docked tails

titusismybox · #1 15th January 2004, 05:57 PM

i'm just wondering how long boxers tails should be docked. my first boxer is a female with a short nubbin. then i have my male who has a long nubbin, about 4-4 1/2 in. is there a set langth for there nubbin??????

JulieM · #2 19th January 2004, 11:23 AM

The standard doesn't discuss length of tail, only that it is docked. There are a few different rules of thumb, depending on who you ask, based on number of vertebrae left or comparison with various things (thumb, quarter, nickel, etc.). I'd estimate (and it's a total guess since I don't have any dogs here right now to check) that the average tail length seen on show dogs is around 4 inches. (Someone with show dogs, check that for me!

)

**GoCougs** · #3 19th January 2004, 02:07 PM

They generally run about 4" on most show dogs. That's about the length on mine.

As Julie stated, there is no set length in the standard, and the length varies depending on the doctor who does them. Like ears, many vets will do them however you prefer.

Call me crazy, and maybe someone else can confirm this, but it seems to me that boys tend to have a little longer tail than the females. Perhaps thats related to their overall difference in size?

JulieM · #4 20th January 2004, 09:38 AM

Thanks for the confirmation.

I've haven't noticed a gender-related difference in tail length, but I've never looked, either! The different adult size may make sense - a litter of 2-4 day old puppies are mostly all the same size, so if the tails are cut the same length at that time and the boys grow bigger than the girls, the tails probably would be somewhat longer.

Interesting....

SammynDqtz · #5 20th January 2004, 09:58 AM

My boxer boys tail is about 2 and a half inches long.

DogNamed_Boo · #6 20th January 2004, 12:51 PM

Boo's tail is 4 inches long ...he's 16 months old & 78 lbs ....I don't have wickett ( I think thats what you call it ) to measure him at the withers ..but he is tall ! Any ideas on how to measure him...he hates the measuring tape

Boo & Vickie

Barron's mom · #7 20th January 2004, 02:23 PM

Interesting subject.

I've always wondered about Barron's tail, or should I say 'numb' because it measures just shy of two inches, which I've always considered small. Funny to watch his tail wiggle when he is happy, though.

Zannie · #8 20th January 2004, 04:57 PM

i just went and measured my dogs tails they didnt like it one bit but madie's tail and she is 14 months her tail is about a inch and realy stuby like a rott tail and scout just shy of 4 months is 2 inches and alot slimmer so i don't realy, know the ones i see at shows are alot longer than my 2

ann