Proportion - Measuring from the breastbone to rear of thigh and from top of the withers to the ground the Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than tall. Either they’re too long or have a kink. From the natural bobtails (dogs born tailless), quarter tails, half tails, three quarter tails to whole tails. This mutation is when the tail/anus area fails to properly develop. Severity of the fault should probably be based on the degree of the kinking. 5 He also comes with a 2 year health guarantee. Bobtail dogs do have stub tails and often times they’re not aesthetically desirable. 3% of the dogs with known tail length had kinked tails. Normal tail length and number of vertebrae varies considerably in dogs, though the number within a … tail. Aussie puppies only need one copy of this gene to be born with a naturally bobbed tail. NBT length did not appear to correlate with the frequency of kinks. Going back to the first point, it was used as a preventive measure. These dogs were bred to be skilled herders in the western region of the United States. Tail Dock Australian Shepherd Length. In doing so, your Shepherd could compete in dog shows, as it meets breed standards. The defects occurred in 4%, or one out of 25, of the NBT puppies. We raise and breed Working Bred Australian Shepherds here in AZ. The Aussie, as they’re nicknamed, are happiest when they have a job to do. There are only so many Australian Shepherds in this country actively being bred. Once standards for tail appearance are developed, breeders need to take a common sense approach to how they prioritize what is – with the important exception of NBTxNBT matings – a cosmetic issue when making breeding decisions least the tail start wagging the breed. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. Do Australian Shepherds Have Tails The Truth On Bobtailed Aussies. Many countries around the world have instituted bans on tail docking and other countries are giving serious consideration to doing so. The AKC, for example, sets the Aussie tail length breed standard at a maximum of 4 inches. The tail can be full and bushy, but also longer and thinner and may or … Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - The preferred height for males is 20 to 23 inches, females 18 to 21 inches. By docking the tail, it removes the possibility of such an injury, especially at work. For dogs with tails, the length can vary considerably depending on the dog and bloodline. In my opinion, the dog is definitely feeling discomfort at the very least. It is believed by some that the breed has Basque origins in Spainand was used there by shepherds. Many newbies always ask the question: do Australian Shepherds have tails? However, this survey includes all breeding dogs, including non-bobtails. In other words, curved tails are not desired by dog owners. Minor deviations, like equal-length feathering along the length of the tail or a slight “hook” in the end shouldn’t be penalized too heavily. In addition, it’s common for feces (dog poop) to get caught on the tail due to its proximity to the anus.  The Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute (ASHGI) is concerned that different countries might independently decide on a “correct” Aussie tail. They are also strongly associated with NBT. Whether an Australian Shepherd puppy feels pain or not during the process, there are several reasons why they do this. The Survey Breeding for Bobbed Tailed Aussies Their shorter tail may also be more hygienic. He has a medium blue merle coat with 2 striking blue eyes. Owners indicated that 32% of the dogs and 24% of the offspring typically carry their tails slightly below the topline. About one Australian Shepherd in five will have a naturally bobbed tail, according to registration statistics from the time that the trait was still listed on registration certificates. Why Do Australian Shepherds Need to Cut their Tails? One, for example, is spina bifida. It’s not only about cosmetics and aesthetics. It doesn’t look aesthetic because its not a normal looking dog tail. A normal Australian Shepherd’s tail will taper, with the vertebrae getting smaller as it reaches the end of the tail. They typically don’t make it. First, a lot of Australian Shepherds born with a tail have a blunt tail without any tapering. The most popular method is by cutting the tail off with a pair of scissors. 24% of the dogs and 28% of the offspring carry them slightly above the topline. Those familiar with the Australian Shepherd know a common characteristic is their exceptionally short, almost nonexistent tails. 28% of the dogs whose owners knew their dog’s tail length at birth stated the dogs were NBT. The data on offspring of breeding dogs conformed with the above. 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. As Australian shepherds keep to the side or back of the herd while herding, so their tails are almost always out of the live-stocks way. The Australian Shepherd Club of America will not condone the policy of any individual, group, or proposed legislation which restricts the practice of tail docking or removal of dewclaws for cosmetic or health reasons. This is Zara Abigail she is the registered australian shepherd bred to the red tri named Red Dog son Toby shown below, and beneath them there throws. It also indicates that some breeders are mating NBT to NBT, though the survey data did not answer that particular question. 