Purpose. Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the animal's speed, and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting, and baiting. Tail docking is done in modern times either for prophylactic, therapeutic, cosmetic purposes, and/or to prevent injury.

Is it cruel to dock a dog's tail?

Survey data indicate that preventive tail docking of pet dogs is unnecessary. Therefore tail docking of non-working dogs, even if their breed was originally developed for working purposes, is considered a cosmetic procedure unless evidence exists to the contrary.

Why do people cut dogs tails?

Nowadays, people cut off dogs' tails for four main reasons: to conform to the breed standard, sanitary reasons, to protect the dog from injuries, and for cosmetic purposes. ... Others choose to cut off working breeds' tails because it can prevent briars and burrs from getting in the fur and injuring the animal.