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Tail docking in dogs: why, when and for which breeds. The Science of Tail Docking

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting breed. Initially, the tails of such dogs were cut for safety: the dog’s long tail is easy to grab, bite, and thorns cling to it.

Why is the procedure performed?

Today docking is a tribute to the established breed standards. Owners and breeders do this for aesthetic reasons.

Proponents of docking also note that the breed's selection did not take into account the configuration of the tail, which was amputated anyway. Therefore, the tail may look strange, inharmonious, and upset the balance.

Opponents of docking, on the contrary, note that the tail is a natural “rudder”, a way of balancing the dog’s balance, and also a means of communication. The procedure is prohibited as inhumane in Australia and most European countries. International exhibitions prefer spaniels in their natural form. In the US and Canada, spaniels' tails are still more often cut. In Russia, this issue is decided by the owner.

If the dog is used for hunting, docking the spaniel's tail is often a justified measure. According to a 2014 study in Scotland, spaniels are particularly susceptible to injury during hunting. During the hunting season, 56.6% of dogs of this breed received tail injuries.

At the same time, trimming does not provide any particular benefits to domestic dogs. A study conducted in the UK in 2010 found that significant difference There is no difference in the injury rate of domestic dogs with docked and undocked tails.

The veterinarian may prescribe tail amputation if it serious damage– frostbite, multiple fracture, burn, oncology.

Contraindications

Cupping, if performed in early age, the procedure is quite simple. But it can only be carried out completely healthy dog with normal immunity. If the puppy shows any signs of illness, lethargy, poor appetite, elevated temperature body - the operation should be canceled or postponed until complete recovery.

Optimal timing

The earlier the operation is performed, the less painful it is for the dog and the faster it is forgotten.

It is considered optimal to trim the tails of blind puppies at the age of 3-5 days (no later than the 10th day). Then the operation is performed without anesthesia.

By the age of one and a half months, anesthesia is already necessary, otherwise pain shock will be too strong.

Adult dogs are rarely docked. It is advisable not to do this without medical indications. An adult dog needs general anesthesia. The risk of complications increases.

How to prepare your pet

Before surgery, it is advisable not to feed the puppy for several hours, especially if anesthesia is used (vomiting is possible).

If the operation is performed at home on small puppies, it is advisable to take their mother for a walk during this time.

How is the operation performed?

Some experienced breeders perform tail docking on spaniel puppies themselves. However, if there is no extensive experience, the participation of a veterinarian is necessary. Remember that we're talking about, albeit small, but still surgery. The veterinarian can come to your home or perform the procedure in the clinic.


During the operation the following are used:

  • surgical scissors, scalpel or blade;
  • antiseptic.

A five-day-old cocker spaniel is the size of your palm. He is placed on the table tummy down and pressed lightly. A tourniquet is applied to the base of the tail. The owner or clinic employee secures the animal. The doctor pulls the skin on the tail to the base, counts 4-5 vertebrae and trims it in one motion. This is done only with a sterile instrument.

Then the puppy is turned over on its back and the cut is treated with an antiseptic. After this, the puppy can be returned to its mother, she will lick the wound. The whole procedure takes no more than half an hour, including the preparation of instruments.

Older dogs are given anesthesia (local or general anesthesia, depending on age).

Stitches are placed on the wound. It is preferable if the seams are made with self-absorbing threads. The procedure takes longer because the anesthesia takes time to take effect.

Rehabilitation period

If the operation was performed on a blind puppy, no special care will not be required during the rehabilitation period. The mother licks the wounds and the tails heal well.

The wound is treated daily with chlorhexedine. You can use Levomekol ointment for healing.


No changes in diet are necessary.

Possible complications

Complications that may occur are bleeding, scarring of the cut, infection of the wound.

Bleeding and scarring are possible when the tail is cut on a dog that is too old. There are no such problems when docking blind puppies. To avoid them, contact a reputable veterinary clinic To to a good surgeon. The older the dog, the higher the risks.

Infection is possible if sterile conditions were not observed during the operation. This often happens when owners cut their puppies' tails themselves. When contacting good clinic this won't happen.

