The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Nowadays, Australian Shepherds are more often used as pets and companions than they are for herding. All rights reserved. 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. He is very smart. EverReady Australian Shepherds Wisconsin, 3. Docking is when part or all of the tail is removed from the dog. As you can see, theres a lot that goes into understanding an Australian Shepherds tail situation. 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. But if you want an adventure buddy who will accompany you on your daily run and will enjoy learning new tricks, this might be the perfect breed for you. A: I am not sure what you mean by dock. An Australian Shepherd with a bobbed tail is born with a short tail thats either barely visible or a few inches long. It includes info about their color, curly coat texture, hindquarters and forequarters, body, topline and neck, muzzle, skull, ears, eyes, and head. 1. All puppies come home with an info packet on training and puppy care, a copy of the sales agreement, registration papers, and health records. (14 Owners Asked! When we began planning our Aussie breeding adventure, we thoroughly investigated the predominant practice of tail-docking in baby Aussies. But for that, you usually are getting a dog who's been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. AUSSIE UNIVERSITY IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED. Which means if you brought your Aussie home at 8 weeks and they still have a tail, its too late to dock it. In that case, its important that you find a reputable breeder who has experience performing the procedure. Aside from the cost of your puppy, there are other initial expenses you would have to think of. In this article, well explain more about docking from both sides. I want my dog to listen and come every time I call! In the 1800s, it was bred to compete with other herding breeds . The Australian Shepherd puppies are raised in Lisas home where she provides training and socialization. If youre still skeptical about docking your Aussies tail, read on to find out what it entails to make a more informed decision. He usually is by me when in the house except at night (hubby said he couldn't sleep in the bed awwww). An Australian's tail is a glorious thing and those that are docked can't even wag their happiness! Why Do They Dock the Australian Shepherd Tail? An Australian Shepherd with a natural tail is born with a long, curved tail. By the way dogs don't have periods! Sutures get absorbed by the skin or removed 5-7 days later. It would be best to talk to your breeder about the supplies and products they trust as they have had years of experience with Australian Shepherds. A written health guarantee for two years is also provided for all pups. Aussies are one breed that are born without a tail. While dogs with normal tails can still compete, many dog owners are penalized or lose because of their dogs tail length. After years of working with other breeds, she decided to focus on Australian Shepherds again. Their ultimate goal is to produce Aussie puppies based on AKC/ASCA breed standards, prioritizing health, conformation, and temperament. Pine Spring Australian Shepherds is a breeder on a farm in Central Virginia. Since its believed that dogs rely on their tails when swimming, using them as a rudder, those breeds with shorter tails may have a harder time in the water. Instead, the Australian Shepherd needs only a single normal gene and then one mutant gene, since bobtails arent considered the normal tail variant. They can have long tails, bobbed tails, or docked tails. Animal Genetics has a chart on breeding for tail length. However, you always have to exercise caution as there are many unethical breeders or puppy mills that do not have the welfare of the dogs in mind. Riverlook Australian Shepherds Tennessee, 8. Mom is full blood Australian Shepherd-standard size--red tri (dark liver red). When he was a puppy he liked to play with the other 'pets'. LHT Aussies is a breeder in Oklahoma. While at it, examine the wound, looking for any discoloration or discharge. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Patterson-Kane is part of the American Veterinary Medical Association or AVMA as its animal welfare scientist. 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. The Process Docking is the process of cutting off the Australian Shepherd's tail. You'll need to keep them physically and mentally busy to prevent them from turning to destructive behaviors. She strived to become a responsible breeder, and now she is an AKC Breeder of Merit and participated in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. So while breeding an Australian Shepherd with a bobtail means theres no need for docking, theres too much risk when breeding focuses on producing a bobtailed Aussie. Dog tails are typically chopped off without any numbing or sedation, and the dogs absolutely screamed in pain. (114 Owners Asked + Tips! They prefer homes where someone will always be with the puppy. But an increasing number of experts and animal