Yes, while there was a tax on the tails length it was also thought by the romans to cure rabies. That isn't the reason it is still done today. A number of gundog breeds hunt game through heavy vegetation and thick brambles, where their fast tails can easily be torn and ripped up which is painful and extremely difficult to treat, I've had to bring a few of these to the ER vet after a hunting trip. Docking the end of the tail eliminates the risk of injury. Working terriers are docked for the same reason.The terriers which are bred to hunt below ground for purposes such as vermin control, have their tails docked to a length that allows working in a confined space and doesn't allow for vermin to grab it. Many other non-working breeds also have an enthusiastic tail action with little protection, like the Boxer and Doberman. Such breeds are also liable to damage their tails, even in the home and often have to get them docked later in life after an accident happens. Long haired, thick coated breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Old English Sheepdog are docked to avoid the hair around the base of the tail becoming fouled by feces. Even with constant grooming and washing, it still is unpleasant. If allowed to get out of hand, it can lead to severe problems of hygiene, or even flystrike and infestation by maggots. Hygiene problems can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether by docking.
Cropping however was to protect the ears from being ripped off in the event of a fight or attack. Also a guard dog having the ears cropped to stand upright allowed for increased sound localization. It also helps ward off ear infections by allowing air to circulate in the ear.
I do like to think that I am a middle of the fence. I promote correct breeding and adoption if applicable. I think if you don't know what you are doing, don't breed. Hell, you shoudn't even get a dog if you don't at least have a clue on what you are doing. I've had as many rescues as the dogs I've breed. Right now I have 2 dogs that I have breed, Kona and Chloe, one I bought, Kratos and four that I rescued, Jersey, Meatball, Isis and Jinx. I am definitely not just a pro-breeder at all.
and hope he will never damage it
) It took probably a year before it didn't bleed anymore when she whacked it on the wall.
We think he had it since he was born
)
), quite honestly I've never seen a puppy in any of the many pet shops I've visited in my area though once I saw puppies in Harrods in London and once we found out (through a found dog) that there is a local breeder of multiple litters who moved leaving a false forwarding address (they got found but sadly that meant they got their dog back) ... all the same I was kind of shocked to know that there are over 80 licensed (we actually LICENSE this kind of abuse!?) and a similar number unlicensed puppy farms/mills operating in Carmarthenshire in Wales.
.... awe i hope more people will sign it