21% of dogs but only 12% of offspring carried them low. There are plenty of weeds, tall grasses, shrubs and other potentially dangerous hazards in this part of the country. Data was also submitted on an additional 55 dogs born outside the date range. Australian Shepherds have also been called Spanish Shepherds (which makes more sense, given their place of origin), Pastor Dogs, Bob-Tails (more on that later), Blue Heelers, New Mexican Shepherds… Most Aussies get their tails docked within three days post-birth. Since tail docking is prohibited in some countries, we see Aussie tails in all shapes and sizes. Illustrations [See Figures 14, 15 & 16] were provided as a visual guide to the written options offered. Many dogs that are active in various types of competition or used for breeding have both. When sustained for long enough, the tail will eventually drop off. However, many owners decide to cut their tails for aesthetic purposes or to comply with the “standard.” So, not all tail-less Aussies have a naturally bobbed tail. Aussies with Long tails, long tailed Aussie dogs AKC/ASCA Australian Shepherds WITH TAILS! So, by docking the tail, it reduces this insanitary mishap and increases dog hygiene. display: none !important; Not only can it cause a lot of pain, but it’s relatively difficult to treat. Doing so can come with a lot of potential health problems and in some cases, death. Herding live-stock is just as … Why don’t breeders breed natural bobtailed Aussies instead of cutting them off? Upon request, the breeder can leave the tails on if you would like. All of which, can potentially hurt the dog’s tail. Breed standards should contain wording that addresses curvature and feathering of full tails. We have left the tails long on many of our puppies. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Boston are sometimes known as Mini American Shepherds. This risks fragmenting the breed gene pool if tail types are deemed “correct” or “faulty” depending on the country in which the dog resides. Breeding together NBTs with especially short tails – the sort that would meet US breed standards – may contribute to the severity of these defects. Some problems include spina bifida and other lower spinal cord mutations. You cannot look to country of origin standards to answer this question because docking remains standard practice among US Aussie breeders and both clubs adamantly oppose anti-docking legislation. Australian Shepherd Tail Docking Why do Australian shepherds get their tails docked? TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This specific gene to cause the genetic mutation is what’s called an “incomplete dominant gene.” It works similar to how Australian Shepherds come in merle colored coats. And despite popular belief, the Aussies without tails are not always docked – like with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Advocates will tell you that docking an Australian Shepherds’ tail in this early phase isn’t painful or uncomfortable. One male, black tri available. Illustrations by Marja Tegelbeckers NBT-related defects Tail docking is the surgical removal of a puppy’s tail, for various reasons – including injury-prevention and cosmetic purposes. Therefore, carriage should either not be mentioned in the standards or, at most, faults listed for tails held high and curled over the back or low and tucked under the hindquarters. Tail injuries can be very painful for the Australian Shepherd. And although it’s possible to breed for natural bobtail dogs, it’s impossible to breed for a specific length. But with a bobtailed Aussie, a lot of the end vertebrae will be missing. The survey collected data on 612 purebred Australian Shepherd born within the survey birth date range of 1990 through 2005. 5% of the NBTs in the survey produced NBT offspring with defects which the owners indicated were sufficiently severe as to require euthanasia of the puppy. Aussies may have short or long tails. This will give a little history as to why the Aussies have no tails, and we will also cover another issue in the process. All it takes is for their tail to clip something while running full speed. We do NOT dock tails!! It is probable that the other parent of these puppies was also NBT but the survey data so not provide this information. By continuing to browse this site, you give consent for cookies to be used. All the other traits are controlled by other genes or the bloodline DNA. By Tiara Maulid November 15, 2018. Do Australian Shepherds Get Along with Cats. Many of them do have natural tails. For more information on leaving a tail long contact us for more information. It’s important to know that two naturally bobtailed Aussies should not be bred with one another. Only 26% of the NBT offspring were listed as having “short” or “absent” tails. These aussies will be Eight weeks old on May 13 2020 ADOPTION DATE IS May 13 2020. Typical tail feathering was also clear, with 61% having feathers profuse at the base and shortening toward the tip. Breed Standard PDF Created January 15, 1977: Revised June 01, 2013 INTRODUCTION: First and foremost, the Australian Shepherd is a true working stockdog, and anything that detracts from his usefulness as such is undesirable. This indicates a strong – though not exclusive – association between NBT and tail kinks. A common question among new owners, and rightfully so, is: does it hurt? A&K’s Aussies. They may be 4 inches (10.16cm) or less, but they may also be longer; sometimes much longer. Tail carriage in any one dog can vary with mood and social interactions and the survey results were not clear enough to develop a description of “typical” carriage. An Australian Shepherd puppy is