Docking Weimaraner tails was primarily done for practical reasons, to avoid injury, and to prevent performance inhibition, as their long tails could get in the way during hunting. Immediate medical attention is imperative when bloat occurs and surgery is the only option if it is caught early enough. The Weimaraner is an all-purpose gun dog. Many Weimaraners in the US have their tails docked to meet such requirements, but also to prevent some injuries. A vet should be consulted if a dog starts to lose hair, itch constantly or develop rashes. Traditionally, the tail is docked. Here is a list of countries which banned tail docking, either completely or with some restrictions for working breeds and/or medical purposes:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'weimaranerplanet_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-weimaranerplanet_com-leader-3-0')}; Some breeders decide to maintain the breeds standards by docking the puppies tails. 7. A dogs tail position can indicate friendliness, submission, or communicate a warning signal. For practicality, breeders usually cut the tails of all puppies in the litter even if they are not intended to be hunting dogs and are only companion pets. These canines hide their tails between their legs when they are afraid; they form a question mark if they are on guard, and they shake it vigorously to show their joy and happiness. A small piece of theWeimaranerstail is removed at least about 2 cm, under local anesthesia, placing a single stitch. If this is done after a few months, or even in adulthood of the dog, it is essential to do it as a conventional surgery with general anesthesia and suture, since the blood vessels and the caudal vertebrae of the animal are already highly developed. Today, these elegant but demanding dogs can still be found out on the hunting grounds. Weimaraners are one of such breed. This can create very severe separation anxiety in the breed. Theappendix or tail, as well as the ears, are an essential part of communication and socialization between dogs or other species. Weimaraners have an excessive amount of energy that requires a good outlet. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please contact your local licensed veterinarian. A broken tail is a very painful accident, and quite heavy bleeding occurs. she wants them docked and theres no reason why she shouldnt- :p. Doesn't sound like a HUGE!!!!! Some people report that their Weim is really sensitive about his docked tail if people touch it, some even compared it to the missing limb syndrome. That is, it is a process that involves: It may seem very aesthetic, but in reality, in most situations, it is not good to cut the tail and ears of the dog since it is mutilation that causes functional losses to the animal and a very important communicative sense. We have just moved to Liverpool from Irby (cheshire) but I have phoned all the vets in the Liverpool Yellow pages and all have said they don't dock. If your pet is older and you want to cut its tail, it is advisable to do it as soon as possible. However, tail docking is still part of the AKC (short for American Kennel Club) breed requirements in the US, and the majority of pure breed Weims are indeed docked. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They have a very strong desire to work and live with their owners, making the breed a good choice for the novice hunter. I am really worried about them docking too short!! Although many still think that cosmetics and aesthetics play a role in docking, the reality is that tails are docked because they can get caught up into brush or get broken, for example. Parasites can cause an allergic reaction in addition to the normal irritation resulting from bites. 1/3 inch), Leave to 2/3 of length (approx. The real reasons for Weimaraner tails to be docked all come down to functionality. That depends on the country or region. Another reason to consider removing theWeimaranerstail is for cosmetic reasons. The American Kennel Club considers docked tail to be the breed standard and long tails are penalized. (source). What Is Nooking? As a deep-chested dog, the Weimaraner is prone to bloat or gastric torsion, a very serious condition that can cause painful and rapid death when left untreated. i know ther is mixed emotions about docking, myself i prefer docked but at the right length, ive allways had dobes, not an experienced breader, there loyallty is far better than any humans. The tail cut is not total; about 20 centimeters are left. However, tail docking should not be carried out purely for cosmetic reasons. Usually at the time of docking the prospective buyer hasnt had a chance to choose a puppy, therefore the docking is made automatically by the breeders in the US. What Are The Drawbacks Of Docking Weimaraner Tails? The breed standard requires it to cover the scrotum or vulva so quite a short dock ,i would imagine 1/2 would be more than adequate but if you are placing puppies into showing homes the dock must be as the breed standard. Weimaraners with severe separation anxiety can destroy property or injure themselves in trying to escape. Since they are very active dogs, they can sometimes hurt their tail by hitting it with something. For now, consider the information provided in this essential guide about tail docking and make up your mind on your position about Weimaraners tail docking. Ive seen many people reporting that their breeder didnt do the docking right and now the tail is too short or it has other issues. But why are Weimaraner tails docked? The tail should be long enough to cover the dogs genitalia but not shorter than 6. Required fields are marked *. 