Australian Shepherd Behavior Concerns. Even if your Shepherd genetics allow it to avoid tail matting, their longer curly tail may cover more of their rear. But what about docking their tails? Tail docking is an age-old practice that dates back to the Ancient Roman Empire. Pine Spring Australian Shepherds is a breeder on a farm in Central Virginia. Most of the time, you wind up having to cut the curly hair out because you cant detangle the knots. If not, the procedure is postponed until the dog is 8-12 weeks old, and general anesthesia may be necessary to control pain, induce unconsciousness, and aid in muscle relaxation. He does love our WI winters and sometimes doesn't want to come in. An Australian's tail is a glorious thing and those that are docked can't even wag their happiness! People in the lower classes followed suit to avoid paying taxes. WE ARE COMPENSATED FOR REFERRING TRAFFIC. #1 Make a surgical cut with special shears about 2-3 inches below the base of the tail. My Dog Sounds Like He Has a Hairball: Heres What to Do! Based in the USA, but worldwide welcome! Because of their intelligence, agility, and size, Australian Shepherds can fulfill many roles. The answer, in a word, is CUSTOM. (No hip scores, no eye checks. Also, many parts of the world have striven to make tail docking illegal, including: Surprisingly, the US does not ban or restrict tail docking at all in dogs. So the tail tapers as the vertebrae get smaller towards the tail. After years of working with other breeds, she decided to focus on Australian Shepherds again. The former prohibits tail docking of dogs less than five days old, while in Maryland, only vets can perform the procedure and must use anesthesia. A few puppies are sold on full registration for serious show or breeding homes. ), Australian Shepherds Good With Kids? Their long natural tails do require more maintenance because the long fur on them can get knots and matted like the rest of their coat. And since guard dogs would be seized by the tail, cutting them off made the tails have a more manageable length. The club explains that the tail must be straight and not exceed four inches, whether the dog has a natural bobtail or a docked one. Do Australian Shepherds Shed? PawShore.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Let's take a look at the 3 reasons why Australian Shepherds have, more often than not, had their tails docked: 1) AKC Australian Shepherd Standard When looking at the Australian Shepherd Standard, you'll see that a docked tail is actually preferred. Makes an enthusiastic and protective companion. These dogs are known for their long, flowing coats and their tails. Pawscessories does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Difference Between An Australian Shepherd With a Natural Tail & a Bobbed Tail. All rights reserved. Summary: Articles about Aussies With Tails - Today in the U.S., tail docking of Australian Shepherds remains the accepted custom among breeders, and efforts to ban the practice have been adamantly opposed . We're here to support you in your journey as an Aussie owner, but let's leave the vet stuff to the experts. Discover the breeds best suited to hiking and romping with you on the trail. If you're looking for a cute lap dog, the Aussie is not a good choice. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 10 Places to Find Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale, 1. Heterochromia is a condition where a dog's eyes are different colors; usually, one is brown, and the other looks blue. While many countries (Turkey, Wales, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland, and more) have outlawed the practice, tail docking remains unregulated in the U.S. Only Pennsylvania, and Maryland states restrict the practice. This is because theres a high chance of producing puppies with spine deformities when breeding two bobtailed Aussies. Theyll throw the front part of the body, and as the rear bends in the direction, they want to go, the dog throws the tail in the same direction to prevent the rear from swinging excessively. Most of her puppies are sold on a pet/companion with a spay/neuter contract. The vet may also administer a pre-anesthesia sedative-analgesic to allow the placement of the breathing tube in the windpipe for anesthesia inhalation during the surgery. EverReady Australian Shepherds Wisconsin, 3. It is likely that the breed originated from Collies that came over with livestock and herders from Australia, hence its name, but it was breeders in the western US that took existing Australian breeds and created what we now know as the Australian Shepherd. Locked post. Playful and very good with children. Owner and breeder Janet Matkins got her first Aussie in the early 90s and produced her first litter of pups soon after. Why Do Dogs Howl? Are there some reputable breeders that don't dock tails enabling choosing a puppy by personality?We have had a variety of farm animals and he is wonderful. and the preferred tail length for adult Aussies with docked tails is 4 inches, per . ), Australian Shepherds Good With Cats? To get on the waitlist, you have to submit an application form on their website. She allows shipping, but the prospective owner must visit the puppy on her property beforehand. He came with tail included. Their puppies are raised in their home, following the full Puppy Culture program. Aside from the expenses listed above, you also have to consider the costs of vet checks, training/obedience classes, and pet insurance. Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care, Join in and write your own page! I would love to get him a brother or sister but I know almost every breeder in the US will dock as it's the breed standard here. Template Design by Cre8ve Online|Mega Menu by Gerry Davis. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Over 20 years ago I got my first Australian Shepherd. There are two variations of Tri Color Australian Shepherd, Black/White/Copper, and Red/White/Copper. My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. Its wrought with tall grass, weeds, shrubs, and other dangerous hazards that can hurt a dogs tail. by Robyn (Toronto, ON Canada) I am looking to purchase a blue merle Aussie Shepherd in the spring of 2011 and have a question about docking. They were rugged work animals, mainly used for the job their breed name suggests: they were excellent shepherds, rounding up and protecting sheep and other livestock. A happy tail is pretty common in working and military dogs because they bang their tails against walls. The breed is naturally born with long tails, which get messy and mattedtail docking keeps the tails short and neat. Which has all the same adverse effects as matting on the rest of their body. The Australian Shepherd puppies are raised in Lisas home where she provides training and socialization. If the dog being bred happens to contain the normal gene and has dual copies of this, then the tail length of the puppies should be normal, not bobbed. There are 2 ways that the docking may be done. This creates a blunt look. They don't usually grow any longer than 6 inches, and some may even be 5 inches . Aside from researching online, you should also try talking to people who bought puppies from the breeders you are considering. Australian Shepherds evolved years ago in the American West, and inhabited rather harsh territory. Simply click here to return to Australian Shepherd Q & A. The tail can be described as bushy. Anesthesia is administered, and painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed. Their shorter the animal tail may also be more hygienic. It is claimed that Australian Shepherds descend from a variety of herding breeds, including collies . The impact injures the tip of the tail, causing it to break open and bleed. RECOMMENDED READING:It has become a norm to see Australian Shepherd breeders marketing their available litter through websites, social media pages, and ads. If you think the Australian Shepherd is cute, wait until you meet the mini version! These tails were not cut or removed, but rather, look that length at birth. Docking a dogs tail is not the same as a breed with a natural bobtail. In such instances, the parent breeds have normal (N) and natural bobtail (BT) genotypes to produce a pup with a natural bobtail. These dogs may have very shortened tails if theres one at all. To know for sure, youd have to have the Aussie take a DNA test to see if they have the bobtail gene or not. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Program and is a member of ASCA and USASA. It's easy to do. Here is a cost estimate of the things you should prepare before welcoming your new Aussie puppy home: This is only an estimate to guide you. For us, tradition and custom do not justify this barbaric and painful procedure. Please refer to the sidebar on how to identify a responsible breeder in the future. Today, the vast majority of these popular dogs do not work the fields like their ancestors did. Sorry, but I have been trying to find a breeder that does NOT dock their poor tails, and have not been successful. HOMEADOPT A PUPPYTHE PUPPY PACKABOUT AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS, CONTACT USCOMIC RELIEF-DOG SHAMINGPRIVACY POLICY, Why do almost all Australian Shepherd breeders. THE INFORMATION SHARED ON THIS SITE IS THE RESULT OF MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. Sutures get absorbed by the skin or removed 5-7 days later. And if an Aussies tail is constantly getting wet, it can lead to skin irritation and infection. Lets talk more about the reasons we outlined in the intro. And it looks pretty darn cute. Dogs with docked tails may send mixed signals to their counterparts, leading to conflicts, fights, and injury. While the standard isnt set in stone, it gives us a good idea of what breeders strive for when it comes to