Why are tails docked?
Many Aussie tails are naturally bobbed (NBTs). NBTs can come in almost any length. Natural tails (long tails) taper at the end, whereas NBTs stop short at a stub or “bob”. Those dogs with long NBTs or with natural tails are most often docked. Probably the most popular reason for short tails is due to working. Tails have a different coat texture and are more prone to collect burrs when working in dense brush. These burrs, if left untended, can cause extreme pain and irritation to the dog. Also, there have been many undocumented cases of tails being broken from cattle stepping on them and gates being slammed shut on them. Another reason cited is that the short tail is a “signature,” or recognizable characteristic, of the breed. The breed standard calls for a tail less than four inches long. Docking tails lends to consistency and type within the breed. Regardless of your views on tail docking, please visit The Council of Docked Breeds at http://www.cdb.org/index.htm.