1 inches), * When docking is performed at less than 1 week of age. Symptoms include signs of general distress, discomfort, no bowel movement or sounds and a swollen stomach. Someone in Blacklick, Ohio, United States purchased, Someone in Shattuck, Oklahoma, United States purchased, Someone in Washington , District of Columbia, United States purchased, Someone in NEW HOLSTEIN, Wisconsin, United States purchased, Someone in Saratoga, California, United States purchased, Someone in Buffalo , New York, United States purchased, Someone in Bel Air, Maryland, United States purchased, Someone in Baltimore , Maryland, United States purchased, Someone in Conyers , Georgia, United States purchased, Someone in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, United States purchased, TAIL DOCKING GUIDELINES HOW MUCH TAIL SHOULD BE DOCKED & LEFT, SURGICAL/DENTAL INSTRUMENTS MANUFACTURING STEPS, TAIL DOCKING A PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO AVOID INJURIES, VET-1480-With Ear Cropping Scissors +$9.99, Leave to 1/3 of length (approx. While I dont mind docking for puppies which are going to be used for hunting, I do find the AKC standard pretty ridiculous. I'm not sure whether show breeders use a more exact science, but all of the working breeders I know just specify the fraction to be removed. Generally, it runs from. Weimaraners have an extremely long and fine tail. Its a matter of individual opinion but also your own and your dogs lifestyle. [7] The breed arrived to America in the late 1920s, and its popularity increased in the 1950s. Why Does My Dog Nibble On Me With His Front Teeth? Tail docking is illegal in several countries, where the breed is shown with an entire tail. The Weimaraner is a very people-oriented breed. If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. For this reason, most countries have banned the practice of docking tails in Weimaraners. It occurs when the stomach twists itself, thereby pinching off blood vessels and the routes of food traveling in or out. These must not be taken as medical reference neither we encourage you to do any tail-docking on your own. In the case of the Weimaraner, the tail docking has always been carried out for practical reasons as they are working dogs. Keep in mind that the absence of the tail might cause some problems in dogs communication and expression, but if you are planning to spend time outdoors with your dog, you might want to consider docking to avoid having to amputate the dog due to accidents in the field in the future.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'weimaranerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',190,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-weimaranerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Chances are that in near future there will be more and more undocked Weims available from breeders and undocking will become the new standard. Do you not have a weimaraner book, or a photo of the top winning/working dog that you are trying to emulate? Females are between 57 to 65cm (22 to 26in). Our Ear Cropping Kits and Tail Docking Kits are meant to be used by the Veterinarian and health-care professionals only. Skin allergies are common among weimaraners. When Should I Cut My Weimaraner Dogs Tail? I have lots but will the vet be able to take a GOOD guess at the size as the pups tails are going to be tiny and will have to grow in shape with its body. Many owners of this type of canine have cut their tails, so we will see the reason for this below. Ever since I've found about them, Weimaranershave become my favorite dog breed. And while it might be painful for us when shes all excited to see us, its totally worth it. Generally, Vet's don't have a clue about the correct length of tail, any more than they have any idea of pedigree dogs' breed standards! The color of their eyes changes from blue to gray, light amber, or blue-gray as they mature. This breed's short coat and unusual eyes give it a distinctive regal appearance. Most Weimaraner dogs are bred and used to hunt certain types of animals. Docking should always be done by a professional. I own Weims and have also bred them and like you, the vet I went to asked me what length, rather than knowing where to dock. Check out the vet-formulated and science-backed