Striker

I know this question is going to upset some people so im sorry in advanced. What is with people not cropping their dogs ears? What do people find so attractive about that? And what is this i hear about people trying to ban the practice of cropping? I dont think the doberman is the doberman without the ears does anyone feel this same way or is there someone who feels the oppisite way that can fill me in on what im missing? I would never buy one with out the crop of the tail and the ears

d501

Although i am for cropping, its the owners decision.

Dobejazz

Cropped ears and a docked tail does not make the Doberman a great dog -

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duroboat

My personal preference is cropped and docked. And every dobie I have had has been C&Ded. I think it is what gives them the doberman look. We use to kid around and call the non-cropped & docked Dobermutt's. LOL
But in some place's it's already illegal to C&D so there is no choice for some people.

d501

I couldn't agree with you more. The breed is wonderful either way

workingk9s

If you want C/D fine. If you don't fine. Personal choice, but nobody should get their panties in a bunch over preference.

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Erynn
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lolonurse

The reason for the cropping and docking of certain breeds has nothing to do with aesthetics. It was for very practical reasons of safety for those particular breeds. Those dogs used for police, military, fighting/tackling fierce animals, etc, had their tails and ears cut short so that they would not be ripped or used as "handles" to cause them harm during their work functions. Hence the short "military" cut that was the original style for Dobermans, Boxers, etc...
Now that most of these dogs are not "working" per se, this practice is not really justifiable, and can be considered truly "cosmetic" surgery. Therefore, it is considered un-necessary, frivolous and invasive without cause. Essentially, inflicting pain and discomfort for no real medical reason, and therefore cruel.
Many European countries have banned it, or at least the ear crop, and some are on the fence about it. Until very recently, if one showed a non-cropped Dobe in the US, it was an exercise in futility, as no judge would award a natural-ear... but that is starting to change, and many people are really glad about it.
Personally, I love the smart, sharp, stylish look of a cropped Dobe, but having both, I can absolutely say that both ways are wonderful - natural ears are soft, floppy and charming. If your intent is to intimidate people, then I guess cropped ears are it.
I am getting used to the natural tails - it's harder for me, because there seem to be several different types of Dobertails, so it's hard for me to absorb what they are supposed to look like. But I do think that eventually we will follow the Europeans in outlawing un-necessary animal 'carving'.

WannaDobe

I chose not to have my youngster's ears done as I didn't feel there was a need. Since I would be highly surprised if we were ever in an incident where we even had to confront a "bad guy" it seemed an unnecessary potentially painful and at the very least irritating thing for my pup to have to go through. He does have a docked tail, which I found to be more useful because their tails are delicate and prone to breakage, as well as being brutally whip-like. *laughing* I had a friend with a rescue who had her tail and oh man, lovely dog but she made me crazy when she'd try to come say hi because you'd get beaten up by her tail.

That being said, I do love the look of the cropped ears, it just wasn't for us. I also love my guy's big ol' floppy ears and they do make him look goofy and friendly - which fits his personality to a 'T'

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Renic

I agree. this is why I get so upset about anyone mentioning cropping/docking bans! that is just rediculous. If I want to crop, I will. If I don't, I won't. It should be MY choice, not some stupid government official who knows nothing about the breed.

personally, I would never have a doberman un-cropped, but again, like everyone said, that is my choice. do I think everyone else has to have their dogs ears done just because I want mine done? Heck no! that is their choice and if they like the floppy ears then great! If not, chop em off!!!! LOL

I hope that made sense......

bleh60

Here is a great thread we recently had, full of opinions and POVs on everything cropping.

Thoughts on ear cropping and tail docking


Personally, I love a nice crop on a dobe.

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