Here is what I wrote to another person in a PM about this subject when they were discrete enough to ask me in private.
The docking issue has divided people in my breed, and caused rifts, hatred, vendettas, bad feelings, and etc. People have back stabbed others, lost friendships, and it is a SORE SUBJECT where I"m concerned. It is a hot button issue for most people. This is why I REFUSE to discuss it on a public board, other than this ONE REPLY, which will be the ONLY one from me on the subject.
What follows here is my own personal opinion. And again, I will not debate nor discuss any further my position on this issue. Period.
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For me, a Rottweiler with a tail is simply not a Rottweiler. The docked silhouette is a hallmark of the breed, and for me, essential to breed type. If its no longer docked, it is not my favorite breed any more.
The docking issue/struggle has been a hot button passionate issue in the Rottweiler world for going on 15 years. We watched helplessly as Germany let docking get outlawed there. Then we watched as the right to dock fell in country after country, nearly globally.
The American Rottweiler Club has taken a STRONG STANCE that the Rottweiler is a docked breed. MOST breeder judges will NOT judge a tailed exhibit in the AKC breed ring, since our breed standard clearly states "Tail: Docked short leaving one or two vertebra."
Fighting for the right to dock and to keep the Rottweiler docked in the US has been a huge part of my life for over a decade. I breed dogs to the breed standard which is in effect in the country in which I live. I could not, will not, and shall not EVER own or sell a Rottweiler that is not docked.
I'm not sure I can explain it further. I have another breed selected, I have done my research, and I"m in contact with breeders, because sadly, I think docking will be a thing of the past in the next 15 years globally.
And what is really sad is companion animals, dog shows, selective breeding, and purebred dogs alltogether will likely follow within 50 years.
Getting rid of docking is just one step in the AR agenda. You can agree with or oppose docking all you want. When there are no more dogs it will be a moot point, now won't it? (may I point to California as a prime example for you...Also states of Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Washington State, and District of Columbia have legislation proposed RIGHT NOW to outlaw or severely restrict numerous breeds, including Rottweilers.....The ARs march on while we argue among ourselves....divide and conquer, and they are)
This is my opinion on this issue. With all due respect to all of you, I do not intend to discuss it any further, and will not refer to it again on these boards. It is a monumentally upsetting and depressing topic for me.