air-dried dog food by Front Of The Pack! All rights reserved. The Weimaraner is athletic in appearance. Or when shes sleeping on the ground, wakes up and sees us, the little happy thump thump is very sweet. level with the top of the skull when the puppy is in show position. According to the Fdration Cynologique Internationale standard, the male Weimaraner stands between 59 to 70cm (23 to 28in) at the withers. It really is up to you whether you want them shorter or longer, but this seems to be a middle of the road length. inch), Leave to 2/3 of length (approx. We recommend that if your pet does not urgently need a tail amputation, do not cut it. Weimaraners Love To Learn. Weimaraners have a very distinct appearance, they are not difficult to spot. What is the purchase cost of a Weimaraner puppy? As with everything, there are some drawbacks to tail docking. Is It Legal to Cut a Weimaraner Dogs Tail? It may tolerate cats but usually does not, tending to follow the urge to huntno matter how long it has known a particular catand likely to chase and kill any small animal that enters the garden. This information is not known if it is totally true or if it is scientifically based, but it has been heard very frequently. There is another incidental variety, described as having the "mark of the hound", where the dog is the usual grey colour but with faint tan markings (similar to Doberman Pinschers). For this reason, this practice is mutilation that causes great damage to the animal, exposes it to pain and subsequent infections. A Weimaraner with separation anxiety is likely to bark, whine, howl and even dig until its owner returns home. Can my puppy go running with me? Like any other pet, people must handle these dogs properly. Some breeds more than others have their tails traditionally docked. Most common tail injuries in Weimaraners include: According to the American Kennel Clubs breed standard, a Weimaraners tail should be around 6 inches long as an adult. There are countries where it is totally forbidden to cut the tail, ears, or any other type of aesthetic amputation of dogs without just cause or veterinary prescription. With European countries and the UK banning docking, the move appears to be towards undocked tails even in the US. Powered by mwForum 2.29.6 1999-2015 Markus Wichitill. In general, there is a lot of controversy on whether tail docking should be followed as a procedure or not. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Its possible that standards will change and even American clubs will start to accept undocked Weimaraners as pure breed. The smaller the tail and the puppy, the less traumatic it will be for it. Raised food bowls have been found to more than double the risk of bloat in large dogs.[13]. :) #ad, Weimaraner Rescues in California (Incl. One important thing is their, Hyperthyroidism is where the dog produces too much of the thyroid hormone. Remember that choosing to perform this surgery is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your email address will not be published. Its hard to justify tail docking or to promote the practice of undocking. ** The tip of the docked tail should be approx. Dogs communicate with these parts of their body. Weimaraners have naturally long tails, but if you decide to let it the way it is, you might have to deal with several injuries or even with the amputation of tails, which can be very painful procedures. Today, most Weimaraner owners continue to dock their pets tails for aesthetic or traditional reasons, but in all breeds, there are those who still work with canines that possess tails and benefit from the procedure. I live out of your area. I believe that in Weims (and I stand to be corrected), for showing purposes, the correct length would be to have the tail long enough to cover the privates in the female and male, so it would really be docked at the point at the top of the legs. Do you offer a health guarantee on your puppies? Powered by The Dog Did It, Strong Coffee and Sloppy Kisses, Additional Resources for Performance Dog Owners, Resources for Barrett Collective Breeders. There are really no other benefits other than preventing a possible future injury. If this happens in the mountains and without a first aid kit, you should control the bleeding and go to the nearest vet. For example, in the case of Spain, cutting the tail is legal only in some autonomous communities. By studying their reaction, they are found to show signs of stress and a lot of pain. In countries where this is still carried out, the docked tail should measure approximately 6 inches in the adult dog, and this is part of the American Kennel Club breed standard. [3] Early Weimaraners were used by royalty for hunting large game such as boar, bear and deer. On the other hand, it is also said that some canines have the last vertebrae of the tail weaker than normal, and they injure it very easily. The Weimaraner possesses traits such as speed, stamina, great sense of smell, great