As a working breed, the Boxer's altered short tail was beneficial as it was believed it helped them to run faster and put them at less risk of attack from the large animals they were capturing or cornering.
Historical Tradition: Tail docking has been a traditional practice in many breeds, including Boxers. Historically, it was believed to prevent injury when dogs were used for hunting or working.
Boxer puppies are not naturally born without a tail. Some Boxers have their tails docked shortly after birth as part of a breeding practice. Tail docking is a common practice for certain breeds, including Boxers, for aesthetic reasons or to avoid potential tail injuries.
Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the animal's speed, and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting, and baiting. Tail docking is done in modern times either for prophylactic, therapeutic, cosmetic purposes, and/or to prevent injury.
While some veterinarians may be willing to do the procedure, the American Veterinary Medical Association opposes cosmetic tail docking and recommends removing tail docking from breed standards. Tail docking is very painful for dogs.
Q: Is tail docking painful? A: Tail docking is painful. The intensity or duration of the pain under ideal or typical circumstances is difficult to quantify.
If you're a veterinarian and you use anesthesia, you can perform a “tail dock,” but only after twelve weeks. In between the fifth day and twelfth week, tail docking may only be performed by a licensed veterinarian and only if it is deemed medically necessary.
Traditionally, a Rottweiler's tail was docked (cut short) so it would not get in the way when the dog performed certain tasks, such as pulling a cart. If a working dog's tail is docked, it cannot get caught in something or be stepped on. Tails are also docked for visual appeal and home safety.
Cropped ears were thought to make dogs look more intimidating in the ring and reduce the risk of ear injuries. These days, we've thankfully moved past the era of dog fighting, but the legacy of ear cropping as a style choice stuck around. It morphed from a necessity to a trend, especially in breeds like pitbulls.
Dog breeds whose tails must be docked to meet the AKC breed standard include the Doberman Pinscher, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Miniature Schnauzer.
The Boxer is considered a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, however, like all purebred dogs, Boxers can be predisposed to several health conditions such as: Heart conditions. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) Hypothyroidism.
Boxers are highly intelligent, but can become bored with repetition. They tend to have a mind of their own and are excellent problem solvers. Not always tolerant of other dogs of the same sex, most Boxers of opposite sexes enjoy each other's company.
Happy Tail Syndrome occurs when a dog repeatedly wags its tail so hard that it hits objects, causing injuries. This condition is most common in larger breeds with strong, muscular tails, like Labradors and Great Danes.
Although boxers are not typically an aggressive breed, their enthusiasm and forwardness can escalate into reactive behavior or can trigger undesired responses from other dogs who do not understand them. Boxers are strong, can be stubborn, and can pull hard on their leash if they want something!
In simple terms, "happy tail syndrome" occurs when dogs wag their tails so vigorously that it causes injuries. Despite its cheerful name, this syndrome can be quite painful and range from minor bruises to severe tissue damage. Often, it results in the tip of their tail becoming dry and cracked, leading to bleeding.
The typical Boxer lifespan is 10–12 years. They are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, meaning that—along with the health issues listed below—they are prone to overheating and breathing issues.
Cocker Spaniel
Both the English and American Cocker Spaniel breeds sport adorable floppy ears alongside wavy hair. The American Cocker Spaniel has a compact, domed head with deep set eyes.
Cropping doesn't benefit the dog in any way and can actually be detrimental to their health, behaviour and welfare. The procedure is usually carried out for purely aesthetic or cosmetic reasons often because the owner wants to achieve a particular 'look'.
The purpose of docking
The original purpose of tail docking was to prevent damage to the ends of working dogs' tails. The owners of hunting dogs discovered that the adult dog was less likely to injure its tail at work, if the end of the tail was removed soon after birth.
Tail docking is banned - except for certain working dogs or medical purposes. Tail docking can only be performed by a veterinary surgeon (at their discretion) and they must certify that they have seen evidence that the dog is likely to work in specified areas and is of a specified working type.
Protective Qualities
Unfortunately, Rottweilers can get a bad reputation when owners are not responsible. Without proper training and correction, this protective trait can lead the dog to act in an undesirable or dangerous way, resulting in dog attacks.
The Doberman tail is particularly thinner and susceptible to painful breaking or damage just from every day wear/use. Docking the tail prevents later on serious injury or damage.
In nations and states where it remains legal, it is usually practiced because it is required as part of a breed standard for exhibition at dog shows. In the US, although tail-docking, dewclaw removal, and neutering procedures remain common, ear-cropping is declining, except within the dog show industry.
The procedure is outlawed as a form of mutilation in the United Kingdom and all countries that have signed the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. In the United States, devocalization is illegal in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Warwick, Rhode Island.
DECLAWING IS NOT LIKE A MANICURE.
Declawing is the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.