Docked Tail Collection Guidelines

Guidelines for Submitting Dried Docked Tails for Genetic Testing

Paw Print Genetics accepts dried, docked tails for genetic screening if the following criteria are met:

  1. The tail docking is performed in the first 2-7 days of life.
  2. The dried, docked tails are acquired through the use of surgical scissors, a tail cropping emasculator tool or similar mechanical tool.
  3. Steps are taken to ensure that the tail used for genetic testing belongs to a specific puppy. Thus, tails acquired through the use of banding are not acceptable.
Note: These guidelines are intended for those who desire early genetic testing on their puppies using otherwise discarded docked tails. This is not a guide on how or when to dock tails and expert advice should be sought outside of this document.

Sample Collection:

  • Tails should be cropped in the first 2-7 days of life as normally done for your breed.
  • Performing one tail docking at a time, lay the tail remnant on layers of paper towels and place or write a label next to it with the same unique puppy identifier or name that you will use for that puppy's genetic testing (for example, pink girl, blue boy, etc.).
  • The surgical scissors or tail docking tool used should be cleaned between each docking using an alcohol wipe or similar method such as alcohol and a clean wipe or clean cotton ball to eliminate any possible cross contamination of cells between dogs. This is important to ensure pure, uncontaminated DNA from each puppy.
  • Continue docking each puppy's tail and labeling the paper towel on which the tail remnant is drying with each unique puppy identifier.
  • Allow the tails to dry for at least a week.

Sample Submission:

  • Using a sterile scalpel, cut off approximately 1/4 of the dried, docked tail and place it into a small, individual envelope, labeled with the puppy's unique identifying information (e.g. pink girl, blue boy, etc.).
  • Between each tail, clean the scalpel with an alcohol wipe or similar method to eliminate any possible cross contamination of cells between dogs. This is important to ensure pure, uncontaminated DNA from each puppy.
  • Save the remaining tail in another, similarly labeled envelop as a backup or for additional testing as desired.
  • Do not send the entire tail to the laboratory; always save a backup at home.
  • Place your genetic testing order on the Paw Print Genetics website.
  • Once your order has been completed on our website, print your requisition form, review and sign the bottom and send the form in a mailing envelope with your docked, dried tails.

  • Mail your samples back to our lab using one of the following addresses:

    • For shipments via USPS
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA
    • For overnight and 2 day shipments via (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.)
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA

    • Canadian Shipments
    • Neogen
    • 7323 Roper Rd. NW
    • Edmonton, AB T6E 0W4
    • Canada