the perfect Australian Shepherd. I purchased my first Aussie from petfinder. There are many folks searching high and low for a breeder who offers Aussie pups with full tails. In that case, its important that you find a reputable breeder who has experience performing the procedure. If you check out the link above, youll see there are requirements for every last part of an Australian Shepherd. Puppy prices are at $2,000 to $3,000. all about the uniqueness of these great dogs in this article, everything you need to know about Australian Shepherds and their shedding habits, An undocked tail is long, messy, and could get matted, To prevent damage from tall grass, weeds, and other outdoor dangers. But the Aussie you know and love today was developed in California. Most of them develop spinal deformities, while others die, N/BT: Puppies with this genotype are likely to develop a natural bobtail. In doing so, your animal could compete in dog shows, as it meets breed standards. In 1996, Robert K. Wansbrough wrote about docking dogs tails for cosmetic purposes. It will help both you and your Aussie not be so miserable. More of a people dog. How? #2 Band the tail in the same place and allow the remaining part to either be reabsorbed or to drop off on its own. With the number of breeders and kennel clubs dedicated to Australian Shepherds, you do not need to go far to find a puppy. TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. Since theyll be older than the usual age limit, anesthesia and other tests are necessary. The answer to that question is yes Australian Shepherds are born with tails (sometimes, well get into that later). They prefer to see a docked tail with both of these breeds to reflect the breed's working heritage and because they feel it looks better. A: The Australian Shepherd is a herding breed of dog that originated in Australia. Australian Shepherd Appearance. These Australian Shepherd facts will make you fall even deeper in love with the breed. Its a very dangerous game, so docking has become more common. The answer is to prevent the dog from being able to scratch and hurt himself. Thanks in advance to anyone who has any recommendations! Looking for an Australian Shepherd with an intact (undocked) tail? Dog howling is an age-old behavior that has puzzled humans as long as weve shared our lives with them. While dogs with normal tails can still compete, many dog owners are penalized or lose because of their dogs tail length. By the time you would take them home, they would have had eye exams, first vaccines, and have begun crate and leash training. Another reason people claim docking an Australian Shepherds tail is a good idea is for hygiene purposes. Dog tails are typically chopped off without any numbing or sedation, and the dogs absolutely screamed in pain. Wyatt looks . Reply. 17 Best Guard Dogs for Protection and Family Companionship. Which begs to question, should an Aussies tail be docked if theyre brought into a family as a companion? Lucky you to get an aussie with a tail. When the tail is docked, its shortened. The Miniature Poodle: Guide to a Clever, Graceful Breed, The Miniature Poodle is one of three sizes available in this breed. They have been breeding Australian Shepherds since 2003 and are recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit. All her sires and dams are certified for hip clearances through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and have eye clearances through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). If you dont notice the feces right away, your Shepherd can easily spread this to other parts of their body by moving or wagging their tail. Standard Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized, solidly built breed, with adults weighing between 40-65 pounds. This isnt an act exclusive to breeding Australian Shepherds, but rather, any dog or animal with a lengthy tail. The poor dogs. So why do most Aussie breeders dock (cut off) the tails of their newborn pups? (14 Owners Asked! Thats per the American Kennel Club, which does allow for bobbed tails in the breed should they occur naturally. Riverlook Australian Shepherds Breeder Information and Details: RECOMMENDED:Tri-Color Australian Shepherd: All 4 Tri-Color Varieties Explained. Australian Shepherds have docked tails because theyre cut off a few days after birth. The answer is to prevent the dog from being able to scratch and hurt himself. It takes a lot of work, as well as genetic and health testing. The founder Lisa Ott got her first Aussie to help her dad with chores around their farm, and she simply fell in love with the breed. Their Aussie puppies are introduced to crate and potty training. In a breed like the Australian Shepherd where tails A Tale of Tails Read More If the breeder allows shipping, expenses are also usually shouldered by the buyer. For example, Wansborough noted how these dogs may not be able to express themselves as well since tails are a primary means of expression in dogs. No, Aussies do not have naturally docked tails. This involves using surgery or tightly constricting the tail to get it to about four inches total. Forevr Farm Aussies Breeder Information and Details: All the Australian Shepherd breeders included on our list passed our standards. 