THE TALE OF THE TAIL:

                                                            And why we leave our puppies undocked

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Most Aussies of all sizes are born with tails. Some, like our female charlie are born with with "bob" tails that can be very short, medium short, 3/4 or nearly full length. Most are born with long tails that are full and beautiful.  Some have straight tails and some have tails that curve over their backs. 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.  

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, and we at Little Bear Paws believe that we should leave these majestic dogs as they were created. 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 at Little Bear Paws believe that dogs should get to keep the tails they were born with, and as such we choose not to dock the puppies which come from our kennel.  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 tails just because they have been cut off for generations out of fashion and breed recognition.  

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/