Do Corgis Get Their Tails Clipped? The Full Story
The question of whether Corgis get their tails clipped is multifaceted and rooted in breed differences, historical practices, and evolving animal welfare standards. To fully understand the practice, it is essential to differentiate between the two Corgi varieties: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
All Corgis Are Born with Tails
Despite popular belief, all Corgis are born with tails. However, the length and appearance of the tails vary between breeds:
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis have long, full tails and are rarely subjected to docking.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be born with long tails, short bobtails due to genetics, or undergo docking soon after birth.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Tail Docking Origins
Tail docking in Pembrokes dates back to their use as herding dogs. Farmers believed that shortened tails reduced injury risks. Tail docking also aligned with historical British tax laws, where working dogs with docked tails received exemptions.
Breed Standards and Tail Appearance
The American Kennel Club (AKC) maintains a breed standard for Pembroke Welsh Corgis that requires their tails to be no longer than 2 inches. This standard has driven widespread docking across the United States:
- Puppies have their tails docked within 3 to 5 days of birth.
- Docking aligns with conformation show requirements.
Genetic Bobtails in Pembrokes
Some Pembroke Corgis naturally possess a genetic mutation for a bobtail. This trait is influenced by a partially dominant gene and involves genetic risks:
- Dogs with one copy (N/BT) will have a bobtail.
- Dogs with two copies (BT/BT) typically do not survive gestation.
- Breeding two bobtail carriers is discouraged due to embryonic lethality.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis Keep Their Tails
In contrast, Cardigan Welsh Corgis retain their long tails. This breed:
- Does not carry the bobtail gene.
- Is not subject to AKC docking standards.
- Maintains full tails internationally and in the U.S.
Tail Docking Bans Across the Globe
While still common in the U.S., tail docking has been banned for cosmetic purposes in much of Europe and the United Kingdom. These countries advocate for animal welfare and consider docking unethical without medical necessity.
Scientific research now shows that tail docking can cause:
- Acute pain in young puppies.
- Long-term nerve damage and sensitivity issues.
- Impaired balance and reduced communication abilities.
Ethical Considerations and Owner Choices
Veterinarians and breeders increasingly question the ethics of tail docking. Although conformation standards still favor docking, more owners are requesting natural tails for their Pembrokes:
- Some breeders allow natural tails if informed early.
- Puppies with tails must often be reserved in advance.
Even with tails, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be registered with the AKC, participate in agility or obedience events, and make affectionate family pets.
Conclusion
So, do Corgis get their tails clipped? The answer depends on the breed and country. Cardigan Corgis usually keep their tails. Pembroke Corgis are often docked, particularly in the United States, in line with AKC standards. However, evolving views on animal welfare are influencing a rise in natural-tailed Pembrokes, making this choice more accessible to prospective pet owners.