In case of complications, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Price

The price depends on the following factors:

  • the credibility of the clinic;
  • surgeon level;
  • age of the dog (the older, the more expensive).

On average, the procedure costs 300-1000 rubles.

From an aesthetic point of view, tail docking in dogs is justified - we are accustomed to a certain appearance of the breed, and many tailless pets really look neater. However, Russian dog breeders have a choice: the standards of most breeds, whose representatives previously always had their tails docked, today allow both options.

The tradition of cutting dogs' tails has been known since Ancient Rome. Then for some reason it was believed that the tailless animal did not suffer from rabies. The ears and tails of gladiator dogs were cropped for practical purposes: in a fight, the dogs often received injuries to “protruding” parts of the body, which then had to be treated for a long time and tediously. It’s easier and cheaper to cut it off right away than to pay for treatment in the future.

Hunting dog breeds with docked tails are also supposedly protected from frequent injuries. In a hole, the tail can be broken; in a pack, male dogs often fight; prey that does not want to die can pull the dog by the tail or ear. But why isn’t the tail of a northern dachshund docked, but a normal fox terrier’s tail must be cut off? It's simple: the tail of a dachshund favorably emphasizes its features - long, straight, continues the line of the back, while the tail of a compact terrier does not fit into the desired format. Or Caucasian and Central Asian Shepherd Dogs- guards, defenders, enemies of wolves and two-legged trespassers, similar in type, character, and even history of origin. But some with luxurious tails, and others with stumps.

In the 1990s, canine organizations in Europe decided to abandon docking as a useless and inhumane cosmetic operation. Everyone understood perfectly well why dogs have their tails docked, even when the puppies will clearly become pets and not guards or hunters. This is beneficial, because it is very difficult to get beautiful tails from offspring, especially when breeders have ignored this part of the dog’s body for decades. Through selection, the head shape, general format, paw placement and character were brought to the ideal, but not the tail, which had to be cut anyway. And there are also creases that put an end to a puppy’s career and significantly reduce its value. And if there is no tail, there are no problems.

In Russia, this ban does not apply, however, serious breeders have stopped docking the tails of dogs, since cutting off the tail is tantamount to a refusal of world recognition. Getting an ideal puppy of your own breeding from a kennel, and not having the opportunity to demonstrate the fruit of your labor in the homeland of cynology, is not just a blow to pride. This is pointless, because the breeder’s goal is to improve the breed and popularize it. And this is out of the question if the tail is cut off. In Europe it is prohibited to show such dogs, even if they were born in a country where docking is still practiced.

Read also: Chihuahua: pros and cons of the breed

Cutting cannot be left

Today, many nurseries offer puppies on pre-order, so the owner can decide for himself whether to cut his puppy’s tail or leave it in natural form. The breeder decides when it is possible to dock the dog’s tail, performs a simple operation himself or invites a dog handler/veterinarian, and takes care of the stump himself. The future owner will not see all this - the tail is cut off when the puppies are 3-5 days old. This is not too painful, since newborn puppies have an undeveloped nervous system. And it is relatively safe if aseptic and antiseptic measures are followed: tighten, cut, cauterize with potassium permanganate - that’s all. In terms of shock early trauma, stress also rarely produces consequences: the puppy is so small that he quickly forgets fear and pain.

If you have not yet decided on the breed and want to know which dog breeds have their tails docked, you will have to study all the standards: Pits and Staffies, Dobermans and Rottweilers, Asians, Boxers and Poodles, Spaniels and many others. Previously, all Yorkies had their tails cut off, but no longer. Many breeds refused docking voluntarily, understanding that in Russia this ban would sooner or later be introduced. And it’s better to “prepare” in advance so that you don’t feel ashamed of the crooked tails of puppies born from famous sires decorated with medals.

Life is not easy without a tail

From 1992 to 1996 independent studies were conducted that confirmed the previously repeatedly stated assumption: dogs without a tail are more likely to have problems with the musculoskeletal system. Why? It's simple: the tail is the steering wheel, it is the balance, without which the load on the muscles and bones is not distributed as nature intended.