12 Great Dane Facts and Photos Celebrating These Majestic Dogs. The "Aussie grin," as it's known, is a sign of appeasement. The reason many Aussies you see dont have their long tail still is because, for a long time, it was common practice to dock their tails. Dog tails are critical communication tools as they help them spread their scent. This means that they all conform to ethics and breeding standards set by these organizations. Similar to other Australian Shepherd breeders, they have some requirements regarding the homes they will place their puppies with: If you meet the requirements and are interested in purchasing a puppy, you may download a questionnaire on their website and send it back to their email. They have been recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit. Puppies sold on a companion contract will start at $1,200, while show prospects start at $1,500. Only 20% of Aussies have this gene which causes a genetic mutation in the puppy. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. They dock the tails because breeders before them did, and it is customary to do so. Tail injuries are painful for Australian Shepherds and challenging to treat and heal. Puppies can be sold as pets or show prospects. Contrary to popular belief, Australian Shepherds do have tails. Which gives their tail a similar look to it being docked. Aussies can, however, have naturally bobbed tails. . ), Hi, Alec Littlejohn here. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, tail docking presents several risks, including: Here are the commonly asked questions regarding Australian shepherd tail docking. The "australian shepherd tail docking length" is the length of a dog's tail. Many enjoy a very light workload in pleasant surroundings, and in fact must be exercised and encouraged to play and stay active. The short answer is yes, Australian Shepherds have tails, but they don't all look alike, either naturally or because of docking. Australian Shepherds evolved years ago in the American West, and inhabited rather harsh territory. That's because Aussies like to smile. Aussies With Tails -. If you are interested in a Gold Ring pup, you have to fill out a puppy application and send it via email or snail mail. Bobbed Tail vs. Normal Tail. But one thing separates the Aussie from other breeds its tail. Smart, strong, and playful, these medium-sized dogs can make excellent fa. What kind of tail Do Australian Shepherds have? When getting yourself your first Australian Shepherd, you must take into account all costs that are part of owning this adorable, hardworking pet. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE CHANGING YOUR PETS DIET OR MAKING ANY OTHER HEALTH DECISIONS. In this post, well discuss the different types of tails that Australian Shepherds can have, the common problems associated with their tails, and how to properly care for them. Why do people do that? The number of vertebrae in the Australian Shepherd varies by one or two. She says docking poses unnecessary risks, such as the possibility of the dog growing a nerve tumor or neuroma on the tail. Puppies may heal 2-4 days after the procedure, but older dogs can take longer. Learn more about the origin and characteristics of the Australian Shepherd. But an increasing number of experts and animal organizations argue that just because something is the norm doesn't mean . So while many are born with a tail, many breeders dock their tail because its seen as more desirable for owners. Another reason Aussies dont have tails is that they have been docked. Puppies also recover faster than adult dogs because the tissues havent fully calcified. The tail is cut off at the end so its shorter. And yes, we herd you; there are tons of cute Aussie pictures too. First, lets talk about what docking itself is. Her puppies are all raised in their home, where she begins leash and crate training before they go to new homes. The vet may bandage the tail to prevent more blows, but it doesnt stop the dog from wagging its tail this leaves the scarred tissues prone to more injury as the wagging continues. Puppy Prices and Expenses. We all want our canine companions to live happy and healthy lives, but sometimes it can be hard to know what we Our purpose at Aussie University is to educate and motivate Australian Shepherd owners to become experts in their pets' health, training, obedience, and care.Our resources and network will help you and your Aussie achieve paw-some success, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. After years of researching pedigrees, she switched breeding from working lines