Tailess ACD

[Kmh1]

Hi Everybody

I rescued my ACD, Blue, almost 7 years ago. Something I've always wondered about is he doesn't have a tail of any kind. Not a stump--nothin. I have often wondered if this is because of the closest tail docking I've ever seen, or if it is because he was born without a tail. Does anyone know if being born without out a tail is common to the breed?--is this a common defect in any breed? Is it more likely he was incorrectly docked?--and why would someone dock an ACD? Thanks for any opinions and info!

Kerry

[StillandSilent]

Many people who have working ACD's dock the tail. But even if that is the case, there would be some tail there. I've never seen an incorrect dock that leaves nothing (And I work in animal rescue, so I've see plenty of "home made" docks :mad: ). Maybe a birth defect? Not quite sure.

[Kmh1]

Thanks for the reply --I also think it is natural because there is no bone whatsoever in that area--Blue also has no "wag" in his hind end at all. Like most ACD's I've seen, he is a very exuberant dog and it is easy to tell when he is happy and excited--but there is no hind end wiggle like I've seen with some docked dogs. I will try and post a photo soon. Anyone out there have a dog born with no tail?

Kerry

[joce]

my corgi was born with nothing there. I guess some are born with tails though and they are docked. I don't like the little stubs:p

[wolfsoul]

Does he have tan markings? Stumpy tailed Cattle Dogs are another Australian breed that really resemble Australian cattle dogs, except that they lack a tail and do not carry the gene for tan markings.. They are quite rare, so it's unlikely, but you never know.

[Kmh1]

Funny you should mention the Stump tailed cattle dogs. I had never heard of them, but recently saw an ad in a magazine. My Blue Heeler does have tan markings. The Stumpy Tail description also mentioned they do usually have a "stump" of a few inches for a tail and that they are a bit smaller than most ACDs--if anything my guy is bit oversized for an ACD--I was so excited when I saw the picture of the Stump tailed cattle dog because it looked so much like Blue--but once I read the description it didn't fit--oh well, maybe he is mixed with some stump tailed ACD at some point....

Kerry

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Hmmm... Sounds more like a brith defect to me. If it was docked, there should definatly be a stump. And no, it's not a common defect of the breed, or the ACD's ancestors.

and why would someone dock an ACD?

Here's your answer: http://auscatldogtalk.iforumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=43&mforum=auscatldogtalk

There are also comparision photos to the ACD and the ASTCD. See which one looks more like yours. :)

[Kmh1]

Thanks Aus

After looking at the photos side by side my guy is defintely NOT a stump tailed Cattle dog. He is definitely a traditionally marked Blue Heeler--He just has no trace of a tail. He has a half mask--not a full one like your Charlie-(By the way I love looking at pictures of Charlie--he is sooo gorgeous!). Thanks so much again for the photo comparisons. I will defintely check out your forum.

Kerry