Doberman ear cropping is a surgical procedure that removes part of a dog’s Ear, causing it to stand straight. The treatment is most often given to Doberman puppies between the ages of 8 and 12 Weeks. The corners are stitched, and the ears are trimmed.
Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure that a veterinarian can perform in its most basic form.
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How to Make Doberman Ears Stand Up Without Cropping?
If you are one of those people who oppose cropping but still want your Doberman’s ears to stand up, there are a few things you can try. But believe me, nothing will work; all of the methods, even tapping, which is recommended by most vets, is useless.
You can try using “Ear Set”. This product promises to make the ears stand up straight by molding them. This product tacks down your dog’s Ear by inserting an applicator in his ear canal, so the cartilage will re-mold into its original form and cause the ears to stand up.
I’ve seen a few Doberman owners who’ve tried this, saying that it works.
Another thing you can try is using an ingredient found in many beauty products called Lidocaine. Some people say that when applied to the inner ear area, this numbs the nerves so your dog won’t be able to tell that he’s being touched.
Why Ear Cropping is done?
Doberman ear cropping procedure is done for several reasons. The most important one is that it makes the dog look more aggressive and ferocious. It has also been proven to intimidate any self-respecting opponent, both human and animal alike.
It’s also believed that Dobermans with cropped ears are less susceptible to ear infections than those who have their natural floppy ones. This is probably because the canal in which the Ear rests when hanging free acts as a bug harborage.
The Short Window of Time
Dog is too young: The window of time for this operation is 4 to 6 months. If you try to crop your dog’s ears when he’s younger, the chances are that his cartilage will be too soft and it won’t take properly.
The dog is too old: The ear cartilage becomes harder and more difficult to adjust after a year of age. By this time, there’s a high chance that the ears won’t stand up as nicely as you like.
Right Age: The best time to crop your Doberman’s ears is between the ages of 4 and 6 months. His cartilage has completely developed at this stage but is not too hard yet.
Ear Cropping Styles for Doberman Dogs
The military crop: The ears are cropped short and high in this type of ear cropping. The edges are squared with a rather blunt look. This type of cropping is usually the most common among Doberman breeders as it gives a more uniform appearance to both ears.
The show crop: Ear cropping is not allowed in some countries. France, Australia, parts of the U.K., and numerous other counties worldwide have completely banned cropping.
If you reside in one of these countries, there are still ways for you to have your Doberman look fierce by having her ears cropped short but still have a more natural curve at the ends. This type of ear cropping is called a “show crop.”
The pet crop: This is considered the most humane among the three types. When the ears are cropped shorter than the military or show crops but not too short, they stand straight up. Instead, they have a gentle curve at about 45 degrees, with their inner edges touching the side of the head. It’s also called a “lop” crop as it gives your Doberman an innocent and cute look that is more suitable for family pets.
Show corp: This is the most aggressive type of ear cropping. It’s done by removing all excess skin and cartilage, so the ears stand up high, straight, and at attention.
Medium Corp: This is somewhere in between the pet and show crop. The ears are cropped shorter than the military but still bent at a slight angle rather than straight up.
Working corp: This is employed by a few breeders who use it in combination with the show crop further to differentiate their show dogs from your regular pet. In this type, the ears are cropped shorter than the show crop but have a gentle curve at about 15 to 20 degrees.
Risk Associated with Doberman Ear Cropping
Surgical Risks: Although ear cropping is a relatively safe procedure, there are still risks associated with it. There’s the possibility of an adverse reaction due to anesthesia, bleeding that might require blood transfusion, and infection.
Breeding Problems: Ear cropping can sometimes hamper breeding since the conformation of the ear canal doesn’t allow for proper placement of the soundbox.
Temporary Hearing Loss: If you’ve seen your Doberman’s ears stand up, it means that he has some hearing loss in his higher range. He can still hear low sounds but not as well as other breeds who have floppy ears.
Ear Infection: As mentioned earlier, cropped ears are more prone to ear infections because of their short length. Their shorter canal also makes it impossible for the ears to droop over and cover the opening.
Swelling: This is caused by fluid build-up around your dog’s head due to inflammation or infection. This can be quite painful for your Doberman, especially if the swelling occurs near the wound.