eyes, courage, and intelligence. Do dewclaws have to be removed? The eyes of the Weimaraner may be light amber, grey or blue-grey and the ears are long and velvety. In our country it is allowed to dock the tails but only by a veterinarian on puppies up to 3 days of age. Which Dog Breed Is Similar To Weimaraner? WCA recommends for inclusion in the CHIC program, http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_1/features/Problems-Adopting-Two-Puppies-At-Once_16190-1.html, http://unleashedunlimited.com/what-about-two-puppies-from-the-same-litter/, http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-it-a-good-idea-to-adopt-two-puppies-at-the-same-time, micro-blog for the Gracie and Stella litters, http://justweimaraners.com/2010/06/confused-about-vaccines/, Puppy Due Diligence Part 2 - Barrett Education. Only what is necessary to cover the testicles in males or the vulva in females. Hunting canines with thin, whip-like tails (such as Weimaraners) generally have the upper part of their tails docked because they are very thin and are easily injured when colliding with hard objects. I think I will call the cdb and see what they suggest. Will you sell a puppy to me? This is also what the Weimaraner Club of America states. Nelly hasnt had problems with her tail except one time. Can you not dock the tail for one puppy in the litter, and that puppy can be my puppy? Nowadays, people cut off dogs' tails for four main reasons: Tail docking a puppy is an inexpensive procedure. ANDEE do yourself a favour and leave her alone!!!!! amount of research to mehowever no point in giving you a hard time over it.you've mated the bitch now, I only hope you did the right amount of research regarding your choice of stud dog as you could be letting yourself in for problems if not. Adoption Process & Costs), Guide To Separation Anxiety In Weimaraners. [1] A Weimaraner should give the appearance of a muscular, athletic dog. Keep reading to learn all about it and to clarify all of your doubts. With all the above, to avoid unpleasant, painful, and dangerous accidents, the tail of this type of animal must be cut. Are puppies crate and potty trained when they go home? The Weimaraner was kept in the Weimar court in the 19th century and carried a good deal of Leithound ancestry. On the other hand, undocked tails are gaining popularity. The dog is not aware of the intervention, and after a few days, the suture is removed or falls out on its own, depending on the type of stitch. It doesnt make sense to me. Weimaraners are not an independent breed and love to be with their owner, never leaving them alone. :( It's up to the experienced breeder to advise. Ultimately, the choice of tail docking comes down to the dogs owner and your veterinarys position, if docking is allowed by the law of course. Copyright 2003-2019 Medical Tools. I have my bitches breeder behind me and I have also had a different weimaraner breeder and judge have a look at my bitch to see if she is a good standard of the breed. The deposit is always 100% refundable, anytime. The Weimaraner is an energetic hunting dog, prized for its physical endurance and stamina, with a strong, instinctive prey-drive. The breed is ranked 102nd of 153 total breeds and has a very high test rate and a very high percentage of excellent rating among those dogs tested. In November 2009 and January 1, 2010, the United Kennel Club (UKC) removed the disqualification from both Blue and Longhair Weimaraners. Females are generally between 2535kg (5577lb). :(. That is proven because tail injuries in working dogs have increased dramatically, especially when this surgical procedure is illegal. What isCuttingthe Tail of a Weimaraner Dog? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. One way to help prevent bloat is to spread out the Weimaraner's feedings to at least twice daily and to avoid any vigorous exercise an hour before or after meals. This breed does not have an undercoat, so extreme cold should be avoided. She somehow scratched the tip of her tail and it bled (not much but still) and since her tail is always on the move, the wound would reopen and there would be blood splatters on the walls and furniture.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'weimaranerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',189,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-weimaranerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; It didnt take long to heal though. An active owner is more likely to provide the vigorous exercise and games required. Appearance. Good training can curb some of the separation anxiety. Please comply with your countrys regulation and restrain from doing anything surgery/tail-docking/ear-cropping on your own. If you think about it, if a dog has a tail, its there for a reason. Weimaraners are great water dogs as evidenced by their webbed paws. Where the fur is thin or non-existent, inside the ears or on the lips for example, the skin should be pinkish rather than