Docking had its purpose for working dogs, not pets

"Doc, I just got a new puppy and I want his tail and ears docked so he looks like the breed magazines say he should. Do you do that?" Breed standards for many dog breeds require tail and/or ear docking, which has become a controversial topic among dog breeders, veterinarians, animal rights activists and many others.

Many of the dog breeds involved in this argument have a historical basis for the changes made to the animal's body structure. Tails were often docked in the herding breeds to prevent tail damage or interference with an animal's ability to move quickly in tight quarters. Tails were...