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elptb · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:51 pm Post subject: How important is a docked tail?

Do any of you work GWPs with undocked tails, or know of anyone who does?
Do you find they damage easily as can happen with Springers, or is it less of an issue?
On a less important note, what do you think of the way an undocked tail looks on a GWP?
Any info and opinions appreciated!
Thanks,

Emma

countrygirl · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 11:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Emma,

both my wires are docked and worked and my new pup due in a month will also be docked, I have no experiance of anyone working an undocked one although the was a dog worked and placed in field trials who was undocked.
My personal opinion is I dont like the look of tails and as long as I have the choice to have one without I will as I dont show much so wont be put off by the fact that you cant enter all shows.

Caz
_________________
NOB'S do it in the field!!!!!!!!!

tashap · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 688 **Breed:**

i've done both with weimaraners and to be honest I used to be in the camp of only having a docked tail but after having used a dog throughout last season that is complete with tail and dew claws I have to be honest I have completely changed my mind. There is still the possibility of injury but I think that can be said of any part of the dogs body.

My litter of pups were completely let down by our vet so mine are intact and complete as their sire is so it will be interesting to see if there are any tail injuries and the reason for them. On the continent alot of the dogs are left intact.

Helen · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

I would NEVER have an undocked springer - been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I think until I hear/see any evidence of hpr's damaging tails, I will be on the fence. I was and am against the ban and did my bit but I'm certainly not anti-tails on gwp's as much as I am with spaniels.

Helen

BritAnnie · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject:

BritAnnie · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

I can't edit the above but in addition to changing the look of the breed for the worse it also changes the movement, as the dog uses the tail for balance. Our breed has its own special stilted moivement and I noticed the dogs with tails with no exceptions did not have that and moved like setteres instead. Bang goes the breed standard clause -

tashap · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 688 **Breed:**

wouldn't that indicate though that the movement might have been wrong in the first place?? Do you think it will change the breed??

I have to say I do find it interesting the differences between dogs with and without a tail when the norm is without, its hard to tell from just one dog though because each is individual but I did find that Graf was far more agile than bonnie who is without her tail, he seemed to be able to use his tail to change direction mid air. Now I don't know if that is down to the dog or down to the use of a tail?????

BritAnnie · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

Lisa · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

This is a very difficult subject and will never be agreed on. I have a long tailed weim and as far as I know (judged in the ring) his movement has not suffered at all due to his tail. I'm neither for or against the tail docking and as many, I have taken time to get used to them.

As we have only just started gundog training with him we have yet to see if his tail will get damaged. There are many european weims that have been worked and shown with their tails and have gone on to become Champions.

Yes, you do get the odd tail that is a little too curly and not in proportion to the body Sad

but luckily Blu's is carried well and does not look out of place to the rest of him.

Sorry, I know this post was about GWP but just wanted to add my say too Very Happy

_________________
Lisa, Blu and Emmy
www.verwegen.co.uk

windem bang · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

I think we can all agree that we will never all agree on this one. I was not in favour of the ban on docking but in the case of H.P.R.'s I don't think having a full length tail causes them problems while working. My old girl , a G.S.P.,first went picking up at age 8 months, she is now ten years. She is out every week of the shooting season picking up under all conditions of ground and ground cover. Not once has there been any trouble with her tail which is full length. She is one of those very excitable dogs that bounces up and down wanting to retrieve at shoots and she lashes her tail like a fury - but still no damage !

Personally I like the look of G.S..P.'s and other similarly sized and shaped H.P.R. 's with their tails docked......... but just to be awkward I prefer the look of Brittanies with their tails full length! Rolling Eyes

The full length tail is not an impediment to any of our breeds for work. It really boils down to what you think they look like.

I don't think we've got a leg to stand on if we have to argue our case again to remove the docking ban for our breeds.

Bill T.