Back in the 1980s, opponents of docking kept saying: “Look at which dogs have their tails docked?!” These are entirely aggressors, incapable of communicating with their fellow tribesmen. And regardless of size! Almost all dogs with cut off tails are excitable and problem breeds. Probably due to stress received at an early age." Of course this is nonsense. But propaganda gave zoologists the idea to analyze the behavior and assess the degree of socialization of tailed and tailless dogs. The results surprised few people - bob-tailed dogs are indeed more likely to grow up aggressive, take longer to get along with strangers (both fellow tribesmen and people), and more often have behavioral problems. After all, a dog talks with its tail, and by depriving the puppy of this part of the body, we deprive him of the opportunity to clearly show his emotions to us and his brothers. And this, especially if the owner is inexperienced, often leads to multiple problems with education.

According to current dog breed standards, about a third of four-legged friends require tail docking or ear docking, and sometimes both. Tail docking in dogs This is done only for aesthetic purposes to change the appearance of the pet. We can only hope that in the near future this medically unjustified intervention in the anatomy of a puppy’s immature body will be prohibited, similar to the ban on docking the same limb in horses, which was introduced in 1904. So many veterinary specialists speak out against surgical intervention into the structure of a male or female for the sake of external beauty. It’s not for nothing that nature came up with such an organ as the tail, which can be compared to the paw or nose of a pet. At the same time, it is not even worth considering the argument that a puppy at a young age is not affected by the docking procedure.

In addition to this organ, the pet’s ears are also cropped, and this action is more painful, since it is performed at a more later development of the individual - later than 8 weeks. Some organizations still independently prohibit ear cropping. Such organizations include the English Kennel Club, which has issued a decree banning ear cropping on all breeds of dogs.

Main age for tail docking in dogs

Most dog breeders disagree about the specific age of a puppy at which tail docking in a dog will cause less harm to the health of the pet. As a rule, if the individual is strong and healthy, then the operation is performed on the 3-5th day from birth. Moreover, at the same time there is surgical removal fifth finger, if there was such a congenital defect. However, other guardians of dog fashion are of the opinion that docking a dog’s tail is best done on the seventh day from birth. However, there is an opinion that the age of docking depends primarily on the breed of the animal, the latter’s ability to tolerate human intervention in its body, and on the length of this organ, which should remain after the intervention.

It follows that the shorter the tail, the slower the wound will heal and the more discomfort the human action will bring the puppy.

Determining the location of tail docking in dogs

Tail docking in dogs is not an easy procedure, as it is necessary to decide on the place for docking. A number of breeders do this procedure on their own, without applying for veterinary care. This raises the risks of cutting too much. Then the dog, even if it meets the breed standard, may not get to the exhibition. If “underdocked”, then the length can be controlled using the length of the hair at the end of this limb, thereby creating visually desired length. IN as a last resort, you can repeat the cupping operation later with more adult under local anesthesia.

Some specialists perform tail docking in dogs, as specified in the standards, on a specific vertebra. But there is a pitfall here - it is very difficult to determine the vertebrae on the tail - they are practically not palpable. Therefore, it is correct to determine the docking site for each breed based on its characteristics. Only a specialist in a specific breed, who has already carried out a single docking, can correctly find this place. Otherwise, the dog can be made unsuitable for exhibitions due to deviations from the breed standard. Of course, this operation should be carried out in the absence of the puppy's mother.

Main types of tail docking in dogs

This procedure can be performed using several methods:

Tight elastic method

The skin on the tail is pulled back to the beginning. This is very difficult to do in some breeds. The elastic is then wrapped tightly around a specific vertebra and tied.

Tight rubber band and cap method

The end of the pen cap (you can also use a tube with an internal diameter equal to the diameter of the tail) is wrapped tightly with an elastic band. The cap is placed on the tail and the elastic band is moved from the cap to the desired vertebra of the limb.

The advantage of both methods is the absence of bleeding and possible infections through open wound, since the blood supply to this part of the limb simply stops, and it dries out and dies. In addition, this does not bother the babies, just like the mother, who does not notice that something is happening wrong.