organizations argue that just because something is the norm doesn't mean . Also, Australian Shepherds have something unique in their genes that causes them to be born with a bobbed tail. If you are one of the many people looking for a new Aussie pup to add to your family, it would be best to look for a reputable Australian Shepherd breeder near you to skip the hassle and financial burden of shipping your dog. That cute, stubby tail is a trait that was reinforced in the Australian Shepherd through selective breeding. I wrote an article that has everything you need to know about Australian Shepherds and their shedding habits. Australian Shepherds can be found in four standard coat colors: red, red merle, blue merle, and black. For full-sized Australian Shepherds, most prefer a tail length of four inches. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Australian Shepherds need to be kept busy through mental enrichment so they don't bark, dig, or chew out of boredom. Heres a summary: There are two reasons an Australian Shepherd doesnt have a tail: Australian Shepherd tail docking is the removal of portions of the dogs tail. Mating Aussies with the N/BT gene will produce 50% with a natural bobtail, 25% with the BT/BT genotype, and 25% with normal-length tails, They have the N/BT gene, which means theyre born without a tail, Their tails were docked 3-5 days after birth, Nerve tumor, which is painful and makes the dog irritable when its tail is touched. We also prefer to leave our Australian Shepherd pups with tails unless . Alternatively, a ligature made of rubber is wrapped around the dogs tail. However, suppose you do decide to have your Australian Shepherds tail docked. I worked as a veterinary assistant, and witnessed this procedure multiple times. The breeder Jessica Smalley traces their beginnings to her mom who bred Aussies back in the 1980s. Zalika68 3 yr. ago This is the time that they match puppies to prospective homes. #1 Make a surgical cut with special shears about 2-3 inches below the base of the tail. These Australian Shepherd facts will make you fall even deeper in love with the breed. You can expect the price can go higher for show prospects. Aside from the expenses listed above, you also have to consider the costs of vet checks, training/obedience classes, and pet insurance. 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. She is now also an AKC Breeder of Merit. 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. Despite the Aussie's name, they are actually a breed with American origins. All rights reserved. They were originally bred to be used as working dogs. You should submit an application even when no puppies are available because breeding only occurs when at least six people are approved to be on the waitlist. To apply for a puppy, you must accomplish a puppy application form and send it via email. They have a rounded, medium-length muzzle and triangular ears that sit close to the head. But do not worry because there are some other places you can check to find an Australian Shepherd puppy for sale: RECOMMENDED:Blue Merle Australian Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know. The breed is naturally born with long tails, which get messy and mattedtail docking keeps the tails short and neat. It's easy to do. Now that he is an adult he usually ignores them. #2 Band the tail in the same place and allow the remaining part to either be reabsorbed or to drop off on its own. If the tail is present, it should arc slightly upwards when the dog is holding it upright. Their Aussie puppies are raised on their farm and are evaluated for temperament at seven and a half weeks old. If you find that this breed suits your lifestyle, your next step is to find a reputable breeder. and the preferred tail length for adult Aussies with docked tails is 4 inches, per . The Australian Shepherd breeder has also participated in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. (No hip scores, no eye checks. Owners must personally pick up the puppy. Australian Shepherds have docked tails because theyre cut off a few days after birth. It's why they're some of the best herding dogs in the world. 10 Places to Find Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale, 1. To help you begin your search, I will share with you a list of ten excellent Aussie breeders where you can hopefully find your new furry companion. docking by: Bonnie Sorry, but I have been trying to find a breeder that does NOT dock their poor tails, and have not been successful. In a breed like the Australian Shepherd where tails A Tale of Tails Read More Interactive toys and other boredom busters are a great way to keep your smart Aussie out of trouble. Our dogs have all been genetically tested with no issue's unless stated. There is no valid or logical reason for docking their tails. Companion and performance puppies start at $3,500. Shes proud to help provide pet parents everywhere with the info they need to keep their pets safe, healthy, and comfortable. Over 20 years ago I got my first Australian Shepherd. 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