At Spiegel Bird Dogs, our passion lies in breeding Brittany puppies that excel in the field, show rings, and make loving and spirited family companions. One aspect of our breeding practice involves docking our puppies' tails when they are three days old. Rather than performing the tail docking ourselves, we entrust this delicate procedure to a skilled veterinary small animal surgeon. During this process, the surgeon conducts a comprehensive health check on the puppies and professionally docks their tails to the appropriate adult length of 4 inches, the maximum length allowed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards for conformation. Additionally, the dew claws are removed to prevent potential injuries in the field, possibly leading to subsequent infection risks.
Tail docking in Brittanys has been a traditional practice for several reasons, primarily rooted in the breed's active involvement in hunting and field activities. Historically, Brittanys displayed a natural variation in tail lengths, with some being born with naturally short or bobbed tails. This trait provided a distinct advantage, making them less prone to injuries in dense brush or during vigorous activity, which was crucial for hunting dogs.
Interestingly, the Brittany breed initially appealed to poachers due to their stealthy demeanor and proficient hunting abilities. Their naturally short or docked tails played a crucial role, as this distinctive trait allowed them to avoid resembling typical bird dogs, aiding poachers in evading detection or arousing concern while trespassing on aristocrats' estates. This unique characteristic highlights the breed's versatility and cunning nature, which is well-suited for covert hunting scenarios of that era.
Conforming to AKC standards is crucial for breeders who aim to have their dogs participate in field trials, hunting events, and conformation shows. These standards help maintain breed characteristics and ensure that the dogs bred for specific roles meet the expectations and demands of those activities. At Spiegel Bird Dogs, while we adhere to these standards, including tail docking, we also look forward to potential changes in breeding practices that may allow for natural tail length.
The topic of tail docking is complex and often sparks significant debate within the canine community. Supporters argue that docking helps prevent tail injuries in active dogs and maintains breed standards. However, opponents of tail docking cite the pain and discomfort it can cause the puppies, along with the argument that a dog's tail plays a crucial role in communication and balance.
At Spiegel Bird Dogs, our commitment lies in raising our puppies to be champions in every sense—whether in the field, the show ring, or the home. While we currently dock tails to meet AKC standards and ensure our puppies' eligibility for various competitive and functional roles, we also advocate revisiting and potentially revising these standards. We believe in our dogs' welfare and natural beauty and hope for a future where natural tails are valued in the ring as much as they are in our hearts.
We welcome open discussions about this topic with our puppy buyers, fellow breeders, and enthusiasts. Through these conversations, we can advocate for change and ensure that the standards evolve, emphasizing the health and happiness of the dogs we love so dearly.
Thank you for supporting Spiegel Bird Dogs, where every puppy is bred with care, tradition, and an eye toward a bright future that prioritizes our beloved Brittany's well-being and natural beauty.
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