about those tails

Why are people still doing this?

Today there is absolutely no benefit in docking a Wheaten Terrier’s tail. It was never docked for working purposes and provided no benefit to the dog or the owner. It was only tax avoidance for their owners who otherwise could not afford to keep dogs. When the breed standards were developed, the docked tail was included as an identifier of the breed. It was one of the things that made them unique and distinctive at that time. In the American Kennel Club (AKC), these standards still persist.

Should people keep doing this?

There are many people dedicated to this breed who feel strongly that the docked tail is a significant part of the breed standard and should continue as such. There are arguments that it doesn't hurt the dog and for tradition should be continued as the written standards dictate. There are others who feel it is not necessary and does not benefit the dog or the owner in any way.

And then there are some that feel strongly that tail docking is injurious to dogs when performed for strictly cosmetic reasons. There is some evidence that dogs communicate with each other using their tails, that they use them for balance, and some dogs even use them as rudders when swimming. 

The practice of tail docking is now opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) who consider it “an unjustified mutilation and unethical”.

Why not just comply with the breed standard? 

With the exception of unusual medical circumstances that necessitate it, tail docking is non-beneficial to dogs or their owners. As is ear docking and other cosmetic surgeries and, since the dogs have no choice in the matter, it does feel unjust. The practice is outdated and unnecessary. Tail docking is also now illegal in the Wheaten Terrier’s home country of Ireland (as of 2014) and the entirety of the UK (as of 2007). 

If you are looking for a Wheaten Terrier with a docked tail, we cannot be of assistance.

Aside from the ethical issues, we also much prefer the happy, jovial appearance of a wagging tail on a dog. Wheatens have a beautiful, fluffy tails when allowed to be natural. So until the AKC changes their Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier standard, which currently reads “docked tail preferred” in the show ring, we will not participate in dog show events. We will advocate for the AKC changing the SCWT standard to no longer mentioning tail docking at all.