But are Australian Shepherds naturally tailless? They are just selective on who they let into their inner circle. We will get into tail docking in a little bit, but for now, it is important to know that the normal tail of an Australian Shepherd puppy is far from normal. Two copies of a normal tail gene will produce a genetically normal tail in the pup. Both of them licked their dishes clean. My cats loved it!! Careers, Terms and Conditions|Privacy Policy| Copyright Lucy Pet Products 2022 -All Rights Reserved, Salmon, Pumpkin and Quinoa Formula (Cats), Additional Reading: Gut Health & Prebiotics. When genetic code is being written for a new puppy, there are three possibilities for whether or not the bobbed tail will naturally occur. Foundation In the case of the Australian Shepherd pup, tail docking is a procedure that benefits the life of the dog. This practice presents high risks of health problems. Two copies of the C189G gene will likely result in a puppy that dies in the womb. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Copyright 2018 Mini Aussies - Westcliffe Colorado All Rights Reserved, Westcliffe, Colorado 81252, United States, Puppies are here!! Aussies are closely attached to their family members they do not normally tend to seek company with total strangers. Brandon McMillans new series, Stray Recon! While other dogs like Boxers and French Bulldogs are also known for being tailless, the back end of an Australian Shepherd dog is somewhat iconic in the canine community. Dogs deserve unconditional love and the best chance at a happy and healthy life, and that is a stance that all people can get behind. Additionally, sanitation becomes a serious issue as fecal matter gets stuck in the matted fur of the tail, creating a terrible mess for the dog and their owner. Is it possible to reverse the signs of aging in our dogs? The Australian Shepherd is one of several dog breeds that is known for being tailless. For most Aussie dogs, a tail wag is more of a full-blown booty shake wherein they vigorously shake their entire hindquarters. In Australian Shepherd dogs that have a full tail, there are several issues that can become rather complicated nuisances. There are those who have called for tail docking to be done only if a puppy is given anesthesia. When the tail of an Australian Shepherd goes undocked, we face a potential medical threat to the life of the dog. Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, intelligent dog that willbe your mostloyal companion for many years. If you are the proud owner of an Australian Shepherd puppy then you know there is not much cuter than the hilarious attempted bobbed tail wag of an Aussie. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are wiling to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body. This classic Australian Shepherd dog temperament is just one of the many fun facts about Australian Shepherds, but it begs the question, wheres the tail? My dogs go nuts for them and wait, My dog has a sensitive tummy and GI track! The American Kennel Club recognizes tail docking as a safe and suitable method for creating a tail length that is both medically and aesthetically suitable for the dog. Puppies can go home 9/2/2022 thru 9/10/2022. Do not encourage any behavior in puppies that you do not want to continue in adulthood. This treat is, Copyright Lucy Pet Products 2022 -All Rights Reserved. Owners must be committed to give their dogs the time and attention they require through play and training. The tail of an Australian Shepherd dog that is permitted to grow out past birth is often crooked and weak. While the surface level optics of tail docking appear to be cruel, there are several medical benefits for this standard procedure. Unfortunately, puppies are far too young for anesthesia without risking severe medical complications, and waiting until they were old enough to be given general anesthesia would result in a traumatic experience with a lot of pain that they would undoubtedly remember. There are several variations of the Australian Shepherd dog tail, some of which are curved and some of which are straight, but if permitted to grow to its full length, every Aussie pup tail is completely covered in the same thick, matted fur that covers the rest of the dog. These are really amazing. Australian Shepherd dogs are one of only a few breeds that can boast the rare feature of a naturally bobbed tail. Lucy Pet Dog Food Rolls for Travel and Emergency Preparedness, Introducing our totally awesome brand ambassador, Emmy Perry, Honoring pet heroes who have saved human lives, Lucy Pet Formulas for Life: Small Bites for Small Breeds. In both methods, the puppy is not old enough to register or feel pain, as their nervous system is still underdeveloped. The genetic makeup of the Aussie breed is such that the last third of the tail is brittle and delicate, making it prone to breaking or splitting, which would cause a lot more pain and trauma for the dog than the process of tail docking. The great intelligence of these dogs never ceases to amaze me. Store Locator The adorable wiggly backend of an excited Aussie is hard to resist, but it very clearly comes at a cost. Breeding for the bobbed tail is a practice that is frowned upon due to the complicated nature of the potential outcomes. Additionally, when done correctly, tail docking is a painless procedure that leaves the puppy without any memory of the experience. The tailless look of the breed makes them look like adorable little bears, and again when they get excited, its a real spectacle. The classic tailless look of the Australian Shepherd breed is one that many owners gravitate towards. Read more on, Common Australian Shepherd Health Problems, Can Dogs Eat Duck? Are Australian Shepherds Born Without Tails? WARNING! Holiday Wreath Crafting with Surfin Jack & Sasha! Below you will find everything youve ever wanted to know about the bobbed tail of this unique breed. A