So, how did you decide which pup to pick from the litter?

[MarmadukeScarlet]

I have reserved a pup from an upcoming litter, I want a bitch - all fine so far - but I want it's tail left undocked, which is where I strat to feel anxious.

The breeder will only leave one pup undocked as they are a working breed - although most of them will probably go to pet homes.

I want the tail left on as I think it is not right for a non working dogs and I may possibly show it, so it needs its tail.

When I chose pups when I was a child and young teen it was more a) at X weeks you can see the conformation and pick a well balanced dog for showing, b) personality thing or c) even in a mixed coloured litter it was apperance.

What if the bitch he leaves undocked doesn't 'click' with us when we go to see them, of worse it is the dominatnt pup from the litter

Am I just making a big girly wussy fuss? (I think maybe yes)

abraid, I'm sorry for your recent loss.

pinkmagic, I have no idea. I presumed it was a vet job, due to a comment on this thread, but have only ever had dogs with tails myself so no experience.

she choose us even though DH insisted we were only going for a look and not to get my hopes up re keeping one - she marched over, sat on his foot and it was love from that moment on

I think choosing this early is perhaps t much of a gamble considering you have a child with SN. What about waiting to see if one oft the undocked puppies from the other bitch has the right temperament? Otherwise I would advice for another breeder/breed.

For pinkmagic, and anyone else interested in tail docking:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_(dog)
www.wsava.org/Taildock.htm
www.bva.co.uk/atoz/Tail_docking_of_dogs.aspx

In the UK it has been illegal to dock tails for cosmetic reasons from 2006. It should also been done by a vet in the first few days of life. The pup is conscious and has the tail snipped off. As you can imagine, the majority of vets are against this, so it is hard for breeders to get done - many many pups have it done by the breeder.

Because of the legal issues, the breeder will need to prove the pups are destined for working homes and have a certificate from his vet.

The issues are different to docking/amputating a damaged or diseased tail in an adult dog - this is done under a full anaesthetic.

(Hope you get your puppy soon marmaduke!)

forgot to add that many vets will use a light anaesthetic to perform the dock (something you will never get when the breeders were/do do it.

The websites are good for a balanced answer (though the wiki link comes with all the usual care)

Pamboli belive me if there were another breed/breeder life would be simple.

I need a large dog - DH works away 50% + of the time (felling of security linked to size of dog) and I live in the middle of nowhere = mud, so I need a dog with an easy coat = wire/shorthaired. Would like one that doesn't moult (brought up with afghan hounds )= wirehaired.

So, large wirehaired dog.

Have looked at Vizsla (smooth and wire) - docked

GSP (smooth and wire) - docked

English pointer - docked

Weimeraner (smooth and wire) - docked and generally bonkers

Spinone - docked and revoltinly dribbly (apologies to owners)

The list is far longer if you would like the entire history, I have been researching for nearly 4 years.

OK I have spoken to really helpful person in breed (the lincolnshire connection) they did dock some of their recent litter but with elastic bands like a lambs tail. It has to be done before/by 3 days old.

She was very sympathetic, could see it from both sides etc.

Am in tears at the thought of telling DD she is not getting this puppy, just another bit of her life made just a bit crapper by having a disabled sibling.

Can put you in touch with good Dobermann people....undocked....short coat....fab guard dogs......

Poor you, Marmaduke. It's pants.

Hi Marmaduke - English pointers shouldn't be docked (and I am biased as they are lovely) - never been breed standard for showing etc so never normally done...their breed rescue were really helpful in finding my boy

Thanks, Marmadeuke for the kind thoughts. Hope you find something soon. It's hard when children are so excited.
My FIL bred GSPs for years. They were lovely.

Yes, seuss my mistake.

Found you at least one litter of undocked GSP's, honey:

here