Difficulty in Bathing: Whether you’ve opted for a show crop or pet crop, your Doberman will have difficulty getting clean due to his shorter ears. His ability to hear higher-pitched sounds will also take a hit, which means he’ll be even more skittish during bath time.
Ear Tufts: This is a rare side effect if the ears are cropped too short or unevenly. In this type of cropping, the ears stand straight up and have small tufts on top.
Estimated Cost of Doberman Ear Cropping in Different Countries worldwide
- US – $300 to $500
- UK – £600 to £1,000
- France – €550 to €1,200
- Australia – AU$700 to AU$900 or more.
Prices in countries other than the U.S., U.K., and France are based on post-operation expenditures such as medication, blood replacement during surgery, bed rest at home for recovery, anesthesia, food, etc.
How long does it take for a dog’s Ear to heal after cropping?
It takes around two weeks for the ears to heal for most pet crops. A show crop usually takes about 3 months, while a working crop can take 6 months or more.
Can you tape dober’s man ears without cropping?
The most humane way to make Doberman’s ears stand up is by using do-it-yourself ear taping. This technique has been around for over 20 years now, and most breeders who don’t crop their dogs’ ears use it for show or breeding purposes. It is also more cost-effective than cropping, which means you’ll be saving money in the long run.
Is it cruel to dock a dog’s ears?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the cropping of Doberman ears. Some people feel that it is cruel and unnecessary, while others believe that it is necessary to give the dog the most characteristic look possible.
Why are my dog’s ears folded back?
Doberman ears are normally upright, but some will occasionally fold back on their own. If this does not go away after a few days or persists, you should visit your veterinarian.
How do I get my Dobermans ears to stand up?
Some Dobermans have dropped ears which causes the Ear to droop; if your Doberman has dropped ears, you can try doing isometric exercises. Isometrics is a type of exercise that involves contracting a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint.
How long do you keep a dog’s ears taped?
If you want to tape your dog’s ears, the length of time that it should be taped depends on the reason for taping. Your vet can prescribe a timeline based on whether or not they are standing up and how long it’s been since birth.
How long do dogs ears need to be taped?
Taping the ears should be done for at least 12 hours each day, but you’ll want to start off with just two or three hours and gradually increase the time they are taped.
How do I get my Doberman to stop scratching his ears?
If your Doberman is constantly scratching his ears, then there is a good chance that he has an Ear infection. You can treat this by taking him to a veterinarian or cleaning them with peroxide and cotton balls.
Why does my puppy ear stick up?
Ear sticking up is a normal puppy activity that usually disappears after the Doberman reaches adulthood. However, many puppies have their ears standing up, which can cause them to become misaligned if they are not taped or cropped.
Does Ear cropping help with ear infections?
Cropping the ears can help prevent ear infections because it enables them to drain properly. The lobes of the floppy ears may stick together and potentially become infected if they do not have proper ventilation.
How do I know when to stop posting my dog’s ears?
When you start to see the ears standing up on their own, then it means that the cartilage has matured and they no longer require taping. You will need to take them off after a few weeks because it could cause injury if left on too long.
Can you post ears without cropping?
The most humane way to make Doberman’s ears stand up is by using do-it-yourself ear taping. This technique has been around for over 20 years now, and most breeders who don’t crop their dogs’ ears use this method for show or breeding purposes. It is also more cost-effective than cropping, which means you’ll be saving money in the long run.
How do you tape a dog’s ears down?
If your dog’s ears are perked up, you can tape them down if they’re not already cropped. There is a special type of tape that you can buy that was designed for this purpose. If the ears are already cropped, you shouldn’t have to do anything.
How long do cropped ears need to be taped?
The ears should be taped for 6-12 weeks, but it is best to tape them for 8 to 12 hours each day. You can cut down the amount of time they are taped every few weeks until you reach your desired length.
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At what age do a Doberman’s ears stand up?
A Doberman’s ears usually start to stand up when they are about three to four months old. They should be completely standing upright by six months and sometimes longer if the ears were not cropped or taped.
Dog ear problems such as infections will go away, but you should take them to a veterinarian for advice.