Docking. Some people find the subject a bit controversial. In several countries, docking done strictly for appearance is banned. Here in the US, of course, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally docked completely.
I understand that there are lots of practical reasons why certain working breeds have docked tails. In many instances, docking quite likely actually reduces the risk of injury for dogs that are running through heavy brush, or going to ground after one varmint or another. I don't personally have a problem with the practice.
When I decided Corgis were the breed for me, and started looking at lots of Corgis, I did (and still do) love their cute little bunny bottoms that sashay when they walk. When we visited the breeder, the bitch was of course on site, but the stud was off-premises so we could not meet him. The breeder said we could find him online, though, and of course we went looking.
And then I saw Dundee's tail. You see, Dundee (Anwyl Winds O' Change) is from Finland by way of Australia, and apparently where he comes from, they don't dock. Having seen the ratty tails that some traditionally docked breeds sport, I wasn't expecting much. But my oh my, how cute and regal Dundee does look with his full tail!! He looks noble when standing square, and jolly as could be when he's waving it over his back in play.
Here's some pics of Dundee:
It is enough to make me want a tailed Corgi. Problem is, they dock when they are just a few days old to avoid trauma, and most good breeders do not want to select a particular pup for you til they are old enough to judge temperament, so they can match the dog's personality best to your lifestyle.
Is there any move towards tailed Corgis in this country? It seems at this point that the practical reasons for docking have vanished and it's done for fashion and tradition at this point.
Thoughts?
Edit: And I do understand some are born with a natural bob, and apparently they are trying to recapture this trait in Britain, where docking has been recently banned.