shorter tail prevents potential breaking later in life and ensures a cleaner and more sanitary lifestyle for the dog and its owner. Support Whether you are anti-docking or indifferent, it is hard to ignore the medical benefits and reduction in memorable pain that come as a result of the procedure. The first involves the dogs safety as the thick fur of the tail often gets caught in bushes and high brush, which could potentially leave the dog stuck or lead to a dislocated tail. The word attempted is a key part of the previous phrase as it tells you everything you need to know about the famous Aussie wag. The merle coat is a similarly recessive gene, although the merle gene mutation does not carry the same dire effects. Application of the second method requires that circulation be cut off between the first and second vertebrae resulting in blood loss and the ultimate rejection of the tail by the bodys own natural processes. Order TrackingQuality AssurancePress & MediaRewards ProgramShop Amazon Prime, Shop The recessive gene responsible for the naturally occurring bobbed tail of an Australian Shepherd dog is the T gene mutation, also known as the C189G gene. This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length. The first method requires the tail to be cut with a pair of scissors just above the base of the tail in between the first and second vertebrae of the tail. For the Aussie breed, tail docking actually serves a positive medical purpose. Aussie puppies should be socialized in as many different environments and situations as possible. The recessive gene that gives the breed a naturally occurring bobbed tail is not completely understood, and as such, breeding for a bobbed tail is widely regarded as unacceptable. The freshly cut area is quickly cauterized to seal the skin, and the entire procedure is over in less than 5 minutes. The recessive gene that gives the breed a naturally occurring bobbed tail is not completely understood, and as such, breeding for a bobbed tail is widely regarded as unacceptable. Breeding for the bobbed tail is a practice that is frowned upon due to the complicated nature of the potential outcomes. Similarly, only about one in five dogs in the Aussie breed will be born with a merle coat. The natural occurring bobbed tail is hard to distinguish from a manufactured bob but read on to learn a little bit about the differences between the natural bobbed tail and those created by the practice of tail docking. It is crucial that you take away from this article that no opinions have been expressed, but rather, the facts of this breeds past and current history have been conveyed with truth and clarity. In most cases where a breeder is attempting to produce a litter of naturally bobbed tailed puppies, there will inevitably be more puppies that die during or shortly after birth than those that survive. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life: A Heart Healthy Food. Reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. The Australian Shepherd was developed to be an all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. While not all Australian Shepherd dogs are born naturally bobbed tailed, the majority of Aussies sport the classic bobbed tail look. The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code. This genetic trait exists within every Australian Shepherd pup, and those puppies who are born with a bobbed tail have one copy of this gene. While not every Australian Shepherd dog is naturally tailless, about one in five Aussies are born without a tail. The second method is thought to be less graphic with less pain, but it takes more time. For the most part, however, these are high-energy dogs who need and want a purpose in their lives. For those Australian Shepherd dogs born with a normal tail, the tail is commonly docked. Breeders Choice Pet Foods Revitalized with New Owners, I purchased the beef roll (small bundle in case my dog,Dakota, didn't, My pup can not get enough of Lucy Pet Rolls, she just, I have two tiny Yorkies, one who is a picky eater and. Tail docking is a quick procedure that has two methods. Obedience training is a must as a means of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors. This practice presents high risks of health problems. Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes although all Aussies have individual characters and some are more calm and quiet. The options are as follows: Although there are only three genetic outcomes for an Australian Shepherd puppys tail formation, it is interesting to note that only 20% of Aussies have a naturally occurring bobbed tail. One copy of a normal gene and one copy of a C189G gene will produce a bobbed tail. If you have a squeamish instinct or do not want to read about how the actual method of tail docking is performed, then skip this section! While not every Aussie pup exhibits the C189G gene mutation, every Aussie possesses the ability to pass on the recessive gene. Read more on Common Australian Shepherd Health Problems: Everything You Need to Know. Tail docking is performed several days after the birth of a puppy before the nervous system is fully developed. In most cases where a breeder is attempting to produce a litter of naturally bobbed tailed puppies, there will inevitably be more puppies that die during or shortly after birth than those that survive. This does not mean that they are shy or aggressive . The Benefits of Duck Meat. Don't forget the innate desire to chase so if you do not want your Aussie to chase the cat, kids ,bicycles or cars nip that behavior early on. Many owners gravitate towards gene and one copy of a full-blown booty shake wherein they vigorously their. Tail gene will likely result in a puppy that dies in the case of the dog and its.. Are several medical benefits for this standard procedure the recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dogs that a! 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