The Miniature American Shepherd, like its cousin the Australian Shepherd, is a breed that can present different variations in tail length, depending on the genetics of each individual. Tail length can range from long to naturally short, and is primarily influenced by genetic factors.

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1. Long Tail :

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Dogs with a long tail possess two copies of the dominant gene responsible for tail length. Their tail is generally long, bushy, and can reach the length of the hock. These dogs often have an elegant and majestic appearance, in harmony with their overall silhouette.

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2. NBT (Natural Bobtail) :

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Dogs known as "NBT" (Natural Bobtail) carry one copy of the dominant gene and one copy of the recessive gene. Their tail is generally shorter than that of dogs with long tails, but it is important to note that the length of an NBT’s tail can vary, though it is always shorter than that of dogs with long tails.

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3. Anures :

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Anure dogs, on the other hand, possess two copies of the recessive gene and are born either without a tail or with an extremely short tail, typically measuring less than 2.5 cm. Although these dogs are also called "natural bobtails," their lack of a tail is a well-defined genetic trait.

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History and Practice of Tail Docking 

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Historically, tail docking was a common practice in many dog breeds, including the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature American Shepherd, in order to prevent tail injuries during working activities. The Australian Shepherd, and by extension the Miniature American Shepherd, being working dogs used to herd livestock, were often exposed to the risk of tail injuries in challenging environments. Tail docking was then performed as a preventive measure against serious infections.

However, with the evolution of veterinary practices and breed standards, tail docking is now a controversial practice and is considered an unnecessary mutilation in many countries, including Portugal, where it is strictly prohibited

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The Practice of Tail Docking 

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Caudectomy, or tail amputation, was initially performed for practical reasons related to work, but it is increasingly practiced for aesthetic reasons in some countries. However, this practice is prohibited in many European countries, including Portugal, where it is considered a violation of the animal's physical integrity.

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In accordance with current legislation in Portugal, the breeding and sale of dogs cannot include any tail docking. Therefore, in our breeding program, no tails will be docked. However, some of our puppies may naturally be born with a short tail, as we have NBT (Natural Bobtail) and Manx (Anoures) breeders. These puppies, born with a naturally short tail, will retain this characteristic due to their genetics.

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Choices Regarding Tail Length 

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The length of a Miniature American Shepherd's tail depends on the individual preferences of each owner. Some owners prefer dogs with long tails, while others opt for short or naturally absent tails. Regardless of the tail length, all variations are accepted within the breed standard, and there is no official preference for tail length.

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Our Commitment 

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We are committed to strictly adhering to Portuguese legislation regarding the ban on tail docking. No tail docking will be performed in our breeding program. However, we may offer puppies with naturally short tails, born from our NBT (Natural Bobtail) and Anoures breeders.