Docking and declawing

Some breeds traditionally have their tails cropped anywhere from slightly, partially to almost entirely. Some countries now ban cropping and docking for cosmetic purposes, while others have no such prohibitions. Some breeders also prefer to declaw the dogs to prevent future injuries caused by scratching, or in the case of dewclaws, ingrown and ripped off nails. Docking and declawing procedures are usually performed within the first few days after birth, by a veterinarian, or by an experienced breeder. The practice of docking primarily began as a preventative measure for injury among dogs that worked in environments that led to a high incidence of tail injuries. (wikipedia)