Cutting method

Tail docking in dogs involves cutting off part of it with a special tool - scissors, specially designed for this purpose. It is better to carry out the procedure with four hands - one holds, the other uses scissors. Tail pinched thumb in the required measured place and cut off. The surgical site is kept for a couple of minutes and then treated with antiseptic medications.

With this method, there is a risk of infection through the wound. At the same time, some specialists stitch the wound after cutting. In this case, of course, it is necessary to use an anesthetic, otherwise the puppy will be given a huge shock, which can affect the psychological state individuals. The wound usually heals very quickly and requires regular monitoring while it heals. A crust forms at the wound site, which disappears after about a month. It is advisable not to tear off the crust so as not to introduce an infection. Therefore it is necessary Take precautions when grooming your dog's coat .

After tail docking, the animal's immunity may decrease slightly. To make up for lost vital energy It is necessary to create a balanced diet for your dog .

The moral side of docking a dog's tail

Currently not scientifically proven positive impact on the four-legged organism of this procedure. From this we can conclude that this operation is only of an aesthetic nature, where appearance The owner of the animal leads to modern fashion, described in the standard of a particular breed. Of course, fashion comes from a person’s views on the world around us and the pet in general. The views that were once formed are still alive and, alas, in demand. And the justification for these views, scientific basis, unfortunately missing. Therefore, each owner determines for himself whether he needs this effect on his pet or not.

Tail docking has been around since the Roman Empire, when it was believed that this operation could prevent rabies. Later hunting dogs They began to cut off their tails so that they would not be injured by the bushes while hunting. Representatives of official and fighting breeds tails were shortened as much as possible vulnerabilities in case of a fight with wolves. Indeed, for many breeds this operation has lost its meaning a long time ago, and it is often possible to see a spaniel or rottweiler with long tail, many breeders still choose to dock them.

You will need

  • - scissors,
  • - medical alcohol,
  • – potassium permanganate in crystals,
  • – thread,
  • - rubber,
  • – newspapers or clear-colored rags

Instructions

1. The first and most commonly known method of tail docking is circumcision. This operation is performed when the puppies are an average of 5 days old, depending on the breed. For medium breeds, say, a cocker spaniel, it is best to have their tail trimmed at 4-5 days, puppies small breeds can wait a little longer - until the age of 5-7 days. But the representatives huge breeds, such as a Rottweiler, docking must be carried out no later than 2-3 days, otherwise the risk of blood loss, even death, is enormous.

2. Anesthesia or anesthesia is not required; at the age of several days, puppies are not yet too emotional about pain. In addition, the vertebrae have dense cartilage and the cut heals very quickly. But if for some reason the puppy was not docked before 10 days of age, then this procedure can only be performed under anesthesia and with sutures. But you will have to wait, since the dog is allowed to be given anesthesia no earlier than 3-6 months.

3. It is safer for everyone to call a veterinarian or an experienced breeder of this breed for circumcision. However, if you are confident in your abilities and are not afraid of the sight of blood, try it. This skill will be extremely useful if you are going to breed dogs continuously. You can contact a veterinarian for the first time, observe carefully what and how he will do, and then repeat what you saw on your own.

4. Before docking, send the mother dog for a walk or lock it in another room, the babies will squeak tea, and she will worry and try to protect the offspring. Disinfect the scissors with alcohol, you can boil them in advance. Be sure to soak your hands and table in alcohol too. Take one puppy at a time from the “nest” (the place where the bitch is with the puppies). You cannot cope with docking alone - someone needs to hold the puppy.

5. The puppy must be placed on the table with its back up, with its tail pointing towards the one who trims the tail. It should be held between the palms so that the torso and all limbs are fixed. Measure the required length, stretch the skin to the base of the tail to the limit. Hold the tail firmly between your thumb and index finger. Cut in one swift motion. Now the puppy needs to be turned upside down quickly. Fill the wound with alcohol and sprinkle with potassium permanganate crystals. Watch the puppy on the table for about 5 minutes to see if the tail is bleeding.

6. If everything is in order, then you can put the baby in a separate box, lined with newspapers or clear rags - if there is bleeding, you will immediately notice it. If the bleeding does not stop, then you need to tightly pull the remaining part of the tail closer to the wound with a thread. In case of bandaging, do not forget to carefully cut the thread after 2-3 hours. For greater safety, wounds can be sutured immediately. Later surgery Observe the puppies for 30 minutes, and then you can bravely put them back to their mother.

