| Why We Don't Dock Tails
We don't mutilate our puppies---all pups are left in tact, with dew claws and tails.
This is a very controversial subject, as many breeders still maintain the practice of tail docking and ear cropping. They will state it is the breed standard, but who creates and upholds these standards? Why were these standards initially created? If the breed is a working breed, then docking and cropping is understandable. As for our dear Schnoodle, they are purely bred for the enjoyment and companionship of their families. They are yet to be considered a 'Breed' by purebred enthusiasts, so why should we Schnoodle Breeders be held to the standards of our Schnoodles Pure Breed parents? Many of my fellow Schnoodle breeders are working together to preserve and promote the NATURAL TAIL of our Schnoodles; choosing this as the look of choice for our breeding programs. We feel very strongly that if our puppies are born with their tails, thumbs (and longer ears) they should keep them! As prospective puppy owners, you should ask yourself if this is something you can condone as well. I receive many emails from families that are thrilled we no longer dock the tails of our Schnoodles, yet we still have a few families that would prefer the docked tail, as it looks 'cute' or what they 'prefer'. I ask you to evaluate your reasoning for this request. Can you condone the mutilation and pain inflicted on your prospective puppy for pure vanity's sake? After much thought I decided to write my personal thoughts and opinions on this practice that I feel should be eliminated.
Tail docking is a very common practice in the states, although, do you realize that it has been made illegal in many countries around the world, including most of Europe? Why? It is considered a 'cosmetic' procedure that is truly for vanity's sake only. It is a mutilation of a body part, such as amputation of a human finger. (For more information about tail docking, refer to our link below)
Personally, as a responsible and caring breeder, I do not regard this procedure as humane. There are many points to consider about this subject; pain, risk of infection, and the use of the tail. (Read more on the risks in the link below) My family bred Basset Hounds for many years, which are a long-eared and long-tailed breed. The issue didn't apply to our breeding program until I began breeding Schnoodles. After my first couple litters of Schnoodles I began to seriously reconsider the docking of their tails. It seemed barbaric to me to inflict unnecessary pain on the pups. Holding my little puppies in my hands while watching them SCREAM and wriggle with pain as the Vet cut their darling little tails off, I knew I could no longer condone this barbaric practice. (Especially after leaving the tails natural and seeing those darling puppies wagging their tails with enthusiasm. How could anyone resist those charming tails or consider the natural tail unsatisfactory?)
The argument that they are too young to feel pain is absurd! The puppies will wail and cry off-and-on for up to 3days after having their tails amputated/docked. With each litter I would dread the coming 'vet day' after the birth of our puppies, knowing what was to come. Many breeders do not have a problem with this practice, and I am not saying they are right or wrong in their decisions for their breeding program, but for me personally, I cannot condone causing my precious babies harm for vanity's sake. As with any medical procedure there are also risks of infection or complications to consider.
As for removal of dewclaws, we don't find this necessary. The only reason most breeds have them removed is if they are a working breed, and worry of the dew claw being caught and ripped off while 'working'. That being said, I honestly feel it would be similar to saying we should consider the removal of one of our fingers for fear of it getting caught and torn. I have raised and owned many dogs over the years with their dewclaws and have never had an issue. We keep them trimmed the same as the other claws and not a single dog has ever 'torn its dewclaw'.
Another interesting point on this subject is that we see the dogs using these claws to help hold onto items. After watching one of our dogs with its dew claws removed beside one with its 'thumbs' we can see how the dog without the dewclaws isn't able to grab at toys and bones in the same way as the dog with dewclaws.
So we have decided to discontinue this practice of mutilating puppies for vanity's sake. For the well being and sake of our little pups, who absolutely DO feel pain. NO more crying and screaming as their little thumbs are being cut off. No more upset mommies as they find their little babies in a huddle crying in pain. No more guilt.
Informative Link About the Practices of Tail Docking and Ear Cropping:
A Dog Fancier's protest in the showring against the practice of Tail Docking
|
