Do Corgis Get Their Tails Clipped? Understanding the Practices, Breeds, and Ethics
Corgis are beloved for their short legs, expressive faces, and energetic personalities. However, many dog lovers notice a curious detail—some Corgis have tails, while others do not. This raises an important question: do Corgis get their tails clipped? The answer involves understanding the two distinct types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, as well as historical practices, genetic traits, and modern ethical debates surrounding tail docking.
Two Breeds of Corgis: Pembroke vs. Cardigan
First and foremost, not all Corgis are the same. The breed divides into two varieties with different tail traits:
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis: These are the older of the two breeds. They typically have long, full tails and do not undergo tail docking. Descended from dogs brought to Wales by Celtic tribes, they share ancestry with the Dachshund and are known for their sturdier build and broader chests.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis: More popular and recognized globally, Pembrokes may be born with long tails or have a natural genetic mutation that results in a bobtail. Traditionally, their tails have been docked to meet breed standards, especially in the United States where the American Kennel Club (AKC) requires tails to be no longer than two inches for show dogs.
The History and Reasoning Behind Tail Docking
Tail docking has a long history among working breeds. Originally, the primary reasons for docking Corgi tails included:
- Herding safety: Short or absent tails were believed to reduce the risk of injury while herding livestock.
- Tax exemptions: In historical UK, working dogs with docked tails were eligible for specific tax breaks, promoting the practice economically.
- Show standards: Over time, tail docking became a cosmetic expectation, especially for conformation showing under organizations such as the AKC.
Thus, while originally functional, docking transitioned into a breed standard, particularly affecting Pembrokes.
The Genetics of Natural Bobtails
Some Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with naturally short tails due to a genetic mutation. This condition is caused by a partially dominant gene:
- N/BT (one copy of bobtail gene): Results in a natural bobtail.
- BT/BT (two copies): Considered embryonically lethal. Puppies with this genotype typically do not survive gestation.
- N/N (no mutation): Results in a full-length tail.
Because breeding two bobtailed Corgis can result in 25% of the litter not surviving, most ethical breeders avoid such pairings, making naturally bobtailed Pembrokes less common.
Modern Perspectives on Tail Docking
Today, tail docking is a highly debated topic in veterinary and animal welfare communities. Several key points have emerged:
- Pain and complications: Research shows that even a few days-old puppies experience significant pain during tail docking, which may lead to long-term nerve sensitivity and complications.
- Functionality loss: Dogs use their tails for balance and communication. Removing this appendage can hinder both physical coordination and social interactions with other dogs and humans.
- Legal status: In many European countries and the UK, tail docking for cosmetic reasons is banned. Corgis in those regions commonly have full tails. In contrast, the practice remains legal and widespread in the United States.
Options for Prospective Corgi Owners
If you're considering purchasing a Corgi and are concerned about tail docking, there are options:
- Request a full-tailed puppy: Some breeders will honor requests not to dock a puppy's tail, but it's crucial to communicate this early—often before the puppy is three days old.
- Understand show limitations: Pembroke Welsh Corgis with full tails can't compete in AKC conformation shows but can still be registered, compete in other events, and make excellent pets.
- Consider a Cardigan: If you prefer a guaranteed full-tailed Corgi, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is your best choice, as this breed does not get docked and lacks the bobtail gene entirely.
Conclusion
So, do Corgis get their tails clipped? The answer depends on the breed and where the dog is raised. While Cardigan Welsh Corgis retain their tails naturally, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are often tail docked in countries where the practice remains legal, especially to meet show standards. However, growing concerns about animal welfare have led many to rethink this tradition. Prospective owners have the power to choose either variety and to request full tails where permitted. Understanding the implications of tail docking can help you make an informed and compassionate choice when selecting your Corgi companion.