7. There is also a method of cupping with an elastic band. The rubber band is wrapped around the tail in the right place. You can also wrap it around a pen cap, insert the tail into it and move the elastic band to the required distance. The puppy should walk with it for 2-3 days. The blood supply to the tail slows down and stops; after a few days, the dead tip falls off on its own. This method canceled for those who are afraid of blood, and with this method there is virtually no chance of sepsis.

8. Before cutting, you should measure the required number of vertebrae - each breed has its own standard for the length of tail docking. True, veterinarians or inexperienced breeders often leave every 1-2 vertebrae. So, spaniels or a wire-haired pointer are left with a third of the tail length, a decorative poodle or Kerry blue terrier - half, and a Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher only 1-2 vertebrae.

Ear and tail docking is cosmetic surgery, which is given to dogs of certain breeds. The shape of the ear is determined by the standard established for the entire breed. Cupping, as usual, is carried out by veterinarians in veterinary clinics.

You will need

  • Special defensive collar, brilliant green, patch

Instructions

1. If you do not have special veterinary training, then first of all, find an excellent expert in this field, one who will perform ear and tail docking on your pet. If you take a dog from a breeder, then agree on docking with him. Many breeders have veterinary skills and do the docking themselves. Or they can recommend an experienced and trusted veterinarian.

2. Traditionally, tails are docked for puppies between 3 and 10 days of age, when susceptibility is minimal and tissue healing occurs very quickly. As usual, breeders do this. It is allowed to dock even at older ages. But this is done under anesthesia and with sutures. Therefore, take care of docking the tail in advance.

3. With the ears the situation is more serious. It is difficult to trim the ears of puppies in the first days of life, because it is difficult to predict the ratio of the proportions of the dog’s body and muzzle in the future. Therefore, ears are cropped at 2–3 months, usually 14 days after the first vaccination. Find an experienced veterinarian and arrange for the operation to be performed. Do not feed your dog for 8 hours before docking. Select the ear shape using a special stencil. The doctor will give the dog general anesthesia and trim the edge of the ear according to the selected stencil. Later, he will put stitches and wrap it with a bandage so that there is no bleeding. After the operation, put on a special protective collar for the dog so that it does not scratch its ears and does not cause damage to them. It can be made from cardboard. The animal will have to wear a collar for 7-10 days before the stitches are removed. Treat the edges of your pet's ear with brilliant green. If necessary, start putting your dog's ears back on the second day after surgery. Pull out your ear and wrap it with a bandage. Before removing the stitches, lightly massage and stretch the edge of the ear to avoid wrinkles. If any difficulties arise, please contact your veterinarian for advice.

Video on the topic

Pay attention!
If you crop a dog's ears after 3 months, scarring may occur and the edge of the ear will be uneven. Therefore, the operation must be done first.

Useful advice
In the first days later, the dog may experience cupping painful sensations. Consequently emotional dogs Painkillers are occasionally prescribed.

Tail docking is an aesthetic surgery designed to improve a dog's appearance. Despite the apparent simplicity of this procedure, you need to remember that any surgical involvement can lead to various kinds complications. Therefore, it is recommended to entrust this operation to professional veterinarians.

Instructions

1. Tail docking is done as usual, at the age of 1-7 days. IN this period The tail vertebrae of babies have dense cartilage and, as a result, wound healing occurs very quickly. In addition, it is generally accepted that the susceptibility of puppies at this time is still minimal and it is virtually unthinkable to cause them pain. If for one reason or another it was not possible to perform docking at this age, it is possible to carry out this procedure at an older age. In this case, the cupping operation is performed under general anesthesia and with sutures.

2. It should be remembered that tail docking must be done strictly between the vertebrae. An abnormally docked tail will disturb the dog. In addition, a poorly trimmed ponytail can easily look ugly.

