To Tail Or Not to Tail!
That is the question!
When people think of a Pembroke Welsh corgi they often think of the adorable fluffy bubble butt! Many people are surprised to find out that Pembrokes are usually born with a full length tail. Most breeders dock their tails within the first few days of life to meet the AKC show standard. Some people see tails as a sign of a "lazy" or "irresponsible" breeder. Some even think that if they have a tail they can not be purebred. This is not true at all!
The act of docking tails is actually a rather cruel practice (so is ear cropping but luckily that is not something that has to be done in corgis). In fact, many countries have outright banned the practice with the exception of working dogs, and even then there is some speculation as to whether or not that is needed. In the US, it is expected that a Pembroke have their tails docked in order to be shown in AKC. However, UKC (United Kennel Club) will allow a full length tail in the show ring. Dogs use their tails for communication and balance (they use their ears to communicate as well), so it would be fantastic to see breeders move away from this practice.
This does NOT mean that breeders who continue to dock tails are bad. They are simply following the standard set by the breed club. There is a lot of pressure among breeders to show and follow this particular standard (and yes the standard serves a purpose, but not all of it makes sense). Until the breed club changes the standard most show breeders are practically forced to dock tails in order to continue creating champion lines.
I personally will not do it. A ribbon and/or champion status is not worth it to me to lop off an animals body part that serves a purpose. The science does not back ANY reason to do it, even in working dogs, but does point to reasons not to do it.
The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AMVA) stance on tail docking
"The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards."
More information on tail docking from AVMA:
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Frequently-asked-questions-about-canine-tail-docking.aspx
The act of docking tails is actually a rather cruel practice (so is ear cropping but luckily that is not something that has to be done in corgis). In fact, many countries have outright banned the practice with the exception of working dogs, and even then there is some speculation as to whether or not that is needed. In the US, it is expected that a Pembroke have their tails docked in order to be shown in AKC. However, UKC (United Kennel Club) will allow a full length tail in the show ring. Dogs use their tails for communication and balance (they use their ears to communicate as well), so it would be fantastic to see breeders move away from this practice.
This does NOT mean that breeders who continue to dock tails are bad. They are simply following the standard set by the breed club. There is a lot of pressure among breeders to show and follow this particular standard (and yes the standard serves a purpose, but not all of it makes sense). Until the breed club changes the standard most show breeders are practically forced to dock tails in order to continue creating champion lines.
I personally will not do it. A ribbon and/or champion status is not worth it to me to lop off an animals body part that serves a purpose. The science does not back ANY reason to do it, even in working dogs, but does point to reasons not to do it.
The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AMVA) stance on tail docking
"The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards."
More information on tail docking from AVMA:
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Frequently-asked-questions-about-canine-tail-docking.aspx
History of Tail Docking
Why did tail docking start in the first place?
Tail docking was originally done by the Romans. They held a belief that you could prevent rabies by docking a dogs tail. A clearly false belief, thank goodness for science and rabies vaccines! Eventually tail docking became common in England. This was due to a "tail tax" that was implemented. Pets were taxed while working dogs were not. To signify the status of a working dog farmers would dock their dogs' tails in order to avoid the tax. The wealthy had no problem paying this tax so often times their working dogs would still have tails. Having dogs with tails eventually became a status for wealth. From welshcorgi.com: During one period around the 10th century peasants were only allowed to keep small dogs for the destruction of vermin. Hired keepers, shepherds and herdsmen were also allowed to keep their dogs, but all were required to be mutilated in some way to prevent poaching of the royal game. Some of these mutilations were quite severe, but the herdsman's dog was required only to have his tail docked, or cur-tailed, as it was felt this was sufficient to slow him down. The people tried to evade this law, but penalties were severe and the monies from these fines were a welcome source of revenue to the crown. When these laws became unworkable, the crown then levied a tax on dogs. Realizing that the peasants could not pay these taxes, nor could they live without the help of a dog for certain tasks, an exemption from tax for dogs used for a purpose was provided. The shepherd or herdsman's dog was still exempt from this tax if his tail was docked. Now docking is done primarily for no reason other than looks. There are arguments that working dogs need their tails docked in order to avoid injury. This argument is not a sound one since the studies done have shown no significant incidence of injury among tailed working dogs. You could argue the fact that not having a body part means you are a lot less likely to break something than actually having the body part... but I don't see us chopping off legs to avoid broken legs either! Here is a great article about the history of tail docking and why it doesn't make any sense: Tail Docking in Dogs: Historical Precedence and Modern Views By Jill Kessler |
Why not breed for no tails?
Some Pembrokes are born with natural bob tails. These tails vary in length and appearance. The T-box mutation causes a shortening of the spinal column behind the pelvis, creating a naturally short tail. This is a dominant gene, meaning dogs only have to have 1 copy of the gene to express it. Unfortunately, 2 copies of the gene is lethal. Most puppies with 2 copies die in the womb, although there have been some puppies born with severe defects (there is speculation whether or not this has to do with the T-box mutation or not). Two naturally bob tailed corgis should not be bred together. Since that is the case, there is no possible way to get rid of that gorgeous tail in the Pembroke bloodline!
Since you don't do tails, what about dew claws?
I have my veterinarian do dew claws within the first few days of birth. I understand that there are some people out there that have decided against dew claw removal. I also understand that there is speculation that front dew claws actually serve an important function when it comes to climbing, turning quickly, etc. However, there is not enough science out there backing this yet. I work closely with my vet on all decisions I make and after speaking with them I have decided it is a necessary procedure. I will admit, I have had dogs with both front AND back dews with no issues. So if I went strictly off my personal experience I would say it isn't necessary. If you speak with my vet though, that is a different story. They see many dew claw injuries.
If more science comes out that shows that dew claws serve an important function, then I will gladly stop doing it! I hate hearing them scream when it is done (and their momma does too!!). For now though, I have to do what I think is best, and that is remove them!
If more science comes out that shows that dew claws serve an important function, then I will gladly stop doing it! I hate hearing them scream when it is done (and their momma does too!!). For now though, I have to do what I think is best, and that is remove them!