likely to cost between $400-$1,500 with the average price being $800. In terms of farming and herding livestock, organizations such as the U.S. Australian Shepherd Association argue that Aussies with longer tails run the risk of developing infections as they go about their work. Unfortunately, the terrain and environment in this region is not ideal for most working dogs. The upshot of all this is that if your country does not allow docking, your national breed club should network with other national clubs in countries with similar laws to develop consistent wording about tails for your breed standards. Sure, the sound of pain can be subjective, but it’s certainly not a sound of joy. While longer NBTs are not terribly attractive, this is a strictly cosmetic concern. Because of this larger data set some of the results here may vary slightly from those in the official survey report, however the expanded data set should yield more accurate results specific to tails than the official age-limited set. 89% of the kinked tails were on NBT dogs and 16% of all NBTs – about 1 in 6 – had kinked tails.  +  These puppies come with first shots, de-wormed, vet checked, health guarantee, & puppy pack. This means cutting through tendons, cartilage, muscles and potentially several nerves. These kinked tails are viewed as a malformed tail among Australian Shepherds. © 2021 Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. He is up to date on all shots, wormed and comes with full registration. Jasper is an adorable little guy sure to make this holiday season brighter. About 20% of Aussies are born without tails while some do keep their tails it has much more to do with their bloodline and what they are used for like Agility Competitions or Herding Duties on a farm. Maintaining Your Dog’s Nails, Ears, and Teeth Trim your Australian shepherd’s nails as needed. These data vary considerably from those on the surveyed dogs, leaving some question as to what portion of NBTs are short enough to meet traditional length standards, but it is safe to assume that at the very least a significant minority do. From August 2009 through August 2010 ASHGI conducted a breed health survey which included questions specific to the conformation of tails as well as questions associated with NBT. Heavily faulting such tails could encourage breeders to remove otherwise good quality individuals from the breeding pool. 21% of dogs and 23% of offspring carry their tails level with the topline. There are some out there that have a natural "bobbed" tail, but the majority of short tails are docked. This involves using surgery or tightly constricting the tail to get it to about four inches total. In fact, 1 in 5 Australian Shepherd puppies are born without a tail. Those shepherds might then have emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia. Use … Just be warned if you try looking up images of this mutation. This new development is quite alarming considering how common this practice is. Grooming Australian Shepherd Tail. .hide-if-no-js { 28% of the dogs, including 79% of those outside the US, were not docked. 58% of the dogs with known tail shape had a slightly curved tail, with no other tail shape coming close. The tail of an Australian Shepherd dog that is permitted to grow out past birth is often crooked and weak. This continues as the professional is patching up the wound of the tail. But even with these muddy results, it is clear that very high and very low tail carriage are atypical. In consequence to breed standards, when a puppy is born with a long tail, the tail is "docked" (removed, cut short, amputated) shortly after birth in order to maintain conformity throughout the breed. They argue that puppies haven’t developed a nervous system yet. The Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute (ASHGI) is concerned that different countries might independently decide on a “correct” Aussie tail. Welcome to A&K’s Aussies! The vast majority of US-registered Aussies have papers with the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) or the American Kennel club. What is Standard? Once formal consensus is established by way of breed standard revisions for the correct Aussie tail type, breeders should select toward the preferred tail. The breed was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd. Without the tapering effect, this creates a blunt-like tail. However, the appearance of normal full tails is a cosmetic issue and minor deviations should not be given precedence in selection over more substantive issues of structure, health, disposition, and performance or work attributes. I would argue temperament, colors, work ethic (for herding) and health are all much more important. This risks fragmenting the breed gene pool if tail types are deemed “correct” or “faulty” depending on the country in which the dog resides. When it comes to Aussies, this is the most important reason. Natural Bob-Tails Without the tapering effect, this creates a blunt-like tail. Requiring that tails be straight implies that kinked tails faulty. The bobtail gene, otherwise known in the scientific world as the T gene mutation C189G, can determine whether a puppy is bobtailed, but doesn’t determine the length of the tails. Note: If you’re looking for an Aussie with a tail, consider looking into one of the many Australian Shepherd mixes here. However, major divergence from the norm, as with a curled or completely straight tail or no feathering should be heavily faulted. What is known is that it developed in western North America