3. Tail docking with an elastic band. This docking method is considered the least traumatic. It is based on the disruption of blood circulation in the puppy’s tail. Take a tight elastic band. Pull the skin as far as possible towards the root of the tail. Wrap the elastic band tightly around the desired tail vertebra. Within 2-3 days, the tip of the tail, without receiving blood flow, will dry out and die.

4. Cupping using an emasculator. Disinfect the instrument thoroughly. Have a helper restrain the puppy. Pull the skin on the tail towards the root. Firmly pinch the marked area and cut off the tip of the tail using special scissors - an emasculator. Hold the cut area clamped for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the wound with antiseptic powder. If the blood continues to flow, apply cotton wool soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the wound.

Pay attention!
In order to minimize the risk of complications associated with docking, it is recommended that this operation be performed in a veterinary hospital.

Useful advice
Before performing docking surgery, you need to make sure that your puppy is healthy. Any problems with the baby's health are contraindications for this procedure.

Occasionally you can see a fascinating hairstyle, where the leading role is played by a luxurious ponytail, but there are no accessories like elastic bands or hairpins. In order to make such a design on the head, there are special secrets.

Technology for making a ponytail without an elastic band

In reality, when creating a ponytail, it is very difficult to do without an elastic band, and the trick is that it is still present. It turns out that to create a hairstyle, first wash your hair and dry it thoroughly. After this, with the support of a comb, lift the entire hair upward: to the tier of the back of the head. Create a ponytail using a small elastic band. It must be truly tiny so that it can be easily disguised. You can use a thin elastic band for money. Now pull a strand from the ponytail and wrap it tightly around the ponytail. Tuck the end of your hair inside the elastic band or pin it with a bobby pin. Please note that you need to wrap your hair in such a way that it completely hides the elastic band. It is important to firmly fix the tip of the strand so that the hair does not unwind and expose the elastic. You can complicate the hairstyle a little if you braid a braid from the freed strand and wrap it around the ponytail. It is very important that the braid is straight and no hair sticks out of it. To do this, treat the strand with hair wax in advance. Or, when the braid is ready, spray it with hairspray. There is another special technology for making a hairstyle that is truly without an elastic band. In this case, gather your hair into a ponytail at the bottom, because a raised ponytail without an elastic band will simply not hold on. Separate a wide strand from your lower hair and wrap it around your entire hair. It is important to take the strand from below: under each head of hair. If you take a strand from the side and wrap it around your hair, it will distort your hairstyle. After wrapping, secure the end of the strand with a bobby pin under your hair. This will give you a ponytail without an elastic band. For comfort, spray hairspray with hairspray.

Where and how to wear this hairstyle?

A ponytail without an elastic band will be relevant both in the office and at a party. This hairstyle is especially suitable for creating a romantic look; it looks light, relaxed and extremely beautiful. It has glamor and rural appeal at the same time. Tea, when hair comes out of the ponytail, the hairstyle takes on a careless character. If you straighten your hair with an iron in advance, the tail will be quite severe and distinct: no unnecessary lines. You can pre-curl your hair with curlers, then the hairstyle will be truly chic due to its pomp and volume. Choose what you like best. For everyday life Hollywood actresses choose this hairstyle. Among them are Cher, Madonna, Brigitte Bardot. They may appear in public with a loose ponytail tied with a hair braid. A primitive tail looks beautiful and stylish, but does not require a lot of time to create. Wear a ponytail without an elastic band in combination with long, romantic floor-length dresses. So, you will look like a fairy sorceress or a girl from a fairy tale. Often by doing such a hairstyle, you will master its creation to perfection and, perhaps, add a couple of designer details. Rest assured that a hairstyle that you use your personal hair to secure will be a constant source of compliments.

Ear and tail docking in some dog breeds is performed for various purposes. For hunting dogs, say, a shaggy tail is a noticeable hindrance. The same applies to dogs of fighting and guard breeds, which are hampered by ears that are sensitive to pain and a long tail. Boxers belong to guard breeds and, according to the standard, the tail and ears must also be docked.

When do boxers' ears get cropped?

