Docked Tails and Dew Claws

[BG and Gavin]

I just read a kjiji ad (why oh why do I do this to myself) advertising some goldendoodle puppies for sale from a home breeder.  The ad said that tails have been docked and dew claws removed.  I have never heard of docking a doodle tail.  I can't imagine Gavin without that saber plume of a flag that waves back and forth as he marches down the street.  Also his dew claws are intact and have never presented a problem (you can hardly find them under the fur).  Is it still a usual practice to dock poodle tails?  What is the purpose?  And dew claw removal?  What is the purpose?  Do any of you have dogs with these alterations?  Just curious.

[Lori (Wilson and Woody's Mum)]

Absolutely darling!!!

[April Cliber]

I agree!  I don't mind a teapot tail. :)  Technically they aren't desirable but Jack doesn't know that!

[Moe]

I LOVE the curl. It makes him unique and oh so cute.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

His tail is beautiful Karen!

[Moe]

Love that tail!

[BG and Gavin]

Are you kidding Karen?  That tail is adorable!  I am sure his blessings in the nose end more than make up for any "perceived" short-comings in the tail end :)  I love, LOVE Jack's look.  I remember one time you said he looked like an unmade bed.  Still love this expression and use it on Gavin sometimes.  Jack is perfect!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Linda! He did get blessed on the other end, for sure!

[Leslie and Halas]

JD looks smashing with his skinny tail and mutt lucks! And that red food in the pic is pretty cute, too, even if his tail isn't showing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think you meant to say "red dood", Leslie, LOL!

[Leslie and Halas]

Stupid auto correct! How does it not recognize that dood is a real word?

[Katie and Sophie]

My doodle has a full tail, but no dew claws.  Neither of my dogs have their dew claws because they are both sporting breeds (Aussiedoodle and Weimaraner) so its pretty typical for them to be removed. The breeders had it done before I got them. I have seen working dogs that have done significant damage to their dew claws just by getting them caught while running in the woods, and my girls do a lot of running through the woods, so i'm glad they were removed, just in case. 

[BG and Gavin]

So next question...to circumcise or not to circumcise?  JUST KIDDING!  Feeling a bit giddy with the new year upon me.