Why do some Rottweilers have their tail docked and some not?

Some Rotties are born with short tails, others are docked by a vet. These days docking is considered inhumane, and many vets won't do it because its extremely painful and can cause chronic problems with back or hips. read more

Originally Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers had their tails docked because the dogs were used as guard dogs (attack dogs) and owners did not want anyone to see the dog wagging its tail. (Some dogs wag their tails when excited, probably a hold-over from their wolf-dog relatives who used a high tail carriage as a signal to other pack members before launching a coordinated attack. read more

While there are some practical benefits for having your Rottweiler’s tail docked, you need to seriously think about whether it is really something you want to do. In most cases, tail docking is performed without anesthesia – just think about how painful it would be to have someone cut off part of your body without anesthesia! This is the reason why many countries have actually banned tail docking. Unfortunately, the United States is not one of them. read more

If you're working with your Rottweiler in Agility, Obedience, Protection, Search and Rescue, Dock Diving, Rally, or any other athletic dog sport (which your Rottweiler will most likely love every single second of) there is again the consideration of the benefit your Rottweiler's tail will have for him. read more

Tail docking is not very necessary practice in modern time. It has a history behind it.During the 18th century, dogs were categorized in 2 groups. One was working dog group. Rottweilers belong to this category. Working dogs tails were cut off to distinguished them from other group of non working dogs. There was tax on having non working dogs these days. read more

The AKC Standard calls for a docked tail. Individual judges have awarded and continue to award tailed dogs high honors and titles within the AKC circuit. However, it is still difficult to show a tailed Rottweiler when faced with judges who prefer the docked tail the Standard calls for. read more