A Boxer's ears should be cropped as a puppy. Best option– period from 7 to 13 weeks. If you crop earlier, when the proportions of the muzzle have not yet changed, you can make a mistake with the length and shape of the ears. After 7 weeks, the shape of the Boxer's skull and muzzle is more fully formed, and blood vessels not yet as developed as adult dog, and the cartilage is more soft. If docking is done after 13 weeks, a noticeable scar may form or even scarring of the ear, deforming its shape. It is believed that before this age, surgery for a puppy is less traumatic and, in addition, it will not disrupt the schedule of mandatory vaccinations. But, if tail docking can still be done independently at home, ear docking, even if you are a surgeon, is best done in a specialized veterinary hospital . Before surgery, deworm your puppy and do not feed him 12 hours before surgery. Be diligent so that he is not extremely excited, do not bother your pet when going to the hospital.

Boxer ear cropping surgery

In itself, such an operation, if you have a special tool, is not very difficult. But it often happens that a dog’s ears have different thickness and density, and there are differences in set-up and turn-out. Therefore, it is important to find an experienced veterinarian so that he can correct the truly beautiful shape of the ears. Boxers, according to the standard, cropped ear must have acute form, and it should not be too short or wide. Don’t worry, the operation is painless and takes place under anesthesia, so there will be no special stress for the puppy. Having decided to dock, you must know that for several months the dog’s ears will have to be continuously treated, treated and glued, forming a positive ear position. Prepare any medicines and supplies you may need in advance. Buy solcoseryl jelly, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial powder at the pharmacy, alcohol solution levomiticin. You will also need analgin, diphenhydramine, voloserdin and dressings: sterile wipes, cotton-based adhesive plaster. Buy a post-operative collar for your dog that protects the ears. Immediately after the operation and a few days later, give the dog a few drops of voloserdin and diphenhydramine with analgin in order to calm it down and relieve painful sensations. The more she sleeps these days, the better. The sutures will need to be removed on the 10th day, during which time the dog must wear a post-operative collar. Regular treatment of stitches is a guarantee that they will heal quickly and there will be no adhesions.

Doberman Pinscher is one of the most graceful dog breeds. Long legs, toned body, pointy ears and an ideally courageous gaze - all these features do not leave anyone indifferent who has ever seen him. Distinctive feature Dobermanns throughout virtually every period of the breed's existence are considered docked tail and ears. However, in lately such a procedure causes large number disputes, both among experts and among the breeders themselves.

A little history

Docking tails and ears on dogs was common back in Ancient Rome. At that time, dog fighting was especially popular. The main purpose of docking was to give the animal additional invulnerability. Dogs with long ears and tails were more often injured and lost the fight. Some territorial exhibitions allow Dobermans with undocked ears to participate. However, at the international level, the rule of the main standard prevails. The Doberman is a breed that was bred in the 1860s not so much for fighting fights, but to provide faithful protection to the owner. The creator of the warrior was the German policeman and tax collector Friedrich Louis Dobermann. The civil servant constantly carried huge sums of money with him, and his main passion was dogs. For his own safety, he decides to make a new breed that could provide security for its owner at the highest level. For several years Friedrich crossed various breeds dogs. The Doberman's blood contains genes from Beaucerons, Pinschers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and English Greyhounds. From every variety of dog, this breed has taken the best features - endurance, aggression, strong character, short hair, long legs and ideal physique. Looking at the first results of the crossing, Friedrich decided to transform the new breed and from the very beginning of its existence introduced the rule - mandatory docking of the ears and tail.

Doberman breed standard

It is absolutely necessary to crop your Doberman's ears only if you want to participate with your pet in international exhibitions. A dog with a long tail and floppy ears will not be allowed past the first stage of the competition, even if it has perfect parameters. Please note that the Doberman's undocked ears are quite large in size. Dogs with cropped ears are less susceptible to cartilage fractures, ear diseases and require the slightest care. If you do not plan to make your pet a champion of the breed, then cropping is not considered an indispensable element. Moreover, in some countries this procedure is officially prohibited by law. Animal defenders are also energetic opponents of docking, considering it an abuse of pets.

