[quote="Victor Leigh, post: 4408, member: 16"]Prevent rabies? That's news to me. When I was reading up on why a Dobermann's tail is docked, the reason given is that without a tail, it is less likely to be grabbed in a vulnerable position.[/quote] My Rat Terrier's tail is docked. I inherited the dog, so it wasn't my choice. I think tail docking is stupid and pointless unless you have a guard dog. I can see why it would be practical for a guard dog to have its tail docked. I feel bad for my little terrier when I see him wag his stump.