It may be a case where you are planning on adopting a maltipoo puppy but then you notice that they have short tails while you’ve seen some with normal tails. This can definitely be confusing to new owners especially if they are unaware what docked tail actually are.
Do Maltipoos Have Docked Tails?
Yes you will definitely find some Maltipoos to actually have docked tails while others tail is known to be normal. The thing is that these dogs are not traditionally a breed that get their tails docked.
However, it is safe to say that some breeders actually take the time out to docked their puppies tail especially if it’s a case where they are following the AKC breed standard. It’s best to keep in mind that there is no need to docked your dog tail which is why most owners doesn’t practice this method.
These dogs were bred to be companion dogs and base on history the standard was to dock tails of dogs that is considered to be working breed so that their tails can be protected from injuries during work.
Most dogs tend to use their tails to communicate with us so there is no need to ever get their tails docked as it is not important to do so. You will definitely find that most maltipoo owners have their tail as one of their favorite characteristics about them.
Some owners didn’t have the chance to prevent their Maltipoos tail from being docked because it was the choice of their breeder who docked their tail at puppy stage.
We really don’t see the need to have your maltipoo tail docked as these dogs are not traditionally recognize by AKC.
What Exactly Is Tail Docking?
Tail docking is a procedure in which a portion of an animal tail is removed. Maltipoos, like other dogs breed out there, tend to have naturally long tail which are then cut to produce a smaller tail. This procedure must be carried out by a licensed veterinarian and it is known to be done at the breeder’s home or facility.
The procedure is said to be quite simple and can be carried out in many different ways. In the past many vets have just used a scalpel or a pair of surgical scissors to get the job done. However, these days it is a bit more different as most vets use the banding methods to docked tails. With this method, all you need to do is put a tight band around the tail. What this does is help to cut off blood supply to the end of the tail causing it to fall off over a period of time.
After Care Considerations
Make sure that you take the time out to treat your dog after having their tail docked. You should ensure that the bedding of the dog is always kept clean. A docked tail actually requires a clean, dry and urine free environment as this will allow it to heal up faster.
After 2 to 3 days, you can safely remove the bandages. The vets only uses safe scissors to properly cut the bandages and safely out the tape away from the dog’s tail tip.
Take the time out to check for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge, which is an indication that there is an infection. Lastly, you must schedule a visit to your veterinarian after a few days to make sure that everything is going fine with your furry friend.
Is Tail Docking Painful?
Tail docking shouldn’t be painful once done correctly by an experience veterinarian and it should be done before the puppy is five days old. The reason this is recommended is because by then the nervous system has not been fully developed which is why the procedure should be done at this time.
The thing is that if their tail is not properly docked or they have caught an infection due to their tail docking, then this can result in them feeling a lot of pain. Also, if the puppy is older than five day old, this can lead to them feeling pain which is why you’ll need to have your dog under anesthesia in order to get the job done.
It is said that some dogs actually experience chronic pain in the future in result to their docked tail which causes nerve problems as they grow older.
Are Docked Tails Illegal?
Yes, there are lots of places where it is illegal to actually docked your dog tail as it is only permitted for working dog’s. With that said, many countries around the world have removed tail docking from every brees standard for every dog shows. What this does is allow your dog to compete in dog shows even if they don’t have a docked tail. Here are a list of countries where docked tail is either banned or stricted.
- England
- Ireland
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Germany
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Italy
Despite protest from many people, the practice of dog tail docking is widely prevalent in the United States. However, there are a few states like New York and Vermont manages to put some restriction on the practice and known to pass bill to have this practice illegal.
Thoughts on Making a Decision to Dock
If it’s a case where you are planning on docking your poodle tail, make sure you do all the proper research just to make sure that you are making the right decision and also keep in mind what we have discussed above. Docking your dog tail is not an requirement, as it more gear towards cosmetic preference among dog owners and breeders.
Can You Adopt a Maltipoo With a Natural Tail?
If you are just looking to have a friendly pet as apart of your family and you don’t necessarily care about the length of your maltipoo tails, then you can definitely find a breeder out there that doesn’t participate in tail docking. The reason for this is because there are lots of breeders that actually think that docking tails is inhumane. With a little research, you should be able to find one of these breeders.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is up to you if you want to have your maltipoo tail dock as it is not necessary to do so. Tail docked mostly works for aesthetic purposes and can eventually cause long term problems for your dog. So, in order to prevent this from happening, we don’t think it would be a good idea to have your maltipoo tail docked.