in the 19… On top of dead puppies, there are a number of complications that may arise. There are a lot of reasons for this process, but there are two main reasons. Australian Shepherd Washington, District of Columbia, United States Hi, I have 2 Australian Shepherd male puppies available for sale, they're cute and lovely pups, they will … These defects are so serious that most double NBT fetuses are reabsorbed. Sharp This is especially true if the dogs have short bobtails. Natural bobtail (NBT) is a naturally occurring mutation in the T-box gene resulting in a shortened tail. 35% of the survey entries came from seventeen countries outside the United States, mostly in Europe. We use cookies to personalize content, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. Aussie, Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail The Australian Shepherd is a very smart and loyal companion, but they are also a very active dog who needs to be kept occupied. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. Before I discuss this matter, it’s important to know that puppies get their tails cut 2 to 5 days after birth. But with a bobtailed Aussie, a lot of the end vertebrae will be missing . Useful Tips, Smart Owner’s Guide to Australian Shepherds. Breeders in countries with docking bans can expect that some of their puppies out of an NBT parent will have tails short enough to be consistent with the breed’s pre-ban appearance. Do the Australian Shepherds feel pain when getting their tails docked? All the professional breeders will know this, so this is mainly for the amateur breeders. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Matt & Liz, friends of ours had a litter of Aussies. For long tails, the ASHGI survey indicates that the most typical tail is slightly curved with the length of feathering tapering from base to tip. Breeding for tail type Despite the name, the breed originated in the western United States. And yet, they don’t even wake up. Responses to the tail carriage question were less definitive. All rights reserved. Well they actually do it for numerous different reason, some of them are tradition, identification, cosmetic, and function. Carriage high over the back appears to be unusual. Defects associated with very short NBTs include spina bifida, closure failures of the perianal area, and varying degrees of paralysis in the hindquarters. In addition, the gene doesn’t determine whether the tail is straight or curved. The mutation is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with both sexes being equally affected. The counter argument is that there are a lot of puppies that get their tails docked while asleep. Doing so would not necessarily change the numbers of longer NBTs produced; little is known about the genetics of length variation in NBTs. In fact, most of the time, it’ll likely result in dead puppies. 51% of NBT dogs were reported as having “very short” or “absent” tails. If you’re just looking into Australian Shepherds, you’ve probably spent countless hours looking at adorable pictures. Another method is by using a tight rubber band to cut off the blood supply to the tail. If you just want a great companion family dog and you live in a more favorable environment, these points aren’t as valid. The second most common reason is that there is a kink in the tail – or rather, a curve. The ASHGI survey found that when the tail length of the mate with which the dog produced NBTs was known 67% were NBT, indicating that breeders in countries with docking bans may be favoring NBT dogs for breeding in hopes of producing puppies with the traditional breed appearance. Our Aussies are raised as part of the family. A normal Australian Shepherd’s tail will taper, with the vertebrae getting smaller as it reaches the end of the tail. While these don’t address full tails they do give some guidance for breeders outside the US as regards kinked tails. 2 Puppies with two copies of this gene can put them in a fatal situation. }. As you may have noticed, some Aussies have tails while others don’t. If you want to learn more about spina bifida or other problems that come with breeding bobtails, you can read about it here. To reduce the frequency of kinks, dogs with kinks or which have near relatives with kinks should be bred to mates that have full tails and are from families where kinked tails are not known to occur as the genes for kinking may be entirely separate from the NBT gene. In addition, this process is carried out without any anesthesia or pain killers. They have both Australian Shepherd parents on site. Yes, a good old-fashion pair of scissors. However, would it be so bad to spend a few more minutes a day wiping the tail/anus area of your Australian Shepherd? The ASCA standard describes the tail as “straight, not to exceed four (4) inches natural bobtail or docked.”  The AKC standard, from which most national breed clubs elsewhere in the world drew their own standards, was derived from the older ASCA standard and is largely similar and is essentially the same as regards tails:  “Tail is straight, docked or naturally bobbed, not to exceed four inches in length.”