The adult Doberman pinscher is 26 to 28 inches tall and weighs 60 to 100 pounds. The head of the Doberman is wedge-shaped, with cropped or uncropped ears. Uncropped ears hang naturally, and the tail is docked by default.
Doberman ear cropping is quite popular. Ear trimming is a surgical operation in which part of the dog’s ear is removed, resulting in ears that stand upright. The procedure is most often done on Doberman pups between 8 and 12 weeks old.
The ears are trimmed and stitched. The ears are secured to a hard surface for several weeks while they heal. This is done to keep the ears standing erect. A veterinarian with extensive experience in ear cropping should perform ear cropping on dogs. Ear Cropping for Dogs is a wonderful resource that explains how to do it properly.
An uncropped Doberman’s ears have a significantly different appearance. Therefore, ear cropping is essential to the identification and personality of the Doberman breed. It is typical for owners to identify their Dobermans by their cropped ears.
Many people believe the ear crop style adds to the breed’s distinctive look. However, the shape and length of the ear crop may vary. Ear cropping methods include a short crop, a medium crop, and a longer crop known as the standard show crop.
Trying to find the best dog lover gifts for him? Check out our top five picks, perfect for any occasion!
What Do Doberman’s Ears Look Like
We typically see a Doberman with cropped ears, but their natural ears look somewhat different. When they’re puppies, Doberman ears are floppy and soft.
Their ears fold down, much like those of a Labrador retriever. It’s doubtful you’d notice a Doberman in the wild if you encountered him because we’re so used to seeing Dobermans with tiny pointed ears and stubby-tailed dogs.
The Reasons Why People Crop Doberman’s Ears
The act of cropping a dog’s ear has long been controversial, and it is frequently asked why anybody would want to do this. However, there are several prevalent reasons for cutting Doberman ears, including:
1. It’s the Standard
When you consider a Doberman, the first thing that springs to mind is its pointed ears and build. A Doberman’s cropped ears have become the standard look. It’s done because they are used as watchdogs, and shorter ears can’t be grabbed or ripped off in combat. Others like that it makes the appearance more menacing and powerful
2. For Competitions and Shows
A cropped ear and tail are typical for a Doberman who participates in dog shows. Ear cropping would most certainly be on your path if you want to show your purebred Doberman; this is the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC)
3. Other Reasons
Many people explain why they cut Doberman ears to make them smaller, but several other reasons have been given. The belief that the dogs can hear better and will be less prone to ear infections is one of them. Unfortunately, neither of these claims is supported by scientific data.
What is the Procedure Itself?
Ear cropping is a cosmetic surgery that uses local anesthetics and lasts about 30 minutes. After being bandaged for 5 or 6 months, the ears are generally upright; yet, some Dobermans may take up to a year before their ears fully stand erect. It is especially true with ear crops that are longer in duration.
The long recovery period is more distressing for the dog than the operation itself, contributing to a negative image. Aftercare following ear cropping surgery is critical to avoid infection and maintain that the ears stand up straight.
If the owner is unwilling to commit to long aftercare, they should not have their child’s ears trimmed.
Deciding Between Corp or Not to Corp
It was initially done for functional reasons. The Doberman was originally a guard dog. Ears standing upright enhanced hearing abilities. It was an important feature in a watch dog’s duties. Ear cropping is now frequently performed in Dobermans to meet show requirements or simply because the owner prefers it that way.
Ear cropping is a cosmetic surgery for dogs that the patient chooses. It’s a choice. There’s no evidence of benefit, and it’s only done at the request of the dog’s owner. Ear trimming has been practiced in the Doberman breed for many years to achieve a particular look.
Ear cropping is illegal in most European countries, and in some places like New Zealand, it’s even against the law to transport a dog with cropped ears over the border.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), ear cropping is “necessary to defining and preserving breed character” in certain breeds. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) criticizes it in dogs. Since the procedure is only cosmetic, they feel that it poses unnecessary risks.
The procedure of ear cropping is becoming less frequent. It is not covered in many veterinary colleges. Fewer veterinarians are willing to carry out the surgery, and dog owners are more aware of the controversial nature of the surgical technique.
How long does ear cropping surgery take?
A confinement bed mattress is a simple yet effective way to give your dog a sense of security. The procedure takes around 45 minutes to 1-1/4 hours in most cases, including the time needed for preparation and anesthesia.
Do dogs need pain meds after ear cropping?
Postoperative pain management is generally not required for this procedure. It shouldn’t be necessary to give pain medications after ear cropping surgery.
In rare cases, the veterinarian may prescribe a mild nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the immediate postoperative period in dogs with a large amount of tissue removal or in animals that were older at the surgery.
Is ear cropping illegal in the USA?
No, it is not illegal and has been a Doberman standard for many years. However, recently ear cropping has come under ethical scrutiny, and many veterinary colleges no longer teach the procedure.
The following states prohibit ear cropping: California (unless performed by a licensed veterinarian practicing veterinary medicine), Virginia (all domesticated dogs over 12 weeks of age must have an ear crop), Georgia (performing cosmetic surgery on dogs is against the law – ear cropping falls under this category), and New York.
Ear cropping is illegal in most European countries, and in some places like New Zealand, it’s even against the law to transport a dog with cropped ears over the border. It’s also banned in Australia.
Why is ear cropping bad?
Pain during surgery. There is a lack of complete pain relief medications to be given after the surgery, so your pet will be in pain for days following the ear crop.
If not done under sterile conditions or by a well-qualified surgeon, the procedure can have complications. The use of general anesthesia further increases this risk to your pet’s health and safety.
Ear cropping is cosmetic surgery, so the animal’s quality of life shouldn’t be affected. A dog will lead a full and happy life with or without cropped ears provided she has had all her vaccinations against infectious diseases, has been spayed or neutered, and is well taken care of.
To educate dog owners we recently added new resources like Doberman ear cropping, and how to do it at home, as well as we discuss either dianthus is poisonous to dogs or not.
How painful is ear cropping for Doberman?
To address this concern, the puppy is put under anesthesia and does not feel pain during the operation when it is cropped by a licensed veterinarian (which it always should be, in my opinion).
There will be some degree of discomfort for the first few hours following surgery, but this is nothing to worry about.