Don't dock the tail if you can help it.
Not all Australian Shepherds need a tail bob, since some are born with a natural bob.
Tail docking of dogs for prophylactic (preventative) or cosmetic reasons is illegal in all Australian states. Tail docking by a vet for therapeutic reasons, such as if the tail is injured, is the only legal form of tail docking for dogs in Australia.
Absolutely not ! That's mutilation - just as 'tail docking' is !
Australian Shepherds can be born with either a naturally long tail, a naturally bobbed tail, or no tail at all (naturally tailless). Tail docking is discouraged or banned in many countries, so it is best to check with a reputable breeder to see what type of tail a specific Australian Shepherd may have.
Stumpy tail cattle dog Australian shepherd Laika
it can be up to 4 inches but no more
Tail docking involves the removal of the Dog's tail, which is permanent and does not grow back. Although supporters of this operation claim that the puppy hardly feels it, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that docking causes severe and lingering pain. Studies have also shown that docked tails are more sensitive to pain when the Dog matures. Docking the tail means that the Dog loses a form of communication as the tail expresses body language to other Dogs. The effects of docking are permanent.
The cost of docking a tail varies from area to area and can vary between vets in the same area. To get an accurate cost for docking the tail, call several vets in your area.
Almost all Australian Shepherd's are born with long, natural tails. The tails are docked (amputated) using scissors when the puppies are a few days old to meet the Breed Standard. This operation is now illegal in many countries, including the UK. Where docking is still legal, the tail is cut off at the first joint - close to the body. In countries where docking is illegal, the tails are left natural and are usually fluffy and straight. If you live in a country where docking is still practised and you want a natural puppy, ask a breeder not to dock one of the puppies for you.
Tail docking is illegal in the UK, and this applies to all breeds of dog, including the Old English Sheepdog.
Animals that do not have tails include certain breeds of dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer, as well as certain species of fish, insects, and birds.
It resembles a tri-colour English Shepherd. An other option is an Australian Shepherd, which is very similar to the English. The standard for the Australian is for a docked tail but that is now banned in some jurisdictions. It does not resemble the Smooth (short haired) Collie except that it is a herding breed.
Tail docking for cosmetic purposes was abolished in the UK in 2007. Any dog docked after that year is barred from all show rings with a paying audience, unless it is a Working dog. Tail docking is still legal in Canada and the US.