white or black. Where it is possible to undergo the procedure, it needs to be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons. In some countries its allowed to dock (shorten) the tail on short-haired Weimaraners for hunting/medical purposes. How do I take care of a young puppy if Im single and I work full time? Do tails have to be docked? The tail docking is performed by a veterinarian a few days after the puppy is born (usually 3-5 days) since, at thattime, thatarea has not yet been vascularized. You'll need to tell him between which vertebrae to cut! Males normally weigh about 3040kg (6688lb). Dogs use them as a protective mechanism, to communicate with other dogs and to establish boundaries. Im not going to show or hunt with my puppy. Weimaraners are beautiful dogs initially raised to be hunting dogs. These guidelines are only for the purpose of common understanding. If youre not familiar with what docking is, the practice simply refers to removing a portion of the tail from a puppy. This should help you to decide if a Longhair, Females are usually shorter and lighter than males (although this is not exclusively true). The coat is extremely low-maintenance, short, hard, and smooth to the touch, and may range from charcoal-blue to mouse-grey to silver-grey or even blue-grey. Weimaraner Ways, the definitive book on the breed, says Weimaraner colors range from. Dont rely on the vet to know the correct length for your breed. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'weimaranerplanet_com-box-4','ezslot_5',103,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-weimaranerplanet_com-box-4-0')};Docking is usually carried out by the breeder for puppies between 3 to 5 days old or by veterinarians up to 14 days of age. Why should the dog be penalized for having a natural tail? Not all people use Weims for hunting here, some use them for shows and tails cant be docked for those. Also, tail docking should not be conducted for cosmetic reasons, but it can only be justified for medical reasons. Dogs with blue coats are disqualified from conformation/show competition,[8] but are recognized as purebred Weimaraners by the AKC. lacerations more serious, cut open wounds, happy tail constant wagging and hitting against walls and furniture may cause the tip of the tail to cut open and its difficult to heal as the tail is never still, degloving when the skin is stripped off, usually at the tip. [6] In the beginning, Germany's Grand Duke Karl August used the Weimaraner to hunt big-game like wolves, bears, and mountain lions, but as Europe's number of big-game decreased, the Weimaraner turned into a point and retrieve hunter of small game. While their coat is short, this breed does shed. VizslaWorld.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com (source: Section 5). A Weimaraner requires appropriate training to learn how to be calm and control its behavior. Weimaraners are versatile dogs, developed to hunt and to track their prey. High quality like fresh food but with the added dry food convenience! According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Weimaraners enjoy low rates of dysplasia. If you wish for your puppy not to be docked, it might be very difficult. What length should a Weimaraners tail be? [10] The causes of separation anxiety are not always known, but there are contributing factors including genetics, litter rearing, poor socialization, boredom, and stress. i once seen a litter of pups and there was all lengths one little sad bitch couldnt sit down as her tail was too long she was in agony, i bought her took her to the vet they shortened it for her, what a different pup, i then found her a loving home where she is very happy as i couldnt keep her but i couldnt leave her either, but dont you think banning this has made it that bit worse, surly you would rather take them to a vets to get done than do them yourself, as people are still doing them anyway, clearly why this pup was in a state. Long- haired Weimaraners dont have their tails docked. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August, whose court, located in the city of Weimar (now in the state of Thuringia in modern-day Germany), enjoyed hunting. [7] The breed became popular due to celebrities like Grace Kelly, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Dick Clark. The famous artist and photographer William Wegman increased the breed's popularity even more with his world famous Weimaraner portraits and video segments. If your pet hurts its tail, you should go to the vet immediately. Weimaraners can have several unique physical characteristics such as small lobes on the inside of the ear, known as "Harrasburg Horns", and "Grafmar's Caps", very light gray patches between the ears.