You know those super cute Aussie dogs with the beautiful merle coats and cute little stubby tails?
Have you ever wondered why their tails are so short and nubby instead of being long and feathery?
Well, there’s an interesting story behind those bobbed tails that goes way back.
Ranchers Cut Tails to Protect Working Dogs
A long time ago, before Australian Shepherds were popular family pets, they had an important job herding cattle and livestock on big ranches out west.
Their job was to run next to the big herds, nipping at the cows’ feet to keep them all together and headed the right way.
Having a long tail hanging down was really hard on those herding dogs though. The cattle’s hard hooves could whack and injure those tails easily, causing a lot of pain and nasty injuries.
Their tails could also get caught in thick bushes and branches as they dashed around. Broken, infected tails meant those hard-working ranch dogs couldn’t do their jobs for a while.
To protect the dogs and their tails, ranchers started cutting off most of the tail when the puppies were just a few days old.
This stopped major tail injuries and let the herding dogs keep working without getting hurt in that sensitive area.
Other herding breeds like corgis also had their tails docked (cut off) for the same reasons back then.
The Bobbed Look Became a Tradition
At first, cutting those puppies’ tails short was just to prevent injuries while they worked. But over time, that short, stubby look became the normal, accepted tail style for the Australian Shepherd breed.
The tail was supposed to be naturally bobbed (born short) or docked (cut) down to just a couple inches long.
When breeding clubs and breed standards were made official in the 1900s to define what an Australian Shepherd should look like, that bobbed tail was a must.
Long, feathery tails were actually listed as a fault! So while the original reason was for safety, that cute nub tail eventually became a signature feature of the breed.
Docking Tails Is Controversial Now
For many decades, cutting off part of those Aussie tails was just a normal thing that everyone did.
But in more recent years, some people have raised concerns that docking is actually cruel and unnecessary for pets that aren’t working ranch dogs anymore.
Animal rights groups argue that docking is purely a cosmetic procedure that causes puppies pain and stress with no real benefits if the dog is just a family companion.
They say puppies are hurt and distressed just for human preference on how the dog should look.
On the other side, some breeders and owners feel docking should still be an option to keep the traditional Aussie look and prevent any chance of tail injuries, even for highly active dogs in sports like agility where tails can get whipped around a lot.
Debate On Who’s Right?
The reality is there are good points on both sides of the docking debate when it comes to Australian Shepherds today.
Those opposing docking make some fair points – is it really necessary to put puppies through that procedure if they’re just household pets?
But those in favor of docking can also reasonably argue that it reduces risks of serious tail injuries, even if small, for very energetic aussies.
It also preserves the traditional breed appearance that’s been around for generations. There’s validity to both perspectives.
In many countries now, docking is actually fully banned or heavily restricted unless it’s medically necessary for the health and wellbeing of the dog. In parts of the US, it’s still allowed per breeder preferences.
Docked or Undocked – An Aussie is still an Aussie
So if you’re looking to get an Australian Shepherd as a family dog, should you specifically look for one with a fully docked bobbed tail versus an undocked longer feathery tail?
It honestly comes down to your personal viewpoints and what’s most important to you.
For most future Aussie owners, the docking debate may not really matter much at all.
These dogs have such big personalities, energy levels, and loving companionship that the length of tail is pretty meaningless in the bigger picture.
As long as your pup is healthy, social, trained well, and gets plenty of exercise and enrichment, you’ll have an amazing dog either way.
If you are strongly against docking for ethical reasons, then simply look for aussie litters that were born with full tails and make that a priority.
Or if you feel more comfortable with the traditional docked look, let breeders know that’s your preference. Most good breeders today will give you the option of docked or undocked.
At the end of the day, that little Aussie herding dog is going to be just as loving, energetic, smart, and wonderful whether their tail is long and plume or just a little nub.
Don’t let the tail wag the dog on this decision – focus on adding a fantastic family companion to your home. Everything else is just details.
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