Yorkies, are tiny, adorable dogs that often steal hearts. Their little tags wagging in excitement are just adorable.

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about Yorkies and their tails and answer the question are they born with tails?

Are Yorkies Born With Tails?

Yes, of course, they are born with tails!

Yes, Yorkies are born with tails. However, the length of their tails can vary at birth with some puppies having short tails and others having longer tails. Giving the appearences of no tail.

When a Yorkie is born, its tail is typically long and covered in fur, similar to the rest of its body. The tail's appearance and length is primarily due to the preferences of breeders, who may choose to follow certain guidelines when breeding their dogs.

The Natural Appearance of a Yorkie's Tail

When a Yorkie puppy is born, its tail is typically long and covered in fur, similar to the rest of its body. As a Yorkie grows, its tail may become longer and more pronounced, with the hair becoming increasingly fluffy and feather-like.

As mentioned above all Yorkies are born with tails. Do those tails serve a purpose? Continue reading to find out.

The Natural Use of a Yorkie's Tail

Yorkies tails are not there for nothing they do serve important functions when it comes to their uses. The tail is part of the dog’s backbone. It has skin, veins, blood, and nerves. A dog who breaks its tail or has it amputated experiences a great deal of pain.

• Providing balance when walking or climbing,
• Assisting with defecation
• Communicating emotions to other dogs and humans.

A dog's tail is similar to a human's voice. They show excitement with their tail which helps them communicate with other dogs and serves many other purposes.

Docking, What Is It?

While some Yorkies are born with naturally short tails, others longer many have their tails docked.

You might have heard this term before but what exactly is tail docking?

Tail docking is a process that involves the partial removal of the tail. This practice has been the subject of much debate among dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians. The reasons for tail docking can range from looks and breed standards to injury prevention and health concerns.

Let's get into some reasons why some owners choose to get their dogs tails docked ( partially removed ).

Aesthetics and Breed Standards

One of the most common reasons for tail docking in Yorkies is to meet the breed standards set forth by canine organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). These organizations require that Yorkies have their tails docked to a medium length, which is considered more visually appealing and in line with the traditional appearance of the breed. In addition to aesthetics, tail docking may also be required for Yorkies to compete in dog shows and other canine events.

Injury Prevention and Health Concerns

Another argument in favor of tail docking in Yorkies is the potential for injury prevention. People of this view argue that a long tail can be more susceptible to injury, particularly in hunting or working environments where the dog may encounter obstacles or brush which in most cases tends to be true.

The Case Against Tail Docking in Yorkies

Even though many argue that tail docking is totally safe, harmless, and can benefit dogs there are a few that argue the exact opposite.

Many animal welfare advocates and veterinarians argue that tail docking in Yorkies is an unnecessary and cruel practice. They contend that the procedure can cause pain and distress to the animal, with no proven health benefits to justify it. Moreover, in some countries, tail docking is either banned or heavily regulated due to concerns about animal welfare.

Below is a video showing the docking process.

How To Dock A Yorkies Tail

There are two primary methods for docking a Yorkie's tail, tying it off and cutting it off. These two methods tend to be rather harmless but may cause pain to your puppy throughout the process.

• Cutting It Off - The cutting method requires a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut the tail at the desired length. This procedure is performed by a professional veterinarian in a sterile environment.
• Tying It Off - The tying method involves restricting blood flow to the end of the tail using a rubber band or secure tie. This is typically done by the breeder at home within the first 24 hours of the puppy's life.

Risks of Tail Docking in Yorkies

As with any surgical procedure, tail docking in Yorkies carries some risks.

• Infection or Ongoing Pain - Infections can occur following any amputation procedure, as bacteria may enter the wound if it is not properly cared for or kept clean during the healing process. Severe infections can lead to further complications if not promptly treated.
• Aggression and Socialization Issues - A dog's tail plays an essential role in communication with other animals and humans. Without a tail, a dog may have difficulty expressing its emotions and intentions, leading to misunderstandings or negative social interactions.
• Nerve Damage - If the tail docking procedure is not performed correctly, it can result in nerve damage. A Yorkie with nerve damage may have decreased sensation in its rectum, leading to difficulties with its bowels.

The Bottom Line

So the answer is yes, Yorkies are indeed born with cute furry tails.

We also discussed a little about tail docking in Yorkies. It is a complex and controversial issue, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. Ultimately, the decision to dock a Yorkie's tail is a personal one, influenced by factors such as breed standards, aesthetics, and individual preferences. Till next time!

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