Features of ear cropping

Please note that after docking, the shape of the Doberman's ears may differ from your expectations. Every dog ears become individual due to their different structure. It is quite difficult to put ears on a Doberman. The process itself consists of the fact that first the expert cuts off part of the cartilage along the ear, and after that, using a special glue, a special elastic bandage is applied to the cut site. Cupping should be done at an early age. After the operation, the puppy will need much more attention. The fact is that dogs’ ears during the healing process can cause them some discomfort. If the puppy removes the bandage, the wound will heal much longer. Moreover, the ear may become abnormal after untimely removal of the bandage or as a result of improper care. This factor can be decisive when assessing a dog at an exhibition.

The procedure for tail docking for dogs has been known since the times of the Great Roman Empire - then it was generally believed that this operation could prevent the spread of rabies. Over time, they began to cut the tails of hunting dogs so that they would not injure them on vegetation during the hunt. For working or fighting dog breeds, the tails were reduced as the most vulnerable parts of the body in the event of clashes with wolves. And although for many breeds this operation has long lost its meaning, and you can often find a spaniel or Rottweiler with natural tails, most breeders still prefer to dock them.

To dock your dog's tail you will need:

Scissors;

Medical alcohol;

Crystal potassium permanganate;

Rubber;

Paper or light-colored material.

Method of application.

The first and most famous way to dock a dog's tail is circumcision. This operation is carried out if the puppies are about five days old, depending on the breed of the pet. Regular breeds For example, for a cocker spaniel, it is recommended to cut their tails 4 days after birth; puppies of small breeds can wait a little longer - up to 5-7 days from birth. But the representatives large breeds Dogs like the Rottweiler must be docked no later than 2-3 days after birth, otherwise there is a huge risk of blood loss in the puppy, even death.

Anesthesia or anesthesia is not needed, since at such a young age puppies are not yet very sensitive to external pain. Moreover, the vertebrae have dense cartilage, and the operation site heals very quickly. But when, for some reason, the puppy was not docked before the age of 10 days, then this procedure it will be necessary to carry out only with the use of anesthesia and with the mandatory application of sutures. But here it’s worth waiting, because anesthesia can be given to a dog no earlier than 3-6 months of age.

It is best to call a veterinarian or a professional breeder of a certain breed for circumcision. However, when you are completely sure of own strength, and are not afraid of the color of the blood - dare to have the operation yourself. This skill will be especially important when you plan to further breed dogs, that is, constantly. In the first case, you can ask for help from veterinarian, carefully observe what will be done and how it will be done and repeat the actions yourself in the future.

Before you start docking, take the mother dog out for a walk or lock it in the next room, as the babies will cry, and she is worried and strives to protect the offspring. Disinfect scissors medical alcohol, it is allowed to boil them first. You also need to soak your hands and work surface in alcohol. Take only one puppy at a time from the “nest” (the place where the mother stays with the litter). You cannot cope with docking completely on your own - it requires someone to hold the puppy in their hands.

The puppy must be placed on the table with its back facing up, with its tail turned towards the person who is trimming it. You need to hold it between your palms, so that the torso and each limbs are completely grasped. Measure the required length, straighten the skin from the base of the tail to the limit. Keep your tail big and strong index fingers. Cut in one swift motion. After this, the puppy needs to quickly turn his tummy up. Pour alcohol onto the wound and sprinkle with potassium permanganate crystals. Watch the puppy on the work surface for about 5 minutes to see if the tail has started bleeding.

  • When everything is normal, you can send the puppy to another box, lined with newspapers or light-colored rags - when bleeding starts, you will see it immediately. When the bleeding does not stop, you should powerfully pull the base of the tail with a tight thread. If you did tie it, do not forget to carefully trim the thread after 2-3 hours. To be more confident, you can start suturing the wound. After surgery, watch the puppies for about an hour, and then you can freely put them back with their mother.

There is also a way of cupping using an elastic band. The rubber band is wrapped around the tail at the cut point. It is also possible to fix it on a pen cap, put a tail on it and move the elastic band to the desired distance. With such a device, the puppy needs to walk for 2-3 days. The blood supply to the limb slows down and stops altogether; after a few days, the dead tip falls off on its own. This method Suitable for those who cannot tolerate blood, especially since with this method there is almost no chance of sepsis.