Docking, How could you! :(

Canonica- I don't see anything in the IOEBA breed standard that either ears or tails are to be cropped - so I'm not sure what you mean by "we breeders" should be allowed to decide whether to do it or not - your breed shouldn't need to have either procedure performed. There is no law against either procedure in the US, so EVERYONE has the right to decide at this point, irregardless of whether or not they are a breeder. Do you really think that having a small piece of skin removed from a male infant's penis is less painful for the baby than it is for a puppy to have part of it's spine amputated? I can't imagine that it is so........ I'm not against tail docking - my dogs have docked tails, however for you to minimize it so much is just wrong. Also, have you ever seen an ear crop procedure? If not, I suggest you watch one - you may change your tune....... I tried to find a video of it on the internet, but couldn't. I wonder if that's because it's so graphic that the people who perform them are trying to hide the reality of it..... I know many vets who have quit doing them because they couldn't stand to see the pups go through the process, it's so uneccesary! Just because it's a breed standard, doesn't make it necessary or "right". Someone came up with the standard, and if enough people make enough noise the standard can be changed. I think (I don't KNOW) that several breeds can now be shown with cropped or uncropped ears. Seems the standards are changing already.

to ddmom.....my schnauzer had his tail docked when we went to see the litter when they were 5 weeks old. Brought him home at almost 9 weeks......The breeder left it up to the purchaser whether or not to dock. I really think the ears would be more painful to do on the animal. Have always had 2 dogs.......at least one German Shepherd....not worries there......they are just "ala natural".....tail, ears etc.

i think you will find its not actually illegal in britain it is still carried out.