We promote Aussies with natural tails or natural bob tails!
Pictured above are "Dusty" and "Ace". Both are registered ASDR toy aussies and both have long full glorious tails! Most Aussies of all sizes are born with tails. Some are born with "bob" tails that can be very short, medium short, 3/4 or nearly full length. Most are born with long tails like those that Dusty and Ace are adorned with. And aren't they beautiful? Some have straight tails and some have tails that curve over their backs. We see a lot of different and glorious aussie tails at flyball tournaments. Flyball folk believe that dogs NEED their tails for balance in turns and to support and strengthen their hind quarters. Although "taillessness" is an identifier for the breed it is an artificial one because Aussies have their tails "docked" or cut off at three days of age either by a vet or by the breeder. This mutilation is done with no anesthetic and no pain medication. We are looking forward to the day when this kind of brutality is no longer tolerated by those shopping for a puppy. A small percentage are born with no tail at all. Most breeders do not use natural bob tails in their breeding programs. We do use "Bobby" our natural bob so we get some natural no tail or short tail pups for those who prefer that look but want to avoid getting a mutilated dog to acheive that look.
In ancient times, dogs tails were docked (cut off) because they thought it prevented rabies. Later, they were docked to identify the dog as a "working" dog to avoid paying a tax. In modern times the ONLY reason their tails are cut off is tradition and fashion. Dogs tails have many functions. For instance, they use them to communicate mood and social status to other dogs. They also use them for balance when turning, jumping and running and as rudders when swimming. They also use them for warmth. Have you ever noticed a dog curled in a tight ball with his tail over his nose?
We believe that dogs should get to keep the tails they were born with, be it no tail, short bob, medium bob or full tail. Unfortunately, in some registries Aussies cannot be shown with a natural tail, unless it is under 4" in standards and under 3" in minis. We are hoping to see that change one day. For now, we would prefer to leave the dog with the tail he or she was born with. Fortunately the ASDR allows long tails and you can show your Aussie in ASDR shows with their tails left on. (Update: We have shown Lil Nicky at AKC matches and he was well recieved with his full tail! One judge just gushed over him and even had to come visit him after judging was over!)
Here is a link to an article about the practice of tail docking in Aussies. It is your personal choice. We do not judge what anyone is doing with their Aussies either way. It just seems sad in this day and age to deprive dogs of their body parts and to subject them to painful mutilation just because they have been cut off for generations out of fashion and breed recognition. Check out Ozzie, Lola (natural bob tail puppy) Hermes, Ace, Tebo, Bounce, Mali, Dusty and Rowdy and their beautiful, happy, natural tails! Here is a link to an article about the practice of docking tails.
http://allaboutaussies.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/why-are-aussie%E2%80%99s-tails-docked/
In ancient times, dogs tails were docked (cut off) because they thought it prevented rabies. Later, they were docked to identify the dog as a "working" dog to avoid paying a tax. In modern times the ONLY reason their tails are cut off is tradition and fashion. Dogs tails have many functions. For instance, they use them to communicate mood and social status to other dogs. They also use them for balance when turning, jumping and running and as rudders when swimming. They also use them for warmth. Have you ever noticed a dog curled in a tight ball with his tail over his nose?
We believe that dogs should get to keep the tails they were born with, be it no tail, short bob, medium bob or full tail. Unfortunately, in some registries Aussies cannot be shown with a natural tail, unless it is under 4" in standards and under 3" in minis. We are hoping to see that change one day. For now, we would prefer to leave the dog with the tail he or she was born with. Fortunately the ASDR allows long tails and you can show your Aussie in ASDR shows with their tails left on. (Update: We have shown Lil Nicky at AKC matches and he was well recieved with his full tail! One judge just gushed over him and even had to come visit him after judging was over!)
Here is a link to an article about the practice of tail docking in Aussies. It is your personal choice. We do not judge what anyone is doing with their Aussies either way. It just seems sad in this day and age to deprive dogs of their body parts and to subject them to painful mutilation just because they have been cut off for generations out of fashion and breed recognition. Check out Ozzie, Lola (natural bob tail puppy) Hermes, Ace, Tebo, Bounce, Mali, Dusty and Rowdy and their beautiful, happy, natural tails! Here is a link to an article about the practice of docking tails.
http://allaboutaussies.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/why-are-aussie%E2%80%99s-tails-docked/
Trixie and Shep were a winning combination. Here is one of their sons "Bandit". Trixie is now retired and living the good life with our friend, Jessica.
"Ace" pictured left, is from our dogs, Trixie and Shep, He has a glorious, long full tail. I can't picture him without one! Thanks Rhonda for sending in the photo of your beautiful boy.
"Tebo" is also from our dogs, Trixie and Shep. Why on earth would you cut off his tail?!?
"Bertha Bounce" is also from Trixie and Shep. She has her mother's smile and her fathers rich tri color coat. A winning combination topped off by a flashy, full black and white tail. She is living the life on the outer banks of North Carolina. Thanks Randi for sending this picture of your beautiful girl.
Mali is not from our breeding. She is a "parti" colored mini aussie with a long beautiful tail. She belongs to a good friend of ours.
This beautiful boy is "Rowdy". Thanks April, for sharing this picture of your handsome long tailed boy! Rowdy is not from our breeding.