Ears Cropped VS Natural - Page 6

**RedFawnRising** · 10-01-2008, 10:42 PM

Btw, it's Ms. Butthead, just so you know.

Monica · 10-01-2008, 10:59 PM

We had no choice on the tail when we brought Kade home, it was already docked. Her ears were natural and we were unified in our decision to leave them that way. I like both looks and don't see how either or makes a dog less or more of a Doberman.

secretz · 10-03-2008, 03:42 PM

I'm kinda torn. I like the look of both. Grace isn't cropped or docked, nor would I have it done at this stage.

**RedFawnRising** · 10-03-2008, 09:38 PM

I like the look of both too, have mentioned that before.

Anyways, so, at the doctor's with Ezra today, a very sweet little blonde girl (about five or six-ish years old) with the hugest brown eyes in the world came over to ask to pet him, and then she asked this:

"Oh, the poor dog. What happened to his tail?"

Um. I was really thrown. I've never had a kid ask anything like that before--and her very tender age made me hesitate to go into an explanation of docking...

So, what would have been a good way to answer her? Anyone?

Dobejazz · 10-03-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedFawnRising

I like the look of both too, have mentioned that before.

Anyways, so, at the doctor's with Ezra today, a very sweet little blonde girl (about five or six-ish years old) with the hugest brown eyes in the world came over to ask to pet him, and then she asked this:

"Oh, the poor dog. What happened to his tail?"

Um. I was really thrown. I've never had a kid ask anything like that before--and her very tender age made me hesitate to go into an explanation of docking...

So, what would have been a good way to answer her? Anyone?

Suprisingly my daughter hasn't asked me why Jazz and Casper don't have tails - I would have just said "nothing honey some dogs just don't have long tails."

Explaination of cropping and docking can come later

**RedFawnRising** · 10-03-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobejazz

Suprisingly my daughter hasn't asked me why Jazz and Casper don't have tails - I would have just said "nothing honey some dogs just don't have long tails."

Explaination of cropping and docking can come later

I sort of agree on later explanations, but in this case, this young lady was super bright and observant, and she was actually running her finger over Ez's dock scar...my vet thinks the breeder did it herself and it's ugly, poor fella.

I kept opening my mouth to start in explaining why tails are cut off (And I'm pretty comfortable with tail docking) but I couldn't quite think of a nice way to get it across to this real earnest kid.

Saved by the bell--her Mom called her away just at that moment so I got by with thanking her for petting him, and saying bye.

I hate to not answer kids, though.

Dobejazz · 10-03-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedFawnRising

I sort of agree on later explanations, but in this case, this young lady was super bright and observant, and she was actually running her finger over Ez's dock scar...my vet thinks the breeder did it herself and it's ugly, poor fella.

I kept opening my mouth to start in explaining why tails are cut off (And I'm pretty comfortable with tail docking) but I couldn't quite think of a nice way to get it across to this real earnest kid.

Saved by the bell--her Mom called her away just at that moment so I got by with thanking her for petting him, and saying bye.

I hate to not answer kids, though.

Sometimes (all the time with Violet) kids can be too inquisitive for their own good - Violet will be 5 next week and I think if she knew Caspers tail was cut off it would distress her - For my child I'd rather tell her myself when I think she is able to understand - as for the scar I'd probably tell Violet he had an owie when he was little but he is all better now.
But I probably shelter V to much

feverone · 10-03-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDrumDobes

I am 100% for cropping and docking!! All the way, any dog I will ever own. BUT I do agree I think people can make their choice and that's great. And if a buyer wants a dog with natural ears I will work with them. As far as the tail there is no way to know at a few days old who is a show prospect or agility or obedience so they all go.
I have to say they don't look like a Doberman to me with natural ears, yes their all equal and so on. But they just lose that look that makes them a Doberman, the noble, the regal, the proud, the sleekness, that beautiful head! And I won't start on tails, they bother me to say the least, I see them and I watch in disbelief and wonder what is that?!? I know, I know it's bad. They look like coon hounds, skinny ones at that.
But to my point, in this day in age where there is BSL and cropping and docking bands are growing and growing, why oh why would you want to add to that??? I just figure one more natural dobe gives that person/organization a edge to say well people prefer it or people like it. I just absolutely HATE to see the choice taken away. And whatever I can do to stop it and prove it has a purpose and reason, I am all for!
Form follows Function!! The form of the Doberman started with a function and yes I understand times have changed but they were breed on a blueprint for a specific reason which included cropped ears. I love Dobermans for what they were meant to be outside and inside, temperment, drive and their conformation. And yes that includes cropped and docked! Just my tried and true beliefs..
By the way before I get emails, I don't mean this for people who can't help it, rescues, countries where it's banned, imports, ect. I think love your dogs however their made but these are my feelings

I couldnt agree more!!!
well said!!!

feverone · 10-03-2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casandra

Agree'd

What makes them a Dobermann....Louis Dobermann did not "create" this animal to be a regal or noble creature. This breed was bred to work!

Besides, all of the unneeded stress induced on the pups just for a fashion statement that actually makes them less approachable to other dogs, I find it completely unneccessary.

By taking away a dog's tail and half their ears, you're removing body language, effectively taking the dog's form of communication away. Almost like a human losing the capability of speech, they still have the possibility of sign language, and they can also learn to use a slate and chalk, but the point being, they must LEARN what goes against their instinct. They cannot be easily recognized as submissive from a distance to other dogs, making it difficult to socialize at times. I think it causes undue problems and pain for the animals, which is why I am against the practice. I do not aim to govern every owner of this breed. To each, their own, but I tend to be a bit forward with my opinions, my intention is not to force my opinion on anyone though!

I so dont agree with you........if louis Doberman felt they were just as good natural he wouldnt have did the ears and tail in the 1st place.... the hearing is much more sharper cropped...... and did you know how many dane breeders wish they could dock their danes>... for how many break their tails wagging it and hitting it on walls..... doberman tails are ugly whip tails carried over their backs ewwwwww.
And pups cropped are up and running around 10mins after their awake... I have watched it be done and its no worse then a dog getting spayed.. In fact people de claw cats and they cant walk for 4days yet Vets have no problem doing that.
Its a choice Thats all........

**dobiesk8r** · 10-04-2008, 05:46 AM

For my first dobe, I opted not to crop her ears. Her tail was already a done deal. I loved the look and feel of the floppy ears, and I was not into inflicting what I viewed as unnecessary pain on the animal.

After she died, I went looking for another dobe. The one I found already had cropped ears and tail since the breeder raised show dogs. What a pain it was to post those ears - but what amazed me was how well she tolerated it, and I always made sure to pump her up with treats during the bandaging. She has a show crop, so that made it even worse. My vet even questioned whether the crop was too long for the dog.

Now that she's six months old and long out of her posts, I find her pointy ears cute and their length appears to be fine. When I take her out on the property, she loves to hide in the long grass to surprise me when I walk by. But she doesn't know that I can spot the tips of her ears.