Why Do they Cut Boxer Tail Off?
Boxers are a type of dog known for having an unusual look. They have short, tightly-cropped tails that wave when they move. This means that these dogs have been bred to have their tails deliberately docked, or cut off. So why do breeders cut tails off of boxers? Let’s take a look.
History
Docking a boxer’s tail goes back centuries. It was originally done to protect the dog from injury during fights that were common in the 1800s. It was thought that a docked tail would be more difficult for an opponent to grab, thus reducing the chances of being severely hurt. Although dogfighting is now illegal, the practice of docking boxer tails has seen a resurgence.
Aesthetic
The American Kennel Club, which regulates dog breeds, lists docking as a standard procedure for boxers. The breeder or veterinarian performing the procedure must make sure that the tail is cut off at the proper angle, according to AKC standards. This ensures that the new look is aesthetically pleasing and adheres to the club’s measurement guidelines. Other reasons cited for docking include hygiene, as having a docked tail can reduce the occurrence of certain medical conditions that might otherwise develop in the tail.
Controversy
Docking boxer tails is a heavily debated practice, as it is one of the few cosmetic alterations allowed by the AKC. Many animal welfare organizations have voiced their concerns, believing that the procedure is unnecessary, particularly when done without medical reasons. There is also the potential for the tail to become permanently damaged if not performed correctly by a qualified professional.
Current regulations state that tails should only be docked in puppies that are less than three days old. That being said, there is still much debate surrounding the practice, both in the US and other countries. As such, the law on tail docking can vary from state to state.
Conclusion
The practice of docking boxer tails goes back centuries. It was initially done to protect the dog from injury during fights. Today, most breeders will dock their puppies’ tails for aesthetic reasons and for hygiene, although there is much debate surrounding the practice. In the end, it is really up to the dog’s owner to decide whether or not tail docking is an appropriate decision for their boxer.
1. Why do some boxers have their tails docked?
Boxers are often born with tails that can be relatively short, or they may have long tails that can curl up over their backs causing skin irritation or trauma. Tail docking is a procedure that removes part or all of a boxers tail to reduce the potential for skin irritation and injury. It is also considered an aesthetic choice for some owners, as a docked tail is considered more ‘traditional’ for the breed.
4. Are there any long term health effects for boxers whose tails were docked?
No. Tail docking does not produce any long-term health effects for boxers. The practice is simply cosmetic in nature and does not interfere with the boxer’s physical health.