Vizslas are known to be athletic, intelligent, and active dogs. They are characterized by hunting abilities and engaging in a lot of physical activities. They are energetic and require daily exercises to be happy, healthy, and satisfied. Because they like to move and explore around, grooming is an important part of their routine. Traditionally, tail docking is being done for many reasons.
Here’s a guide to Vizsla Tails- everything you need to know from appearance, tail docking, and advantages of having a tail.
General Appearance
Vizslas’ tails are thick at the base but are narrowed down to their length. It should be moving horizontally. It should not be curled over or between the Vizsla’s legs.
The tail is just set below the croup, traditionally docked one-third off its tip. Ideally, it should reach the back of the stifle joint.
Advantages of Tail
Unknown to many, a Vizsla’s tail has its own advantages for them. Here are the benefits of a Vizsla’s tail:
- help Vizslas in swimming
- Aid Vizlas for balance because it provides support during walking or running
- Necessary for expression a Vizla’s body language
Tail Docking
Traditionally, Vizsla’s tails are docked. It’s not only their breed, but they are the longest in history to do the practice. Tail docking is usually practiced between the second to the eighth day of the Vizsla. Anesthesia is not used for a puppy Vizsla. But for old Vizsla, anesthesia is crucial since the tail’s bones, blood vessels, and nerves are refined and developed.
Tail docking is painful for canines. Pain is already proven through biological indicators since Vizslas have a nervous system making them capable of feeling pain. It’s rare for puppies less than three days old to experience pain because their bones are soft and not fully developed.
There is no supporting evidence confirming if tail docking is good or totally for Vizsla. There are criticisms claiming it’s painful and considered abuse. Some criticize it, believing tail docking is merely for aesthetic purposes, calling it “cosmetic mutilation.”
Those who support tail docking emphasizes that tail docking is done for practical reasons. When done properly, tail docking can help prevent injuries to a Vizsla’s tail. They are prone to injuries because they are active. Vizslas can be exposed to risks and tail injuries since they like to run and wag their tail quickly.
Conclusion
Tails in Vizslas are necessary for balance, body language, and in aiding them to swim. Their tails are relatively thick at the base and become thinner down its length.
Some recommend cutting off a third of Vizsla’s tail to prevent unwanted injuries, given that Vizslas are very active. A docked tail has its advantages; however, Vizslas will be able to live by without having docked tails. There are instances that docking Vizslas tails can become risky, such as infections or muscle and tissue degeneration.