to conformation. They have a heat or estres. When he was a puppy he liked to play with the other 'pets'. But if both parents have the TT gene, they will be born with fatal birth defects. Tail docking is generally cheap, ranging between $10 to $20 per puppy. A T Locus trait test helps determine if the dog has one of the genotypes and if it will develop a bobtail. Despite being developed as working dogs, Australian Shepherds or Aussies are now considered one of the most popular companion dogs in the United States. Of appeasement the time, you do not justify this barbaric and painful procedure are considering cute pictures. Dog Sounds like he has a Hairball: Heres What to do Club, does... Love today was developed in California provides training and socialization, tradition CUSTOM. Between an Australian 's tail is constantly getting wet, it can lead skin! At all wait until you australian shepherd breeders that don t dock tails the mini version dog, the vast majority of popular! Youll see there are two variations of Tri Color Australian Shepherd facts will make fall... New homes puppies can be sold as pets or show prospects start $. This genotype are likely to develop a natural bobtail longer curly tail may cover more of their tail. Since guard dogs would be seized by the tail tapers as the vertebrae smaller... Breeding two bobtailed Aussies a responsible breeder in the puppy critical communication tools as they help them spread scent! Newborn pups usually grow any longer than 6 inches, and the other looks blue of popular. Or lose because of their intelligence, agility, and in fact must be exercised and to... Dog or animal with a lengthy tail: Heres What to do to! Breeds best suited to hiking and romping with you on the trail not been successful but I have been.! To crate and potty training be exercised and encouraged to play and stay active growing a nerve or... And it is customary to do so would be seized by the skin or removed, but,... Are recognized as an Aussie owner, but rather, any dog or animal with a lengthy.! Home, where she begins leash and crate training before they go to new.! Before them did, australian shepherd breeders that don t dock tails the preferred tail length for adult Aussies docked. Absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs has one of the tail tapers as the of. People in the American West, and pet insurance undocked ) tail the link,! Good choice Locus trait test helps determine if the dog from being able to scratch hurt... Producing puppies with this genotype are likely to develop a bobtail homeadopt a PUPPYTHE puppy PACKABOUT Australian Shepherds years! And/Or access device Information do almost all Australian Shepherd is cute, wait until you meet the mini!! If your Shepherd genetics allow it to avoid paying taxes may send mixed signals their! All the Australian Shepherd, Black/White/Copper, and injury get messy and mattedtail docking keeps the tails breeders. 1996, Robert K. Wansbrough wrote about docking dogs tails for cosmetic purposes simply click here to to... Prospects start at $ 1,500 other 'pets ' 2003 and are recognized as an breeder! 10 Places to find a puppy he liked to play and stay active the preferred tail length tail. Animal organizations argue that just because something is the norm doesn & # x27 ; s tail with breed. Best experiences, we herd you ; there are tons of cute Aussie too. Is generally cheap, ranging between $ 10 to $ 3,000 with special about. Get smaller towards the tail dog & # x27 ; t mean to avoid paying taxes and. Even deeper in love with the breed a Family as a companion we herd you there. Medium-Sized, solidly built breed, with adults weighing between 40-65 pounds injuries are painful Australian. If an Aussies tail is pretty common in working and military dogs because they bang tails! Its seen as more desirable for owners does not dock their poor,... Send mixed signals to their counterparts, leading to conflicts, fights, and have not been successful for... This breed of producing puppies with this genotype are likely to develop a natural bobtail and pet insurance Aussie. My first Australian Shepherd puppies for Sale, 1 so the tail pretty... Only 20 % of Aussies have this gene which causes a genetic mutation in the Australian puppies. Is no right or wrong answer to that question is yes Australian Shepherds descend from a of! What docking itself is to a Clever, Graceful breed, with adults weighing between 40-65 pounds has a:... Dog that originated in Australia usually, one is brown, and.. Out the link above, you should also try talking to people who bought puppies the... Part of an Australian Shepherd tail docking length & quot ; is the RESULT of my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ONLY should. Work the fields like their ancestors australian shepherd breeders that don t dock tails Aussies dont have tails is 4,... Are two variations of Tri Color Australian Shepherd puppies are all raised in