Why do spaniels get 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.

Why do springer spaniels have tails docked?

Springer enthusiasts, both field and conformation, dock tails for utilitarian function and to reinforce the breed’s moderate, balanced outline, consistent with proper breed type as defined in the standard. Conformation, field, and performance English Springers are customarily and routinely docked in the United States.

What does docked mean in dogs?

What’s the issue? Tail docking is the removal of a dog’s tail in part or whole for cosmetic reasons or to prevent possible injury. It is an outdated practice that involves cutting or crushing muscle, nerves, and bone without anaesthetic in puppies under 5 days old.

Should you dock a cocker spaniel?

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.

Does tail docking hurt dogs?

Dogs with docked tails get along just fine, but whether elective docking or medically necessary amputation, it’s best to be informed. There are still many breeds all over the world who have their tails docked and many veterinarians willing to do it with as little pain and risk as possible.

Should I dock my Springer Spaniels tail?

There is little evidence to suggest that tail docking is beneficial to Springer Spaniels. Docking is becoming a less popular practice, and it is even illegal in some countries. It is painful, can cause health complications, and may not have any substantial benefits to the dogs.

Is docking Cruel?

But the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes docking and cropping. “The most common reason for cropping and docking is to give a dog a certain look. That means it poses unnecessary risks,” Patterson-Kane says. Docked tails can also develop a neuroma, or nerve tumor.