4-H Dog Showmanship Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What is the purpose of docked tails in certain dog breeds?

For aesthetic reasons

To prevent injury

The purpose of docked tails in certain dog breeds is primarily to prevent injury. Historically, certain working breeds that faced challenging environments, such as hunting or herding, had their tails docked to reduce the risk of injury during their activities. In these situations, long tails could become easily caught in underbrush or could be injured while navigating rough terrain or during interactions with other animals. By shortening the tail, breeders aimed to enhance the dog's safety and functionality in their specific roles.

While aesthetic reasons, potential enhancements in agility, or medical reasons may apply to some discussions surrounding tail docking, the key reason for docking historically has been to protect the dog from harm.

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To help with agility

For medical reasons

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