Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the general trend in ear cropping?

I have looked at dobermans with uncropped ears. They look rather different, less protective.

Do most people still insist that the ears be cropped?

Do you think that the risks and costs of ear cropped make the Doberman less popular than the rottweiler? 15 or 20 years ago it was just the opposite; there were once many more Dobermans than Rottweilers.

My area is windy and sandy. I think uncropped ears are healthier as they help reduce the risk of sand being blown into the ears.

I think you are finding more uncropped Dobermans from the byb (back yard breeders) - I know we see quite a few of them in rescue. I would rather see an uncropped Doberman than a butcher job crop or cropped but flopped. Cropping is an art, and very few Vets really do a good job at it, and many do not do it at all.
I have had each type - my first Dobe was a byb girl, and I did not have her cropped. She appeared less intimidating - which is not always a bad thing when you live in a neighborhood with lots of small children. Cropped or not, they are still a Doberman!
That said, any good breeder crops all puppies before they go to their new home, and provides help with ear posting - or helps to find someone nearby that can help. Any breeder in the USA that does not crop as a rule, is a not a reputable breeder. The cost of a beautiful crop is included in the price of a puppy from a good breeder.

I like the ears better cropped but I know alot of people think its cruel and unneeded. I'd think its good that if someone wanted the dog only if its ears were done and they didn't want to pay the money and go through the hassle then they probally shouldn't have the dog anyway. One of my teachers in high school said they got popular whent he boys of brazil movie was out.
ABout being healthier though dogs with floppy ears have problems with water in them. I know dobes arent prone but my byron had a horrible ear infection for weeks that only went away after finally getting cropped. We originally were going to leave them down. He hasn't had a problem with his ears since. He swims all the time too! When I eventually get another dobe he'll have his ears done, unless I get one from a rescue I guess. I'm just usually not drawn to them without their ears done.

I am new to this forum but I just had to reply about the ear cropping. I have been raising dobermans since the 70's. All of my dogs have had the tails and ears done. the trend now is for a natural look. I too love dobies with the ears done but vets are starting to shy away from doing tails, dewclaws and ears on all breeds. There is a lot of pressure on them to stop or have their affiliation with the vet assocations pulled. A lot of Europe is now banning all alteration of a dog. Is it right? Well who is to say. But I do not agree that all good breeders must have the puppy ears done before going to the new home. I think that is up to the new owner and what he or she believes is good for their dog. I always give the new owner all the information I have on cropping and any help that I can give. well this is just my opinion. I look forward to hearing about all your dobie babies.

oops, forgot to reply to your question about Dobermans popularity vs the Rottie's. Dobermans were the prefered "breed" back in the late 70's and early 80's. Anytime a breeds popularity skyrockets, it is almost the kiss of death to the breed as every tom dick and harry wants to breed them, and the resulting poor quality dogs can take its toll on the overall breed standard. Thank God the Doberman survived its years of being so popular. I truthfully think that Dobermans were just not tough enough for the kinds of people who want big scary dogs. They moved on to other breeds like the Rottie, Pitbull, etc.... now those breeds have suffered tremendously - I really feel for the people who try to rescue and re-home them.

Dobermans are "people" dogs, they can be and are protective, but not usually aggressive - not macho enough for some people. Those types went on to ruin the American Pit Bull Terrier - which was once a wonderful family dog. I have heard that the Doberman is now only 25th in popularity - I say "hip hip hurray!!".

Just my opinion, but I have seen dobermans both ways and I just love the undocked tail and uncropped ears. The dogs look adorable that way and never have to go through the surgery. I really can't think of any compelling reason to dock a doberman's tail or crop a doberman's ears, unless it is a show dog, and I really hope the rules for showing dobermans change to allow the natural doberman to be shown. Some countries have already banned these surgeries and I think that is a good idea. Again, just my opinion. Let us know what you decide.

I live in Scotland and ear cropping is illegal. I find natural ears do make them look less "protective" and more cute!!! We still dock tails but this is soon to be banned. As I show my dogs, I like the docked tails as it makes their outline look a lot smoother.
Having lost a pup to an infection in the wound from the tail dock I only use a vet that will band the tails as opposed to cutting them. This way seems to heal faster and has a nicer rounded look to it.