Tail Docking and Dew Claw Removal

The decision to dock your puppy's tail or remove his dew claws is yours unless you buy a puppy from a breeder who has already done this. Some people do not like these procedures as they find them cruel and not needed. Others dock tails and remove the dew claws because they feel the dog is better off that way or because the breed standards dictate it.

In any case, tail docking should be done at a few days of age before the puppy develops more sensitivity in the tail area. The risk of excessive bleeding is lesser at that time also. Don't attempt to do this operation unless you are properly trained and have a reliable blood-stop medicine on hand. A puppy can bleed to death if not properly attended.

Dew claw removal is also done at a few days of age and also requires proper training and blood-stop to be on hand. Dew claws on long haired dogs can become entangled and leave the grown dog "hog-tied" or restrained by his own hair. For this reason, many breeders remove dew claws from their puppies.

Dew claws do not automatically wear down since they do not contact the ground when the dog walks. In fact, they have been known to grow into a complete circle, causing injury and pain. Pay attention to your dog's dew claws and keep them properly trimmed.