Full Natural Tails

History and Background

In the US, poodles’ tails we have seen in the past are often docked. AKC and other conformation poodle champions wear a huge hairdo and a docked tail. But is this a scientifically and medically supported vision of the breed or a cosmetic one that we are used to simply because we only see natural tails sporadically? AKC conformation rings do produce natural tailed (undocked) poodle champions. The first link on European Union’s Animal Welfare bill explores arguments for and against docking tails (and cropping ears) and concluded that cosmetic tail-docking has no scientific basis. The general global trend is to ban all docked-tailed and cropped-eared breeds to compete in any public events including dog shows or to be imported. European unions have been promoting natural tails and natural ears for over two decades. In the photos from the recent Crufts show in UK (Link #3), you see only natural full tailed dogs and non-cropped ears in the ring.

Typical argument for promoting natural tails:

1. Dogs use tails for balancing in jumping and running and natural tails are functional. (This is especially critical for agility and flyball dogs.) See Link#1 for its scientific support.

2 Cosmetic docking is cruel to the animals.

Typical argument for allowing docked tails:

1. Tail injuries can occur especially with hunting and field dogs unless docked. (UK allows exemptions for a handful of hunting breeds)

2. Unsanitary with fecal matters sticking to the tail. But this was scientifically defeated by Link #1. Tail hair can be trimmed near the rear end.

You may say, “But natural tailed poodles look strange…”

We used to think chickens raised with antibiotics and growth hormone were the only choice because only those were available in stores. Now supported by the health conscious consumers, farmers are making organically raised chickens without antibiotics or growth hormones. How about wheat and corns? The only wheat and corns in the decades ago were sprayed with DDT, a carcinogen and an insecticide. We were forced to ask for an alternative healthy method to control insects after the scientific research studies revealed what damage DDT has caused to humans and to the environment. The more we made progress in scientific and medical research fields, the more we questioned our conventional approach and demanded natural and healthier alternatives. This progression did not happen overnight but the change in the public perception and demand as to what is “normal looking” has forced the farmers. Similarly, what puppy buyers consider as “normal looking” poodles will eventually promote natural tailed poodles as the main stream. Breeders need encouragement that puppy buyers accept and prefer natural tails. The docked tail ban has a global momentum and now it has reached the USA in that the “board” that certifies all veterinarians in the US has taken the stance that they discourage any cosmetic cropping/docking which serves no medical or preventive purposes. Isn’t it time to re-think what is healthy and functional for your beloved poodle puppy? Also read below regarding front dewclaws.

Links: Link#1 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/awbillconsulttaildocking.pdf

(cosmetic tail-docking, e.g., poodles, does not have a scientific basis, EU incl. UK)

Link #2 http://www.cdb.org/euro.htm (European countries, Australia as of 2002)

Link #3 http://www.animal-law.biz/talk.php?id=20 (UK; some exemptions for hunting dogs but poodles are not in this exemption)

Intact Front Dewclaws

Many European countries are also discouraging a surgical removal of front dewclaws, as they are the dog’s thumbs. Just as their tails are the extension of their spine, front dewclaws are human equivalent of thumbs. You may say the dogs do not use them but experts in dog sports disagree. Dogs reportedly use front dewclaws for stability at landing and cornering in tunnels, for example. If you are to buy a puppy from Germany, your pup will have a full natural tail and intact front dewclaws. There has been no outcry of dewclaw accidents reported in Germany.

The front dewclaws may increase stability and reduce onset of carpal arthritis by preventing torque on the leg, according to Dr. Chris Zink, DVM, Ph.D. (Link#4). There are five tendons attaching the front dewclaw to five muscle clusters. The dewclaw comes into contact with the ground as the dog runs and makes turns. While the rear dewclaws are either non-existent or non-functional in most breeds, this is not true of the front dewclaws. When the front dewclaw is removed, not only the nail is removed but the connection to the muscle clusters is lost. Dr. Zink reported a higher incidence of carpal arthritis (29 cases out of 30), a chronic painful condition, among dogs whose front dewclaws have been removed. She suspected that this may be because the pressure of torque has not been stabilized by the front dewclaw-tendon-muscle cluster.

Some buyers may worry that the dog’s dewclaws get caught in shrubs and get torn. But for non hunting dogs, this is not a problem especially if the nails are kept trimmed routinely just as any other nails need to be trimmed. Some other owners may worry that trimming nails of the dewclaws is very difficult and maybe painful to the dog. But using a portable, battery-operated grinder such as a Dremel-type grinder, some of which comes with a rechargeable unit makes this task easy, fast, and pain free. The groomers have to be informed of the intact dewclaws when the dogs are bathed and clipped.

Isn’t it time to re-think what is healthy, functional and “normal looking” for your beloved poodle puppy?

Link#4: http://www.jandemellobordercollie.com/DewClaws.htm

***********************

Above information packet written by Lynne Edwards, Ph.D. (11/30/2008)

AVMA policy and their press release are directly from the AVMA. Other statements and information are collected and their sources are noted. The opinion expressed is that of the author.