Question:
I am thinking about getting a schnauzer puppy. A friend of mine has one with a natural tail. Should I get one with a docked tail like in the dog breed books? I can't make up my mind.
We are at our wits' end and are considering euthanizing him because he seems miserable and smells horrible. Our grandkids can't even pet him anymore. Thank you for any advice you may have.
V.W.S., Winston-Salem, NC Oct 22, 2011
Answer:
Regular readers of my column know that I am opposed to docking dogs' tails (except for valid medical reasons) and cropping their ears. I spell out the many reasons in my new book, "Healing Animals & the Vision of One Health
" (available on Amazon.com).
Briefly, docking can have serious medical and possibly behavioral consequences, because dogs use their tails to communicate. There is also the ethical question of mutilating an animal for purely aesthetic or breed-fashion reasons. In some countries, including the U.K., routine tail docking and ear cropping are prohibited.
I also advocate adoption from shelters, which you may wish to consider rather than purchasing a purpose-bred companion puppy. If you go through a breeder, you will have to choose the pup you want and ask that his or her tail be left intact, because docking is usually done within the first few days of life.
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