Pedigree dogs exposed

[Jennicat]

Seems like if docking tails helped the hips so much they'd start docking breeds like German Shepherds that are notorious for hip displaysia?

[frashy]

Well, they do it to rotts. If it's such a problem for sheperds then I dont know? I don't think it's as much as a problem for sheperds as it is rots, almost all rots will have problems, even with a docked tail. It just reduces it greatly. I would prefer my dog has their tail docked for health issues at a young age where they will not remember it, for being so young, then end up suffering from serious hip problems later. No arguement there of what's best for your animal.

Sheperds are amazing dogs. They are extremely intelligent, which is why they are used with cops. I would love to adopt either a sheperd or a rot when I move into my own place. My humane society has a poster saying large black dogs are the last to be adopted, I thought that was crazy because I personaly look for those dogs first! It makes sence though with all those stereotyping people who claim rotts are such terrible dogs but never even met one to judge for themselves.

[Jennicat]

GSDs are notorious for hip displaysia, even more so than Rottweilers because of their unnatural, "slopey" stance.

I personally don't believe that docking helps hips. The tail is part of the spine, and I can't find any medical backup for this. Sounds a lot like breeder folklore.

[crazywiggy]

Okay, lets try to separate fact from myth....

Certain dogs have tails docked as a health measure - i.e. working gundog breeds (spaniels, wiemeraners etc). Note, only the dogs that actually work need their tails docked, and even this is debatable.

MOST breeds have their tails docked purely for appearence, despite the BS claims made by breeders. Docking has NO effect on hips!!!!

The ONLY benefit to docking is preventing tail injuries. It can CAUSE a host of other problems.

Ear cropping is ONLY done for appearence - not one other reason exists. It has NO health benefits whatsoever. Cockers and Bassetts do NOT have ears cropped.

[CrazyZookeeper]

I have always heard that purebreds have more health issues than "mutts". Besides mutts are cuter.

[Bennalaya]

People need to know this. About six years ago my sister purchased a Maltese puppy from a breeder to the tune of $1,500 USD. Sicily was deaf and had vision problems. Come to find out, Sicily was the product of inbreeding.

My sister also dated a man whose mother bred and sold Irish Setters. Because she used dog shows to gain exposure, she kept those dogs crated all day long and were only let out in the garage for a few minutes to potty on puppy pee pads. She claimed keeping them crated "preserved their aesthetic value". Sickening.

[CrazyZookeeper]

Originally Posted by Bennalaya

She claimed keeping them crated "preserved their aesthetic value". Sickening.

I wholeheartedly agree. That is inhumane!