But oh so true, of the 4 springer owners that come to mind straight away on this forum I have 4 from working Lines, Pidge's Woody is from Working lines, Valhandra's Pepsi is from working lines, the only one from Show lines is Rips Isla.

I can only go on the experience's that i have had, and when we have had to have the tails amputated the vets that have done it have said 2 - 3 weeks rest to allow it to heal properly, before they go tearing through the countryside at 300miles an hr, just like a springer does

Once again, I am thankful that "my breed" (Border Collie) is not docked, traditionally. When my Snorri-dog was still alive, there was nothing better than to take him for a walk and watch him surging along dry ditches after rats, his tail like a black-and-white banner, fluttering above the long grass to mark his progress in his quest to rid the area of "mousies"! (He only ever caught one, and that was a joint effort with Kali). The highlight was the billowing tail.

I have always thought that one of the world's best sights was that of a Border Collie "in full flight", tail streaming out behind it, assisting the dog in tight cornering.

No docking, thanks - and not just for BCs.

Snorri

Yep they do suprise you m dont they!!

I even knew of a chap that used to use his Boxers on shooting days he said they were better behaved and worked better than his working bred lab on the shoot.

I know of some that are currently training for working trials in the UK at the moment.

Yey, we're famous at last!

How can Isla not be famous

I have no strong view either way about the docking or otherwise of dogs tails. The only stipulation for me would be that, if docked, it should be done as early as possible with pain relief given where necessary.

Personally I do prefer the look of some docked breeds - rotties, dobes, springers and GWPs for example, but as I will never own these breeds then I won't get hot under the collar about the subject

Just to say to Snorri - that the tail of a working border collie should be held low, as it is thought the tail is an indicator of what is going on in the brain - and the more "flyaway" the tail, the less serious the dog. I don't know how true this is, but I rarely see a working sheepdog with a tail held high. But I know you were discussing pet BCs, so a tail held high usually just means the dog is having lots of fun

but it doesnt matter what it was originally done for, many dogs now have their tails docked when they are pets... therefore no reason to dock.

i dont just look at tail, i try to look at everything especially now i have jake. but i think the tail is an extremely important part in it.

if jakes sees a person or dog, his head looks really seriously and, tbh, not too friendly (and his stance is the same), he gets really fixated on them but i know he is just interested and wants to say hello, and while he is doing this his tail is wagging at 100mph. and when he meets the person or dog, he immediately wants to play. i think, he is just trying to suss them out to know if its same etc. tbh, if i saw a dog acting how he does, i would think they were aggressive but i know jake isnt... you cant just look at one thing, you need to see them all together... including the tail IMO

I've had afew dogs over the years, a BCx lakeland terrier who had his tail curled over his back, A mini schnauzer who was undocked and had a gorgeous tail and this week we got our boxer. I would never have any dog of mine docked. I can sort of see and argument for working dogs but I really liked the comment about builders thumbs...sorry can't remember who said it. From an asthetic point of view in my book someone having a tail docked for vanity is no different to some bimbo having their boobs done except the bimbo is making their own choice!!! I respect that everyone has their own view and mine is...some dogs are born with tails and some are born without and they are all beautiful so why mess and mutilate with it for the sake of 'I think it looks better'. I love Stanleys tail, its like a waggy magic wand with its little white tip!!!
If you married someone and decided they'd look better with one leg, would you chop one off?? Just a thought.