Each breeder probably lets their favorite veterinarian crop their puppies' ears. We usually go back time and again to use the services of a vet we trust.
But we often leave tail docking to someone we do not know nearly as well. Perhaps we recently moved to the area and the vet is unfamiliar to us, or we leased a bitch to a faraway friend who has never whelped a litter before. Maybe our trusted vet is on vacation during the puppies' critical third to fifth day. Sooner or later a breeder will be called on to oversee or instruct someone about the "correct" way to dock tails. I've learned through bitter experience that nothing is as easy to do properly -- or to ruin in one ill-conceived stroke -- as a tail docking.
How long to cut the tail? I've arrived at a method that may prove helpful, especially if you're giving long-distance instructions. Depending on the size of the puppy and the preference of the breeder, I use one of two measures. For a slightly shorter adult tail I use a penny as a measure. For a somewhat longer tail I use a nickel.
Place the coin underneath the tail, resting gently at the anus. Tell the vet you want the tail cut very close to the diameter of the coin. Don't let the vet cut there, then shorten the tail to accommodate their own ideas. Fishing around for vertebrae in neonates is difficult. We recently dealt with a vet who did just that, shortening the tail after he had cut it to the desired length.
Vets use several techniques. The most common is a simple snip, a slight trimming of the bone and a stitch or two to pull the skin over the end of the tail for a clean look. Some vets use surgical glue in place of stitches, others use nothing at all. It's important to make sure the tail ends up exactly the desired length. Don't be afraid to stand over the vet for each puppy. Make sure the coin is used each time. An especially small or large pup may require an adjustment in your chosen measure of length. The larger the pup, the slightly longer the measure.
There's a range of aesthetically acceptable adult Boxer tail lengths. We should fall within these parameters. If you're precise, a penny is exactly 3/4 inch in diameter and a nickel 13/16 inch. I don't like the look of a long adult tail, so I prefer to use a penny, but this can result in too short a tail unless the vet follows your instructions exactly. I usually ask that the cut be just slightly beyond the penny. Many experienced vets, especially Boxer breeders, can "eyeball" a tail to the correct length. If you know such a vet, you probably treasure their skills.
You can never be too rich or too thin—or too insistent with a vet who should be following your directions. Assume nothing. Watch the entire session to be sure you get what you and your breeding program deserve.
Summer Heat Reminder
Don't let your Boxer overheat at dangerously hot show sites. Bring plenty of water and ice. If dogs are left in vehicles, is there an alarm if the air conditioner or generator fails? Are you "networked" with other exhibitors to create a system of mutual watching and cooperation? If you use a professional handler, have they taken all the necessary precautions to protect your dog's safety and comfort? Your Boxer deserves no less.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
