Do Springer Spaniels Have Tails?

If you have ever seen a Springer Spaniel with what looks like a short, stubby tail, you might have wondered whether they are born that way. The answer is no. Springer Spaniels are born with full length tails, but many have their tails docked (surgically shortened) when they are just a few days old.

Tail docking has been a tradition in the breed for centuries, but it is becoming less common as attitudes shift and more countries ban the practice. Whether you prefer a docked or natural tail, understanding the history and reasoning behind it can help you make an informed decision when choosing your Springer Spaniel.

Why Are Springer Spaniel Tails Docked?

The practice of docking Springer Spaniel tails goes back to the breed’s origins as a hunting dog. Springer Spaniels were bred to flush game birds out of dense brush and undergrowth. Their long, feathery tails would get caught in thorns, brambles, and thick vegetation, sometimes resulting in painful injuries that were difficult to treat in the field.

Docking the tail to about a third of its natural length was seen as a practical way to prevent these injuries. For working Springer Spaniels that spend their days pushing through heavy cover, there was genuine logic behind the practice.

Over time, the docked tail became part of the breed’s look, and it was included in the American Kennel Club breed standard for English Springer Spaniels. Show dogs were expected to have docked tails, which meant breeders continued the practice even for puppies that would never set foot in a hunting field.

What Does a Natural Springer Spaniel Tail Look Like?

A Springer Spaniel with a natural, undocked tail has a beautiful, feathery tail that flows gracefully with the rest of their coat. It is medium to long in length and covered with the same silky, wavy fur that decorates their ears, chest, and legs.

When a Springer Spaniel is happy or excited (which is most of the time), their natural tail wags enthusiastically and is quite expressive. Many owners who have seen both docked and undocked Springers say the natural tail adds a lot of character and beauty to the dog’s overall appearance.

The natural tail does require some extra grooming. Just like the feathering on their legs and ears, the tail fur can get tangled and matted if not brushed regularly. But this is a minor addition to the grooming routine you would already be doing with a Springer Spaniel.

Is Tail Docking Legal?

This depends entirely on where you live. Many countries have banned tail docking for cosmetic purposes, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe. In these places, docking is only allowed if a veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the individual dog.

In the United States, tail docking is still legal in all 50 states, though some veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, have taken positions against cosmetic docking. The practice remains common among breeders who produce show dogs or working gun dogs.

The trend is clearly moving away from routine docking. More breeders, especially those producing companion dogs rather than working or show dogs, are leaving tails natural. If having a Springer Spaniel with a full tail is important to you, you should have no trouble finding a breeder who does not dock.

Does Tail Docking Hurt?

This is a topic that generates a lot of debate. Docking is typically done when puppies are between two and five days old. Supporters of the practice have traditionally argued that very young puppies have underdeveloped nervous systems and feel minimal pain.

However, modern veterinary research suggests that puppies do experience pain during and after the procedure. Studies have shown that puppies cry and show distress during docking, and that the area remains sensitive during healing. Many veterinarians now require anesthesia if they perform the procedure at all.

For this reason, many veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations consider cosmetic tail docking to be an unnecessary procedure that causes avoidable pain. The health benefits, if any, apply primarily to working dogs in rough terrain and do not justify routine docking of companion animals.

Docked vs. Natural Tail: Which Should You Choose?

If you are getting a Springer Spaniel as a family pet, there is really no practical reason to dock the tail. A natural tail will not cause any problems for a dog living in a normal household environment. Your dog will be just as healthy, happy, and beautiful with a full tail.

If you plan to show your Springer Spaniel in AKC conformation events, you may want to check the current breed standard, as docked tails are still preferred in the show ring in the United States. However, this is evolving, and natural tails are becoming more accepted.

For working gun dogs that will be hunting in dense brush and thick cover, there is still a reasonable argument for docking to prevent tail injuries. If this is your situation, discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian and breeder to make the best decision for your specific dog and lifestyle.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that you are getting a wonderful breed. Springer Spaniels are energetic, loving dogs that make fantastic companions whether their tails are long and flowing or short and docked.