There is an old rumor that docking the dog's tail alters the dogs balance, but I put NO FAITH in that belief and believe that IF THE PUPS are docked BEFORE they walk they do just fine. Their nervous system develops coordination without the tail, just as is the case with the Bobcat or Lynx...either of which can out maneuver a dog. I would never dock the tail on a dog that has learned to use it. We dock about 1/3rd to 1/2 the original length. This leaves enough for communication and for a handle, but prevents the home protector from getting tails caught in doors, knocking over candles or glasses of grape juice or other drink, and keeps the tails from hitting little ones in the face...or simply making that wagging wack wack sound when in a crate or something. The docked tail just makes the dog easier to keep in the home, but I am not against leaving a dog's tail natural if someone wants a tail that way either. I believe the tail should not be less than 1/3rd the original length, but in years past I have had a few that were slightly shorter than this.