Doberman Ear Cropping: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives

Doberman ear cropping is a common practice, but it's essential to consider the risks and benefits before making a decision. Some breeders and owners believe it improves the dog's appearance and reduces the risk of ear infections.

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure that involves cutting off a portion of the dog's ears to achieve a specific shape. This can be done for both aesthetic and health reasons.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not recommend ear cropping for non-therapeutic reasons, citing the potential risks and complications. However, many breeders and owners still opt for the procedure.

Doberman ear cropping is often performed on puppies between 6-12 weeks old. This age is chosen because the ears are still soft and pliable, making it easier to shape them.

Take a look at this: Doberman Pinscher Ear Cropping Styles

Those who support ear cropping for Dobermans argue that it can prevent ear infections, as some claim that the floppy ears of Dobermans can trap dirt and moisture, leading to infections.

For your interest: Ear Infections

Ear cropping can also be seen as a way to improve the breed's appearance, as some breeders and owners believe that cropped ears make the Doberman look more refined and elegant.

However, it's worth noting that some experts argue that ear cropping is not necessary, and that floppy ears are a natural part of the breed's anatomy.

Proponents of ear cropping also argue that it can reduce the risk of ear injuries, as cropped ears are less likely to get caught or damaged in tight spaces.

Some breeders and owners also believe that ear cropping can help to reduce the risk of ear cancer, a rare but serious condition that can affect Dobermans with long, floppy ears.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Floppy Ears

The Doberman Breed Standard is set by kennel clubs around the world, but there's a significant difference in how they view ear cropping.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States requires Doberman Pinschers to have cropped ears, as stated in their breed standard.

Interestingly, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which is the largest canine organization in the world, doesn't require cropped ears, instead stating that the ears should be left natural and of an appropriate size.

Any deviation from the breed standard can result in penalties in show ring competitions, but it's not an automatic disqualifier.

The Doberman Breed Standard is outlined by kennel clubs around the world, with some having stricter requirements than others. The American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US considers a Doberman with cropped ears to be the ideal, with the upper attachment of the ear on a level with the top of the skull.

The AKC breed standard does not automatically disqualify a Doberman for not having cropped ears, but it will be penalized for the deviation. Interestingly, the ears being left in their natural state is not listed as a disqualifier.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), on the other hand, does not require cropped ears in their breed standard. In fact, they specify that the ears should be left natural and set on either side at the highest point of the skull.

Falling outside of the breed standard only has consequences if you intend to show your dog in breed conformation shows. The seriousness of any departure from the breed standard will be in proportion to its degree and effect on the dog's health and welfare.

Related reading: Dogs Ears Cropped

Doberman ears are typically left long and pointed, which is a distinctive feature of the breed. This is in contrast to some other breeds, where ear cropping is more common.

Ear cropping, or surgically cutting away the outer ear, is a procedure that's usually performed on puppies between 6-12 weeks old. This allows for further development of the ear after surgery and is believed to reduce pain for the animal.

The procedure is often done to achieve a specific appearance, and it's extremely uncommon in mixed-breed dogs. Doberman Pinschers, along with Great Danes and some other breeds, are more likely to have their ears cropped or left in a specific shape.

Some breeds that often have their ears cropped or altered include:

In Doberman Pinschers, the ears are usually left long and pointed, while in "Bully" breeds like Pit Bull Terriers, most of the outer ear is removed.

Surgery risks are a major concern for any dog owner, and ear cropping is no exception. Your Doberman will be under full anesthesia, which involves a higher level of risk.

Every surgery carries some level of risk, and ear cropping is no different. Although rare, potential complications can include infections or even death.

Improperly applied sutures can lead to permanently malformed ears. This is a serious risk that can have long-lasting effects on your dog's health and well-being.

If your dog's bandages are applied incorrectly, become wet or soiled, or are loosened, the surgical site may become infected. This is a preventable risk that can be mitigated with proper care.

The success of ear cropping is not guaranteed and can depend on various factors, including the veterinarian's experience and the owner's ability to follow post-operative instructions.

Every surgery, including ear cropping, involves some level of risk to your dog. Your Doberman will likely be under full anesthesia, which increases the risk of complications.