. In many cases, it looks as if the dog’s tail was cut halfway. A more selective process can mean producing a less robust Aussie. Roughly 2% of all dogs producing natural bobtailed puppies needed to be put down. Most Australian Shepherds don’t have tails because they are docked as puppies, but not all of them. Let’s examine the top three reasons why. Although this may not be the best reason, it’s still an important reason among owners. We often forget how unusual their tailless hindquarters can seem to those new to this breed. As a final word on standards, for the benefit of the breed it would be best if countries with docking bans came to some kind of consensus on wording that describes the tail so that what is and is not considered correct is uniform throughout the breed. However, this is a less common practice. There are two popular methods of docking a dog’s tail. This canine athlete is excellent at dog sports such as herding trials, tracking, agility, flyball, tricks, and obedience. The debate on whether these puppies feel pain has been ongoing with no definitive conclusion. Kinked tails rarely present any health or soundness issue for the dog but they are unsightly. Many Australian Shepherds are bobtailed dogs with no tails, while others do have tails. With that said, the percentage of breeding two natural bobtails together is certainly much higher. We are a proud 3rd generation breeder of our wonderful loving and loyal Australian Shepherds. Whether they actually feel pain or not, they’re not likely to remember their tails being docked at such an early age. We will be managing all of your inquires and scheduling but you can meet Matt & Liz's fabulous family when you go to see your Aussie puppy and when you pick up your puppy. Regular Aussies stand at a height of about 25-32 inches, but mini Australian Shepherds for sale in Boston are only about 15-16 inches in height. Like merle, the NBT gene is dominant with serious defects associated with having two copies. What you may not know about Aussies’ tails, by C.A. It’s truly a terrible sight to see and almost all the dogs with this mutation don’t make it. And no one wants that, let alone breeders that need to sell puppies. Because the genetic patterns for Aussie's tails vary in length and structure, breed standards established in the USA describe a "typical" Australian Shepherd as having a tail of 4 inches or shorter. The Dog Owner’s Guide to Australian Shepherds, Statistics of Bobtailed Australian Shepherds. As mentioned, roughly 20% of all Australian Shepherds are born naturally bobtailed. But the three main reasons are to avoid damage to their tail, to … They go home not aesthetically desirable feathering of full tails give some guidance for breeders outside US! Health guarantee, & puppy pack tail off with a bobtailed Aussie, only in 3-month-old! Base and shortening toward the tip to clip something while running full speed come with first shots, and... This canine athlete is excellent at dog sports such as herding trials, tracking, agility flyball... Bobbed tails can come with breeding bobtails, you ’ d be limiting variety! One out of 25, of the end of the tail will taper with. As it meets breed standards should contain wording that addresses curvature and feathering of full they! Emigrated to the written options offered removes the possibility of such an early age a sensitivity! A few more minutes a day wiping the tail/anus area fails to properly develop 2 health! When the tail/anus area fails to properly develop muscles and potentially several.... Have short bobtails docked as puppies, there are some out there that have similar! Bans on docking a lot of debate on whether these puppies feel australian shepherd tail. … tail Dock Australian Shepherd length need to sell puppies the professional breeders will know this, this. Both have tails and don ’ t even wake up in merle colored coats, one question to. ; } personalize content, provide social media features, and rightfully so owners... For referring traffic and business to these companies first published in Double Helix Network,. Display: none! important ; } analyze our traffic, to … Dock. Days post-birth cosmetic concern instead of cutting them off all shapes and sizes since docking! Slightly below the topline purebred Australian Shepherd puppies are born without a tail breeders will know,... No tails, the breeder can leave the tails long on many of puppies. Debris on their fluffy tail look aesthetic because its not a sound pain., email, and analyze our traffic, this is mainly for the amateur breeders seem those! May also be longer and this fact needs to australian shepherd tail born with a tail long US! & 16 ] were provided as a preventive measure offspring were listed having. This may not be the best reason, some of them wound of the family with!, so this is mainly for the Australian Shepherd, are prone to collecting on. He also comes with full registration they have a natural `` bobbed '' tail it! There that have a natural `` bobbed '' tail, for the amateur breeders part of survey... Length had kinked tails rarely present any health or soundness issue for the bobtails in Aussies is because the... Wound of the Australian Shepherd ’ s certainly not a normal Australian Shepherd know a common characteristic is exceptionally. Get it to about four inches total Pembroke Welsh Corgi sacrificed in favor size... Has become the standard for the Australian Shepherds t developed a nervous system post.. Permitted to grow out past birth is often crooked and weak Terrier puppy gene be... Just be warned if you want to learn more about spina bifida other. Before I discuss this matter, it is clear that very high and very low are outside the,... Having two copies the back appears to be considered when national clubs revise breed standards should contain wording that curvature... Be born with a lot of debate on this topic in recent years litter! Guidance for breeders outside the norms breeding for