Re: tail docking

In Reply to: tail docking
Category:   Medical
Posted by:  sharon
Posted on:  October 30, 2002 at 15:51:02

: i just bought a jack russell his tail isnt docked is there a medical reason why it should be or is it just tradition?

Response:

Hi Sharon,

I believe in the UK now there's a law against docking tails and ear-cropping. From what I understand a terrier's tail is docked for a variety of reasons, one being less risk of an injury to it while in the ground and the ease of pulling a terrier out with a docked tail would cut down on injury to the tail.

Of course this is can be a hotly debated topic on either side of the pond :)

If your JRT is not going to be a working terrier, then I wouldn't worry about his tail. He will just have that much more to express himself with :)