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.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I love all the tails, curly or not.  In Ireland it is against the law to dock tails so it's not an issue.  Riley's tail was like a stick until a couple of months ago and now its very full as his hair has grown,  it does a little curl at the end which I think looks very cute.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Can't nor would I want to envision Paz without his tail....after all, it would really be dull if he wasn't knocking something off a table with his wagging tail and sheer exhuberance.  And all his doggie playmates in the park would really miss that tail which they inevitably attach onto when Paz is running in circles, and they can't keep up with him.  I'm not passing judgement on those whose tails are cropped etc., as long as in no way does it harm or cause pain to the dog.

[Moe]

My vet asked if I wanted the dewclaws taken off when we spay our puppy. I wasn't sure, he said they can get caught on things and rip off. What do you guys think. Should a 6mo old dog have the dewclaws removed. I have not researched it at all yet so I don't have an opinion.

[Michael Gurley]

I don't think that a 6 month old dog should have dewclaws removed. I believe it should only be done when a dog is very very young and isn't walking on those legs much yet. It's a very painful procedure/amputation, and the risk of tearing the dew claw off is really minimal unless you plan on hunting with your dog.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. If you have an injury then you can think about but otherwise leave them alone!

[Michael Gurley]

My doodle has a full tail and both dewclaws. I admit that I didn't even ask whether she had been docked or had dewclaws removed when I bought her! I just wanted her so badly I didn't really care. I still don't care, actually, but I do love her flag tail. 

[BG and Gavin]

I went to a party at a friend of a friend's house last night and met their very adorable and pretty wonderful GD Ben.  Ben has his tail docked.  His owner was very interested in looking at pictures of Gavin with a full tail.  One big difference between Ben and Gavin is that Ben although nearly as large as Gav is much lighter boned.  His limbs and paws are smaller and his tail is thinner (more poodle like) making the docked tail look more "appropriate" than it would on Gavin I think.  Ben is seven years old and was purchased from a pet store.

[Heather]

Mine has a full tail and his dew claws are removed ....my other dog (not a goldendoodle) has her dew claws and once she chased after a cat up to the fence and tore her poor dew claw but it is all better now.