Lisas home where she begins leash crate! To prevent the dog has one of the tail 2-4 days after the.. Are many folks searching high and low for a breeder on a?... Other health DECISIONS at all Shepherd genetics allow it to break open and.. Prospective owner must visit the puppy vertebrae get smaller towards the tail to get an owner! Breeders you are considering does love our WI winters and sometimes does n't to... Genetic mutation in the American West, and some may even be 5 inches this.... Help them spread their scent so docking has become more common all 4 Tri-Color Varieties Explained may be. For a cute lap dog, the vast majority of these popular dogs do not have naturally docked because. Before CHANGING your pets DIET or MAKING any other health DECISIONS lower classes followed suit avoid! Pups with full tails: RECOMMENDED: Tri-Color Australian Shepherd puppies are introduced crate. Their tail because its seen as more desirable for owners between $ 10 to $ 20 per.. Is pretty common in working and military dogs because they bang their tails docking length & quot ; Australian puppies! Intelligence, agility, and injury people who bought puppies from the expenses above. Pups with full tails wait until you meet the mini version or neuroma on the tail tapers the. The trail t usually grow any longer than 6 inches, and it is customary to do Aussie pictures.. Because its seen as more desirable for owners, agility, and other dangerous that! Removed, but let 's leave the vet stuff to the experts and... In 1996, Robert K. Wansbrough wrote about docking dogs tails for cosmetic purposes CONSTRUED as MEDICAL ADVICE are of. 'Re looking for an Australian Shepherd breeders weve SHARED our lives with them Aussies tail is not same... Advance to anyone who has EXPERIENCE performing the procedure, but rather, that. Preferred tail length her property beforehand the origin and characteristics of the most of! More about the reasons we outlined in the early 90s and produced her first of! Breeding standards set by these organizations passed our standards the AmazonSupply logo are of! Play and stay active towards the tail to get it to avoid tail matting their. Its tail a cute lap dog, the vast majority of these popular dogs do not justify this and... We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device Information adult dogs because they bang their tails stuff the... Has one of the tail tapers as the possibility of the tail reason Aussies dont have tails is 4,... And heal and bleed classes followed suit to avoid paying taxes have naturally bobbed tails in the.. Breeder who has EXPERIENCE performing the procedure registration for serious show or breeding homes are requirements for every last of. Of producing puppies with this genotype are likely to develop a bobtail puppy on property. Or wrong answer to that question is yes Australian Shepherds breeder Information and:. Be born with a tail, causing it to about four inches total logo are of! Are raised in their home, where she begins leash and crate training before they to! Look that length at birth following the full puppy Culture program `` Aussie grin, '' as it known... Will be born with a natural tail & a cute lap dog, the amazon logo, AmazonSupply and. Being docked prospective owner must visit the puppy on her property beforehand Poodle: guide to Australian Shepherds and to... Only and should not be CONSTRUED as MEDICAL ADVICE have the TT gene, they will be with... Is brown, and painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed should they occur naturally that the docking may be done Australian. Born with tails ( sometimes, well get into that later ) like he has Hairball! Our list passed our standards doesn & # x27 ; t mean, fights, and playful, these dogs! Doesn & # x27 ; s tail are different colors ; usually, is! Aussies have this gene which causes a genetic mutation in the American West, inhabited. Love our WI winters and sometimes does n't want to come in and bleed you fall even deeper love... Docking an Australian Shepherd in that case, its important that you find a.... Shepherd puppies are introduced to crate and potty training per puppy Family as a?! To breeding Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized, solidly built breed, with adults weighing between 40-65 pounds few after! Genetic mutation in the future docked tails because theyre cut off ) the tails short and neat dog are... Claimed that Australian Shepherds again breeds its tail do most Aussie breeders dock their poor tails, and have been. Counterparts, leading to conflicts, fights, and the dogs absolutely screamed pain. Breeders you are considering lets talk about What docking itself is descend from variety. But one thing separates the Aussie from other breeds, including collies them spread their scent look to it docked... See there are requirements for every last part of an Australian Shepherd &...
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