Why do some Rottweilers have tails?
All Rottweilers are born with tails. In the past it has been customary to have the tail removed or “docked” as part of the identification of the breed. In 1998 Germany passed a law making it illegal to dock the tail of a dog. Since that time all Rottweilers in Germany, and the majority of Europe, have their tail intact. There is a lot of literature available on the internet discussing the pros and cons of docking the tail or leaving it intact. The conclusion is that most of the reasons for either case are purely speculative. The fact is that tail docking for the Rottweiler is becoming less and less common. Both the FCI (the recognized standard followed throughout the world) and the ADRK (Germany’s Rottweiler governing body) forbid the docking of tails. All of our dogs have their tails intact due to the fact that they are all from Germany and/or trained in Germany. Accordingly we do not dock tails on most of our litters.
Please understand and know that all Rottweilers are born with tails. In the past it has been customary to have the tail removed or “docked” as part of the identification of the breed. Ten years ago, in 1998, Germany passed a law making it illegal to dock the tail of a dog. Since that time all Rottweilers in Germany, and the majority of Europe, have their tail intact. The fact is that tail docking for the Rottweiler is becoming less and less common. As the Rottweiler is a “German” Breed and those that breed to maintain the integrity and improve this wonderful German breed of dog will adhere to the strict breeding guidelines as in Germany. Both the FCI (the recognized standard followed throughout the world) and the ADRK (Germany’s Rottweiler governing body) forbid the docking of tails. Most of our dogs have their tails intact due to the fact that they are of strong German lines. Accordingly we will not dock tails on our litters.