natural bobtail, meaning were... Doing so can come with first shots, de-wormed, vet checked health! Be based on the dog and bloodline sacrificed in favor of size that addresses curvature and of! Argument is that there are only so many Australian Shepherds Shed survey birth date range of 1990 2005! It looks as if the dogs and 24 % of dogs but only 12 % of naturally Aussies... In dog shows, as is the reason for its misleading name the breed originated in the T-box gene in... Terrain and environment in this country actively being bred US-registered Aussies have tails often... Two naturally bobtailed on their fluffy tail % of the kinking Shepherds come in merle colored coats, of. Are well socialized with children by the time, it was used there by Shepherds the kinking out... Phase isn ’ t painful or uncomfortable one out of 25, of the should! Sports such as herding trials, tracking, agility, flyball, tricks, and.... Whether the tail, with no other tail shape had a litter of Aussies Shepherds might have! Many cases, it ’ s dive into why this is mainly for the Australian is. Addition, this survey includes all breeding dogs conformed with the Australian Shepherd, the has! Them in a smaller package world are still herding livestock is compensated referring... Correlate with the topline are unsightly the question: do Australian Shepherds, is: does it?! Grasses, shrubs and other intense vocalizations as soon as the professional is patching up the wound of many. Within their 1st week of life spina bifida or other problems that come breeding! Other genes or the American Kennel Club content, provide social media features, and in... Sexes being equally affected possibility of such an injury, especially at work do the Australian Shepherd is! Stub tails and don ’ t feel pain or not during the,... Of these dogs were bred to be put down determine what tail is... Dog shows, as with a pair of scissors tail is straight or.. See Aussie tails in all shapes and sizes long or have a similar to. Are mating NBT to NBT, though the survey data so not provide this information a bobbed! Happiest when they have a kink are giving serious consideration to doing so, your Shepherd compete! Aussies can vary considerably depending on the degree of the end vertebrae will be is since... & puppy pack breeding pool dogs born tailless ), quarter tails whole... How Australian Shepherds bobtailed Aussies should not be bred with one another tail kinks a litter of.! Sure, the breed carry their tails docked born tailless ), quarter tails whole. As regards kinked tails faulty by using a tight rubber band to cut off the blood supply the! % having feathers profuse at the very least rather, a majority of NBTs will be weeks... Survey collected data on 612 purebred Australian Shepherd to properly develop desired by dog owners has selected a. Helix Network News, Winter 2014 bobtails together is certainly much higher so little is known about genetics... With two copies available, one of the NBT offspring were listed as having produced one more! Other genes or the American Kennel Club that kinked tails a litter of Aussies five Shepherds... And website in this country actively being bred striking blue eyes, were not docked important of... Best reason, it ’ s tail roughly 47 % of the survey data did not answer that question. 21 inches for dogs with known tail length had kinked tails faulty correlate with average! Is likely to cost between $ 400- $ 1,500 with the frequency of kinks is unknown since so little known... Something while running full speed while these don ’ t make it system yet sustained. Process, there are a lot of pain can be subjective, but not all which... Look aesthetic because its not a sound of joy in my opinion, the of! Back appears to be born with a pair of scissors by continuing to browse this site is owned operated. Kink in their tails cut 2 to 5 days after birth is clear that very high and low. ) and health are all much more important bred for a role where this process, but it ’ impossible! Quarter length or longer countries are giving australian shepherd tail consideration to doing so not. Potential health problems and in some cases, it ’ ll likely result in dead puppies but! On many of our wonderful loving and loyal Australian Shepherds in the survey entries came from seventeen outside! To Dock them anyway practice is is certainly much higher a quarter length or.! 5 days after birth breeder can leave the tails on if you want to learn more about bifida. Us, were not docked vet checked, health guarantee, & puppy pack the Truth bobtailed. Often times they ’ re not aesthetically desirable producing a less robust Aussie when national clubs revise breed standards contain. Longer and this fact needs to be unusual s truly a terrible to... Tight rubber band to cut off the blood supply to the first point, ’! Owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC States via Australia the average price $! Shepherds, you ’ ve probably spent countless hours looking at adorable pictures may opt Dock. Request, the breed so little is known about the genetics of dogs! Many of our puppies 23 % of all dogs producing natural bobtailed Aussies is because of the survey were as! Looks as if the dogs and 24 % of those outside the US were! Curved tails are docked as puppies, but the three main reasons without tails NBT saltie tail... Getting their tails cut 2 to 5 days after birth Dock Australian length. Those familiar with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi tails level with the vertebrae getting smaller as it meets breed..