Do Yorkshire Terriers Have Small Tails?
Yorkies aren’t born with short tails those tiny stubs are usually the result of tail docking. This cosmetic procedure is done just days after birth, mainly for tradition or show standards. While a rare gene mutation can cause a natural bobtail, most Yorkies have full-length tails at birth. Tails help dogs communicate and maintain balance, so docking affects more than just appearance. Though still legal in the U.S., it’s banned in many countries and discouraged by animal welfare advocates.
You’ve probably seen a Yorkshire Terrier strut past with a tiny, stubby tail and thought, is that how they're born? It's a common question.
The truth? Yorkies aren’t naturally born with short tails. But there’s a little more to the story than that.
Let’s Clear It Up
Yorkshire Terriers come into the world with full-length tails. Soft, skinny, and often held high when they’re curious or excited. That tail is completely natural. So why do so many of them have short ones?
It usually comes down to one thing: docking.
What Is Docking?
Docking is a procedure that shortens a puppy’s tail just days after birth, usually when they’re just 2 to 5 days old. It’s not something the pup chooses, and it’s rarely medical. The procedure is quick, but it’s not pain-free, even though puppies are young.
So, you might be wondering, why dock tails at all? Well, for Yorkshire Terriers, docking is done for a few reasons:
Appearance:
The docked tail became a breed standard for show dogs. In the U.S., the American Kennel Club still lists a medium docked tail as preferred for conformation shows. The short tails is what gives them their iconic look.
Tradition:
Historically, Yorkies were ratters. The shorter tail supposedly reduced the chance of injury when working in tight spaces. However, this is mostly debunked and is merely a way to justify this mutilation. And even if it did help, this argument does not hold any weight these days. They're more likely to sprint across your living room than a rat-infested barn.
Breeder preference:
Some breeders still follow tradition, especially if their puppies are bred for show or sale in places where docking is popular.
In almost every case, docking is more about human preference than any real benefit to the dog.
Can Yorkies Be Born with Short Tails?
It can happen. There’s a gene, called the T-box mutation, that causes what’s known as a natural bobtail. Some dogs are born with this trait, resulting in a shortened tail straight from birth. However, this is quite rare amongst Yorkies. If you see one with that short tail, it was almost certainly docked unless you’ve come across an extremely rare genetic mutation.
Why It Matters
Well, tails aren’t merely for looking cute. They’re a form of communication for dogs, and even we as humans often judge a dog’s behavior based on its tail. Wagging means happy, tucking it between their legs means they’re nervous. Without it, they lose a part of their self-expression. Imagine taking out a massive chunk of your vocabulary.
Furthermore, experts also argue that docking messes with the balance and movement of dogs, especially fast and agile dogs. Now, Yorkies aren’t the Usain Bolt of the dog world, but their tails are a part of their body and designed to work with it.
Of course, there is the ethical side to it also. It is, at the end of the day, a form of mutilation. Docking is also banned or heavily restricted outside of medical necessities in several countries, including much of Europe and Australia. Whilst legal in the US, it is still discouraged.
Final Thoughts
So, are Yorkies born with short tails? Not really. That cute little stub you see is a human choice, not genetics. And whilst it has been marketed into being iconic, we believe in appreciating the beauty of a full, wagging tail.
Yorkies are full of charm, personality, and loyalty. That should be their iconic trait.
FAQs
Can Long Taile Yorkies be Registered?
Yes. A Yorkie with a natural tail can still be registered with the AKC or other organisations. However, if you're planning to show the dog, you’ll need to check breed-specific rules. In the U.S., docked tails are often preferred in the show ring.
Does Docking a Yorkie's Tail Hurt Them?
Docking is usually done when the puppy is only a few days old. Some breeders use local anaesthetic, but not all. While the procedure is quick, it does cause pain and stress. Puppies have nervous systems that respond to pain just like older dogs do.
Is Grooming a Long Tailed Yorkie Harder?
Not really. A long tail just needs regular brushing, like the rest of the coat. Some owners trim it shorter for neatness, but it's completely manageable with basic grooming habits.