We have a heeler we rescued from the streets....

[AllenK RGV]

Does anyone know why her tail was cropped?

 

[AllenK RGV]

We would prefer she had a tail, but it is moot since she doesn't have one. This dog is totally in love with me, I cannot explain it. She definately loves me.

 

[drumstick diva]

do you have any pictures? Australian Cattle dogs have long tails. Australian sheepdogs have a bobbed tail (they are also very furry).

Wish one walked into my life.

 

[Zinjifrah]

Australian Cattle/Heeler dogs frequently have their tail docked. They tend to have a very floppy tail if they don't, in my experience. If properly done, it happens within about three days of birth... when I volunteered at a clinic for a while in high school, I was horrified to find out that it's done without anesthetic, until I watched a trio of purebred German Rottie pups get docked. They literally slept through it. Didn't even twitch when the tail got cut off. A couple days later they were back for an exam, and looked completely healed up. It's usually done to breeds that have problem tails - Rotties, apparently, are prone to breaking their tailbones whacking them into things if not docked - or herding and hunting breeds that are prone to bringing home half the woods, and all the briers in their tail if they aren't docked.

It's not done on all, and doesn't need to be done on all. My Aussie mix has a full, very waggy tail, but she's also not out herding cattle in the brush.

Now, ear cropping... I still have no use for that. It's painful, prone to infection, and I've yet to find a viable reason for it unless the dog's had an injury to the ear requiring it to be cut off. Purely aesthetics, and I tend to think dogs look better with ears. Ever seen a natural Doberman, with floppy ears and a long tail? They're gorgeous!

 

[AllenK RGV]

do you have any pictures? Australian Cattle dogs have long tails. Australian sheepdogs have a bobbed tail (they are also very furry).

Wish one walked into my life.

Oh yes I have pictures and if you wish to have one she is all yours. I will warn you if left alone she will kill chicken. She took out an entire flock from me. This flock has a roo so would probably do better.

She is such a loyal and loving thin though.

 

[AllenK RGV]

This is Nena playying. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=dHlYOGE0aVNXNktkV0wzeUFlX041LXQtcmhmSTNB

It is a shame there is no sound with this video as the giant cicadas are really making sound.

 

[townchicks]

Working farm bred dogs often have their tails docked. The theory is that tails often get stepped on by stock, or injured in the bush. When the AKC annexed the Queensland Heeler, they changed the name to Australian Cattle dog and put the natural undocked tail into their standard. Those that breed for working dogs, don't care about the "standard" as defined by the AKC, they want a dog that works.

 

[AllenK RGV]

She is a worker. I cannot tell you how wonderful she will be for someone.

I just hope someday to meet them.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have a heeler with his tail in tact and I must say.. part of the reason they docked the tail on Queensland heelers was to hide their true heritage back in the day... is my understanding. You know many people think the bent tail on cats is a break... it's actually a sign of inbreeding. IMHO... there is MORE to this practice than meets the eye... in it's origin... and people ignorantly follow suit instead of looking at the actual function.

No way NO HOW is a heeler gonna get his tail stepped on by a cow! What kind of dog lazes around sleeping while a giant target towers over it? Excuses is what that is.

Dogs use their tails for balance like a rudder. When he runs and jumps the tail pumps to help him get height. When he lands it circles around like a parasol to help slow him down. When running and switching courses you can see the tail go in the opposite direction for counter balance. Without his tail my boy would look like an average cattle dog. With his tail... he is one of the cutest! It shows of his color has rings like a lemur, makes him resemble a fox, and is sooo expressive of his personality.

The amount of brush a dog keeps in their tail is relative to the kind of fur they have. I see chow dogs keep the whole forest... but my heeler, NOT a single bur or sticker after going through the same area. There are reasons different coats have different textures.

Nena is cute! My boy is also a red heeler who protects his chickens. His dad was a red and his mom was a blue both with docked tails... but fortunately their owner has some sense.

Heelers are a special breed. I probably won't have any more due to their demanding need for a job. But well socialized and trained, very loving and devoted, obedient dogs!

 

[AllenK RGV]

They definately have a strong need for a job.I wish I had one to offer this girl. I was only able to vet her for several hundred dollars. Regardless, she is done and ready for a new home, preferably one with cattle or sheep.

I can only say these are loud:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_cicada hard to imagine what listening to these bugs is like.