the tail is more important than length. Properly set, it gives an impression of elongation of topline; carried slightly above horizontal when the dog is excited or moving.”
However, in the Rottweiler’s native country of Germany, docking their tail is illegal. Besides Germany, there is a long list of countries that have banned docking tails unless deemed necessary by a veterinarian.
Additionally, the FCI (World Canine Organization) describes a purebred Rottweiler as having a tail.
“TAIL: In natural condition, strong, level in extension of the upper line; while paying attention, when excited or while moving it can be carried upward in a light curve; at ease may be hanging. While positioned along the leg, the tail reaches approximately to the hocks or is a bit longer.”
With two opposing beliefs on Rottweiler tails, it is best to consider the history of the dog and reasons for tail docking.
History of Rottweilers and Tail Docking
Rottweilers are known to be one of the world’s oldest herding dog breeds. Not only were they bred to herd, but the dogs also carried carts full of goods for farmers. Throughout time and use of these dogs, rottweilers began to take on more jobs such as service, police work, guarding, and hunting.
Due to the working nature of Rottweiler’s, breeders began docking their tails to reduce any risk of injury. People believed by having no tail, there was less risk for it to be bitten by another animal, hurt while hunting, or interfere in hauling carts.
It turns out they were right. Researchers in Scotland found significantly higher rates of injury in working dogs with tails. Because of this, the Scottish government relaxed their laws on tail docking in regards to working dogs.
Additionally, people came to believe by docking a Rottweiler’s tail it would also be faster, have a stronger back, and even reduce the risk of getting rabies. However, these ideas seem to be myths as there is no evidence backing up these claims.
Unless your Rottweiler is a working dog, there seem to be no benefits to docking its tail.
Health reasons or not, people choose to dock their Rottweiler’s tail for a variety of reasons. As a guard dog, people believe Rottweilers look more intimidating without a wagging tail. Other reasons to dock tails include keeping the dog’s tail from knocking things over or getting dirty. Many people also want to follow the AKC’s breeding recommendations.
Docking a Rottweiler’s Tail
It’s commonplace for breeders to dock their Rottweiler’s tails, which raises some controversy. Without proper experience, education, and materials, the procedure can be hard on the dog. Many people believe by docking their tails at a young enough age, it won’t cause much pain due to an undeveloped nervous system.
However, no science backs up that belief. Rather, the 2-5-day age is common because the dogs’ bones are not as solid yet making the procedure easier for the breeder or vet.
There are two main procedures to dock a Rottweiler’s tail. One method is using a scalpel or scissors to cut the tail, typically without anesthesia.
Alternatively, the tail may have something like a rubber band wrapped around the base of the tail. This method will prohibit blood flow to the tail and will force the tail to die and subsequently fall off.
Should You Dock Your Rottweiler’s Tail?
Opinion and beliefs on the procedure determine your answer to docking your Rottweiler’s tail.
If you’re in America you have the choice, as there are no restrictions. If you’re in one of the 40 countries where it’s illegal, you have no choice.
It’s up to you whether you choose docking your Rottweiler’s tail is okay or not.
If your Rottweiler is used primarily for herding, hunting, protection, or service, it’s a good idea to dock its tail. Otherwise, you should weigh the costs and benefits of docking your dog’s tail.
Other Concerns About Tail Docking
Contrary to old beliefs many researchers think docking a Rottweiler’s tail puts them at a physical disadvantage.
An idea beginning to spread is dogs with docked tails have a disadvantage in active events due to loss of balance. The idea is that dogs use their tail as a balance mechanism while running and jumping.
Additionally, scientists believe dogs use their tail as a method of communicating with other dogs and humans. If a dog puts its tail between its legs, we know the dog is scared. If a dog wags its tail excessively, we know it’s happy.
By docking a Rottweiler, we reduce its ability to express emotions as effectively.
As seen previously, the American Kennel Club says in order for a Rottweiler to be a purebred it must have a docked tail. They even go so far as penalizing dogs in shows for having tails. However, many organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association condemn the practice.
Docking Rottweiler’s tails has more controversy and history than at first glance. Many people support the procedure and many oppose it. Each has their own reasons, but it’s up to you to decide whether to dock your Rottweiler’s tail.
Related Questions
Rottweilers are born with tails. In many countries they will always have tails as it is illegal to dock them. However, it’s common for Rottweilers in America to be docked mainly for the look it gives the dog.
The answer depends on the country you live in. America allows tail docking. The UK restricts docking to working breeds. Check this out, for a more complete list on the legality of tail docking.
Like docking tails of non-working dogs, cropping ears seems to be for purely cosmetic reasons. Cropped ears are a tell-tale sign of certain dog breeds. Also, like docked tails, people believe certain breeds need to have cropped ears to meet breeding standards.
