Do Cocker Spaniels Have Tails? [Answered]

Adult Cocker spaniels with very short stumps where you would ordinarily expect to see a tail have been spotted at dog shows or from show related breeders.

Obviously, you’re wondering if Cocker spaniels have tails.

Yes, all Cocker spaniels are born with tails that are full length and similar to those found on other dogs.

Adult Cocker spaniels’ tails are docked to make them shorter, which explains why they have varying lengths.

When Cocker spaniels are 3 to 5 days old, their tails are usually docked.

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Why do they shave the tails of cocker spaniels?

Is it possible to dock a spaniel’s tail?

Cocker Spaniels with docked tails, in particular, have been a part of the American fabric since 1881, and we must educate the general public that, when done properly by a veterinarian, tail docking of young puppies is a very safe and humane surgery that is not cosmetic.

Are Cocker spaniels known for their long tails?

Cocker spaniels have full-length long tails when they are born.

Many spaniels, including Cockers, have their tails docked when they are young, leading some to question if they have tails at all.

Why are the tails of cocker spaniels docked?

Tail docking is a popular practice in Cocker spaniels and various other spaniel breed, and it is done for two reasons.

The first is to keep the dog safe while he is working.

Anyone who has witnessed a working cocker looking for game knows how much they wag their tails.

A spaniel’s work is done primarily in heavy cover, which can range from long grass to brambles, bracken, fallen trees, and a variety of other habitats that might conceal wildlife.

Spaniels’ tails whack against this cover with enormous power, potentially damaging the tail.

I’ve seen some horrific tail injuries on undocked spaniels as a result of this in the past, some of which never fully recovered.

These are sometimes accompanied by significant blood loss, and I’ve seen light-colored spaniels become scarlet at the conclusion of a day’s labor as a result of tail injuries.

The second motive is for the sake of appearances or to adhere to the breed standard, which is frequent among dog show breeders.

Should the tail of a Cocker spaniel be docked?

This is an issue that has been debated for a long time, and there are many different points of view.

Tail docking is absolutely justified for a working Cocker spaniel.

Spaniels can sustain horrific tail injuries while working, and the chance of harm is substantially decreased when the tail is docked.

But, docked properly and to the correct length, which we’ll discuss shortly.

It’s conceivable that individuals would find this distasteful and unneeded in the case of dog shows or conforming to norms or appearances.

People, like most things, have the ability to make decisions, and I believe that if it promotes the dog’s health and well-being, it is a good justification.

Why are the tails of springer spaniels docked?

Spaniels were bred to flush birds out of dense cover.

To avoid serious harm in the field, the tail was docked (which disrupts the hunt and is much more dangerous to a dog far from veterinary care than a properly done docking as a pup).

Is the tail of an English cocker spaniel docked?

The tail is placed on to correspond to the croup and might be docked or natural.

Tail is borne horizontally, an extension of the croup, and is in continual motion as the dog is moving.

The tail may be lifted higher when the dog is excited, but not gaily.

How long should the tail of a Cocker spaniel be docked?

Only the terminal quarter of a spaniel’s tail should be removed, as it should be docked to three quarters of its original length.

A dog’s tail is a crucial part of his or her personality, and docking a Cocker’s tail any shorter is both unneeded and unethical.

The very short tail dock seen on certain spaniels, when the tail is almost completely eliminated and only a short stump remains, is unnecessary and serves no purpose or utility.

Is docking a dog’s tail cruel?

When a Cocker spaniel is 3 to 4 days old, his tail is usually docked.

The treatment will most likely be carried out by a veterinarian, and the puppy will recuperate fast.

Docking a dog’s tail later in life, when the dog is older, could cause discomfort and agony, which would be unpleasant for any dog, which is why it is done at such a young age.

Docking a spaniel’s tail while he’s young is significantly less cruel than having to operate on him as an adult due to tail injuries.

Is it possible for a puppy to die after having its tail docked?

Some puppies, notably Cocker spaniels, have died as a result of tail docking, but this has usually occurred in the early stages, not long after the treatment.

Many of these incidents have occurred as a result of the technique being carried out by unqualified personnel who have failed to carry it out effectively.

If you have a litter of puppies that needs to be docked, you should always have it done by a veterinarian.

It is unlawful in some nations to do it any other way.

Is it possible to dock a dog’s tail at the age of two?

The only time you should dock an adult dog’s tail is if the dog has been injured.

This would only be done on your veterinarian’s advice and as a last resort.

The procedure would have to be carried out by a trained veterinarian while the dog was sleeping.

Conclusion

Is it true that Cocker spaniels have tails?

They do, in fact.

Many Cockers’ tails have been docked to extremely short lengths for the goal of breed conformity, thus the question is understandable.

Others have their tails docked to protect themselves from damage while working.

Whether you agree or disagree with docking, Cocker spaniels have tails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)