Hunting Dogs have been subjected to docking ever since man had worked them on the fields. Dog breeds were subjected to tail docking to prevent infections they may get from burrs and foxtails that may cause infections or bad sores.  But tail docking was restricted to some dog breeds and didn't include some breeds also used for hunting- such as those with feathered tails. The few hunting breeds exempted from this procedure are the Pointers and Setters, due to the chronic pain they experience a the tip of their tails which is said to cause risk to certain infections.

Working dogs such as the Doberman and Boxers are often ear cropped to make them appear more scary or sinister to prevent robbery of property from happening.  Other working dogs, those used for tracking vermin, have their ears cropped because this is the only way to prevent them from contracting infectious diseases from vermin.

Today, tail docking is not a question of the dog's safety or its effectivity as a hunter. It is done more for cosmetic purposes rather that practicality. In some countries, tail docking has been subject to scrutiny while in other parts of the globe it is found barbaric and unlawful. Fines and penalties are said to be given to anyone docking or cropping their pet dog without professional recommendation.

It was a paper done in 1996 by Robert Wansborough who argued that tail docking puts dogs at a disadvantage. Citing dog behavior as one dog aspect to be affected, Wansborough stressed that the dog's tail is the mode of its communication. A dog uses its tail to communicate with other dogs, a docked tail means difficulty in expressing fear, playfulness or even aggression. A docked tail can also mean a limit in skill. All dogs are natural swimmers, yet not all love getting wet.  For dogs to swim, those with tails use their appendage as rudders.  Wansborough also argued that, a dog's tail keeps it balanced when running. In his paper, he investigated seven years of medical history of an urban veterinary practice which resulted to establishing that less harm is done to the dog if left undocked.

Traditionally, docking and cropping of the tail and ears is done during puppyhood. Some say that pain is bearable and less when done during this stage. The theory of having a young pet go through pain can cause several traumatic instances that in turn cause aggression or timidity.

Though, each point of argument was answered by the Council for the Docked Breeds, often pointing out the years behind the practice and the unfounded scientific support some of the paper stated.

Presently, some states in the country are deliberating on passing a bill that would limit the practice of tail docking in dogs. Through the drafted law, only veterinarians are allowed to dock dog tails and perform surgical operations on pet pooches.

Currently, removing a dog's tail is an owners right, but under a draft animal welfare code owners will not be able to do it unless it's carried out by a vet. However, vets will only perform the removal if there is a medical reason, which effectively bans the practice.