As exhilarating of an experience as being a new dog parent can be, there are a lot of decisions that come with it, which can be overwhelming. One such decision is whether or not to dock the tail of your Boykin Spaniel.
Docking dogs’ tails have been an ongoing practice for centuries, but it has recently become a hot topic of debate among animal lover and pet owners. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), tail docking is an unnecessary procedure that should be avoided unless medically necessary.
When it comes to whether you should or should not dock the tail of Boykin Spaniels, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of you and your veterinarian.
Below, we’ll go through everything you need to know before making a decision on whether or not to dock your new pup’s tail.
What is Tail Docking: At a Glance
Tail docking is the act of removing part or all of a dog’s tail. This procedure can be done surgically, through the use of ligatures, or with electrical cauterization.
There are several reasons why someone might choose to dock their dog’s tail.
Some people believe that docking a dog’s tail makes them less susceptible to injury, while others believe that it helps keep their dog’s body temperature regulated. Docking a dog’s tail can also help reduce the risk of infection and parasites.
In most cases, the Boykin Spaniel’s tail is customarily docked so that it’s 2½-to-3-inch at maturity. This is what is known as a “natural dock.”
The History of Tail Docking
Tail docking can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that docking a dog’s tail protected them from rabies, paralysis, and other illnesses.
In the 18th century, tail docking of working dogs became more popular among hunters who believed that having a shorter tail made it easier for their dogs to maneuver in thick brush or tall grass.
Eventually, this practice became so widespread that many hunting dog breeds had their tails genetically docked through selective breeding. Selective breeding is a process of breeding dogs with certain characteristics, such as tail length, to create the desired outcome.
Today, tail docking is a controversial practice. Many countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, have outlawed tail docking for cosmetic reasons alone.
Should Boykin Spaniel Be Docked: Expert Opinion
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not recommend docking dogs’ tails unless there is a medical necessity. The AVMA believes that this procedure is unnecessary and can be potentially harmful to dogs.
There are many risks associated with tail docking, including infection, hemorrhaging, and nerve damage. In some cases, dogs may even experience paralysis or death as a result of having their tails docked.
Because of the potential risks associated with tail docking, the AVMA recommends that pet owners avoid having this procedure done unless there is a valid medical reason. If you are considering having your dog’s tail dock, be sure to speak with your veterinarian to discuss the potential risks and benefits involved.
Other experts argue that tail docking is outdated and should be avoided, as there are no clear benefits to having a dog’s tail docked.
Institutions like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend that pet owners and veterinarians weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding to dock a dog’s tail.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tail Docking
Before deciding to dock your Boykin Spaniel’s tail, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential pros and cons that come with tail docking:
Advantages of Tail Docking
Tail docking comes with some potential advantages, including:
Reduced Risk of Injury
One of the main reasons why people choose to dock their dog’s tail is because they believe that it reduces the risk of injury. This is particularly true for dogs who are used as guard dogs.
A shorter tail makes it harder for dogs to become entangled in objects or injure themselves on sharp objects. It also makes it less likely for them to be bitten by another animal.
In fact, many professional dog trainers believe that tail docking is essential for guard dogs. They feel that having a shorter tail makes these dogs less vulnerable to attack and allows them to move more freely and efficiently.
Easier To Groom
Another advantage of tail docking is that it makes grooming easier. As a Boykin Spaniel’s coat can be quite thick and long, having a shorter tail helps to reduce the amount of fur around the base of the tail. This makes it easier for owners to keep any excess fur from building up and becoming matted.
Long-haired dogs such as the Boykin Spaniel may become soiled more easily with a hanging tail, so tail docking may help to reduce the amount of grooming required. New dog owners may opt for tail docking since it makes the grooming process simpler.
Aesthetic Appeal
Many people find that a docked tail looks neater and more aesthetically pleasing than an undocked tail. This is particularly true for breeds like the Boykin Spaniel, which are traditionally docked.
For some breeders, having a dog with a neat, well-groomed appearance is important, so they may choose to dock their pup’s tail for aesthetic reasons.
Disadvantages of Tail Docking
Despite some potential benefits, there are still a few drawbacks to consider when it comes to tail docking:
Pain and Suffering
When a dog’s tail is docked, it can experience a great deal of pain and suffering. This is because the procedure is often done without any anesthesia or pain relief.
Docking a dog’s tail can be very traumatic and can cause physical and psychological damage. In some cases, dogs may even develop behavioral problems as a result of having their tails docked.
Tail docking also carries the risk of infection and hemorrhaging. If not done properly, docking can lead to serious health complications for dogs.
Lack of Actual Benefits
Another potential disadvantage of tail docking is that there are very few, if any, actual benefits.
For guard dogs, the risk of injury may be slightly lowered, but this does not always justify the procedure. For other breeds, many argue that docking a dog’s tail serves no purpose other than aesthetics and does not provide any real advantages.
A study on tail injuries in dogs revealed that the incidence of tail injuries was very low regardless of the length of the tail — a measly 0.23%. This suggests that docking a dog’s tail does not necessarily reduce the risk of injury.
Unethical Treatment of Animals
Finally, some people view tail docking as an unethical and inhumane treatment of animals. This is because it causes unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal and can often be done without the dog’s consent or understanding of the procedure.
Dogs are sentient animals and deserve the right to have their tails intact, just as all other animals do. The majority of people believe that docking should not be done unless absolutely necessary and should never be done for purely cosmetic reasons.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should dock a Boykin Spaniel depends on why you are considering it. If you are looking for a dog to guard your property, docking can help reduce the risk of injury in some cases. However, if your intent is solely aesthetic, tail docking is not recommended.
Ultimately, it’s up to you as the owner to decide if tail docking is right for your pup. Weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision, and be sure to consult with your vet first.
