Health tests

[Woske]

Another strange comment I've heard more than once is that more dogs have hip dysplasia now they don't have docked tails 

Problem I find is that who really knows how many dogs (of any breed) have things like HD.   

In my research on docked and undocked tails, I have been told by a couple of cocker breeders that, having been used to docked tails for over 100 years and now having long tails, the breed is experiencing an increase in HD. The suggestion is that cockers are not used to the additional strain on the spine and hips. I disregarded this unconfirmed assertion as nonsense, but reading some comments here, maybe there is some substance to the claim? I don't know. Any comments? 

[Jane S]

In my research on docked and undocked tails, I have been told by a couple of cocker breeders that, having been used to docked tails for over 100 years and now having long tails, the breed is experiencing an increase in HD. The suggestion is that cockers are not used to the additional strain on the spine and hips. I disregarded this unconfirmed assertion as nonsense, but reading some comments here, maybe there is some substance to the claim? I don't know. Any comments? 

I think HD has always been there but it's become more "visible" with increased testing & better diagnostic techniques. One of the worst Cocker hip scores I can remember was about 20 years ago and he was most definitely docked.There is also HD in working lines and docking has not stopped for Working Cockers

[Mazame]

In my research on docked and undocked tails, I have been told by a couple of cocker breeders that, having been used to docked tails for over 100 years and now having long tails, the breed is experiencing an increase in HD. The suggestion is that cockers are not used to the additional strain on the spine and hips. I disregarded this unconfirmed assertion as nonsense, but reading some comments here, maybe there is some substance to the claim? I don't know. Any comments? 

How can we make a comparison ? How HD can increase whereas testing is decreasing ?? I think it is rather an "argument" against tail docking ban than a reality. Ok it can't be a proof but I have 2 hip scored bitches at home and the docked one has the worse hips.

If I consider the anatomy of the dog, I really don't see the link between the caudal vertebras and the femur/hip joint.