I had two English springer spaniels; sisters from two separate but consecutive litters. Charlie, the first pup, had her tail docked when we got her. Kelsey, the second pup was pick of the litter and we told the breeder to leave the tail full.

Both dogs performed beautifully. Charlie looked so cute with that little stub wagging and Kelsey looked like the grand dame with that beautiful full tail waving like a flag in a breeze.

Then we got spud, a mixed breed; border collie lab cross that is the self-proclaimed guard dog of the family pack. With a full tail that never stops wagging, I could not imagine him with a docked tail. However, he is not a field dog and therefore the only thing I have to worry about is getting his tail caught in the door of the house car or truck, LOL.

All the dogs’ were/are house pets as well as working grouse and goose hunting dogs. The only things I noticed were Kelsey had more brambles in her tail after a day in the field and I noticed a dirty mark on the interior walls of my house; as if someone had gone along with a paint brush full of dirt and applied it like a line right about mid calf height. I always wondered how that got there, LOL.

Any way, here are some picks of my beloved hounds. Charlie and Kelsey have since passed on, (R.I.P), and spud continues to guard the family pack and, by the way, while out walking our property last weekend, flushed a couple of grouse. He may have some hunting blood in him after all.

Kindest regards,

Carpediem

My wife and charlie on a grouse hunt.

Kelsey on a mission.

Spud on the trail of somthing.

From left to right; charlie, my wife, kelsey and spud.