Why do dogs need to dock their tails? What are the reasons why dogs need to dock their tails?

Jul 26,2025
2Min

For work needs

Tail docking is for work needs, especially for some working dogs such as hounds and search and rescue dogs. Tails that are too long are inconvenient for work. When they search bushes, gravel piles, and hillsides, their tails flick with great force. If the tail is not tailed, it will be very troublesome if the dog's tail is injured when it reaches adulthood. In the wild, it may suffer from excessive bleeding, direct shock or death. ​

Out of necessity for survival

Some dogs used to be hounds and rat dogs, and the living utensils and rat traps around them are all causes of tail docking in dogs. Small badgers and foxhounds also have their tails docked because they need to dig holes, and they are not usually very peaceful dogs and have the habit of picking fights with each other.


For aesthetic reasons

Nowadays, many dogs have bid farewell to their original work, and the purpose of tail docking is only for appearance. Tail docking will make your dog look more beautiful and energetic. There has been a lot of controversy over whether tail docking is an inhumane act.

Avoid tailbone fracture

The popular poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Miniature Pinschers all have the habit of docking their tails. Small breed dogs usually have short tails. Their tailbones are thinner than chopsticks. During normal play, the excited shaking of dogs can easily cause trauma. In order to prevent the dog's tailbone from being fractured, owners will choose to dock the dog's tail.
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