[9]. Tail docking has been a very common practice for many years when it came to this breed. To prevent injuries the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) supports tail docking and dewclaw removal in puppies, with the justification that it can produce long-term health benefits and maintain the integrity of the breed. A long-haired variety is recognized by most kennel clubs around the world except the American Kennel Club. Unfortunately Weimaraners don't keep their blue eyes for the rest of their life. A Weimaraner requires frequent exercise and will appreciate games and play. The long-haired Weimaraner has a silky coat with an undocked, feathered tail. The tail cut or aesthetic caudectomy consists of the surgical removal of a good part of this appendix, usually with special instruments. Without a tail, dogs might suffer from important miscommunications problems which might even lead to fights between individuals. With the ears, they also convey important information. could you not take a pic of your dogs tail and tell the vet that is how you would like it. In any case, tail docking in adult dogs involves full-blown surgical intervention. Most owners will notice that their dogs are drinking more and will generally be losing weight. The Weimaraner (/wamrnr/ VY-m-rah-nr) is a large dog that was originally bred as a hunting dog in the early 19th century. Usually, after the first two or three days of the puppys birth, they are subjected to this atrocity. Weve also never had a problem with her knocking stuff of the coffee tables. Throughout their lives, they have been recognized for their great athleticism and hunting skills. Last updated: September 30, 20218 min read. Disadvantages of Cutting a Weimaraner Dogs Tail. 1 1/8 inches), Leave to 2/3 of length (approx. However, they can also make fine family friends if they get enough exercise. I am going to call the vet and have a chat to him hopefully he has docked this breed before and is confident at what he does. In addition, the tail is made up of bones called the caudal vertebrae that have other associated tissues. Your email address will not be published. Tails are an important channel for dogs to communicate with humans and with other dogs. As I mentioned above, the breed standard according to the AKC is to have all puppies docked at the appropriate age, whether or not they are a hunting dog, show dog or merely a companion. Traditionally, Nooking is a behavior (some say it's a Weimaraner-specific character trait) in which, Some have a more silvery coat and some are darker, others seem more brownish. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals like fowl, rabbits and foxes. Now thatthere is one in my family, I decided to make thisblog and share info about the breed and thethings I've learned. Almost all dogs that have their tails docked, originally, have been done in order to protect these animals in the work for which they were bred. The breeder we got Nelly from didnt dock the tails. [4] The breed is sometimes referred to as the "gray ghost" of the dog world originating from its ghostly coat and eye color along with its stealthy hunting style.[4]. Why are your puppies more expensive than some of the other litters Ive seen? And what should you know about the procedure? Some breeders choose to do it themselves before the canines first week. Id contact your chosen breeder ahead of time before the puppies are born and discuss your options. First of all, while the procedure is not considered to be extremely painful, that doesnt make it completely painless. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England", "Weimaraner | Gundog breeds | Gundog Journal", "Smart Bumps, Harrasburg Horns and Other Weimaraner Peculiarities", "Weimaraner: Pros and Cons of Owning a Weimaraner", "Phase IV: Troubleshooting your Mission: Dealing with problem behaviors", "List of common problems afflicting Weimaraners", "Radiographic and Arthroscopic Findings in the Elbow Joints of 263 Dogs with Medial Coronoid Disease", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Weimaraner&oldid=1083846979, Articles needing additional references from October 2019, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 April 2022, at 02:36. The change in their eye color is near complete by the. This is because their nerve endings havent fully developed by then, meaning that the process will be much less painful than you might think. A black coat remains an automatic disqualification, though a small white marking in the chest area only is permitted. [1] Two theories propose that they descended from the Chien-gris dogs,[5] or the St. Hubert Hound whose descendant is the Bloodhound. Im a runner. Robinson suggests that docking the tail of working dogs at approximately one half length provides the benefits of injury prevention and infection prevention, while also maintaining enough tail length to be used for social communication. The British Kennel Club breed standard describes a tail reaching to the hocks and carried below the level of the back when relaxed, and the German breed club standard calls for a full tail that is strong and well coated, which can be carried above the line of the back when the dog is working.