Infections can happen during the procedure, and in rare cases, death can occur. This is a serious consideration for any pet owner.

Improperly applied sutures can result in permanently malformed ears. This is a permanent and potentially disfiguring result.

The surgical site can become infected post-operatively, especially if the bandages are applied incorrectly, become wet or soiled, or are loosened. This can lead to further complications and prolonged recovery times.

Discomfort or pain is a natural part of any medical procedure for dogs, including ear cropping.

The level of pain and discomfort experienced by dogs after ear cropping is a topic of debate among veterinarians and dog owners. In my experience with my Dobermans, I've never noticed pain around the time of the surgery, but as the pain medications wear off, they may exhibit behaviors like shaking their heads or trying to scratch at their ears.

The most noticeable pain from my Doberman pups occurs when the stitches are removed or the first bandage change occurs after surgery, with some dogs crying or whimpering during these stages.

After the initial healing process, the bandages and ear posts can be annoying and uncomfortable for dogs, although it's unclear whether they cause any pain.

The pain medication and anesthesia used during the procedure can help minimize discomfort, and some veterinarians use newer techniques like laser ear cropping to reduce healing time and pain. In my experience, my Dobermans seem happy and chipper after the procedure, but it's likely that the pain medication is still in their system at that point.

True pain from my Dobermans has only been observed at the time of the first bandage change by the vet after the procedure, with some whimpering from my dogs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Are Dobermans Good Guard Dogs

The procedure of ear cropping is not always successful, and the outcome can vary depending on several factors. Sometimes, the ears will both stand, but other times one ear may be crooked, and other times neither one may stand.

The success of the ear cropping seems to depend heavily on the consistency and technique of the ear posting by the owner.

Going to a reputable veterinarian experienced in Doberman ear cropping can increase your chances of a successful procedure.

Posting for the appropriate length of time after surgery is crucial, as stopping too early can compromise the outcome. The ideal age for cropping is usually between 7 and 9 weeks, which can also impact the success of the procedure.

The social and emotional impact of Doberman ear cropping is a complex issue. Some breeders argue that ear cropping is necessary to prevent ear infections, but this is not supported by scientific evidence.

Ear cropping can cause pain and distress to the dog, especially during the recovery period. The procedure can also lead to complications, such as bleeding, swelling, and infection.

Many dogs exhibit behavioral changes after ear cropping, including anxiety and fear-based behaviors. This is likely due to the physical and emotional trauma associated with the procedure.

You may face judgement from others about your dog's appearance, especially if you've made a deliberate choice like cropping their ears. This can be especially true outside the United States, where opinions on the practice tend to be strong.

Comments like "you mutilated your dog" or "you don't care about your dog" may come your way, often from people who don't understand the reasoning behind your decision.

Social media can amplify these negative comments, making it easier for people in other countries to see your dog and pass judgment.

It's essential to remember that people's opinions are often based on limited information and cultural differences.

Reducing or eliminating a dog's ability to express themselves can lead to misunderstandings of their behaviors.

Cropped-eared dogs may get into more dog fights because their emotional state isn't adequately communicated to other dogs.

Limiting a dog's expressiveness can also make it harder for them to communicate with their human family members.

Dogs have a unique ability to sense our emotions, often picking up on our stress and anxiety levels. They can even help calm us down, making them great companions for people with anxiety or depression.

Studies have shown that dogs can detect changes in our body language and heart rate, allowing them to respond accordingly.

Interacting with dogs can release endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones, which can improve our mood and reduce stress.

Ear cropping in Dobermans typically takes place between 6 and 12 weeks of age, depending on the breed. This is because the cartilage acquires its shape and permanent position around 4 months of age.

To achieve the desired look, a dog undergoes a surgical procedure to remove part of the ear flap, removing cartilage and skin, cutting through blood vessels and nerve endings, and suturing the final wounds.

After the surgery, the dog's ears are taped to a hard surface to heal in an upright position. This is a crucial step in the ear cropping process.

Here's a basic ear cropping aftercare schedule:

Replacing the ear posts on a Doberman can take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the technique used and the owner's experience. This process is usually maintained until the dog's ears can reliably stay standing on their own, which can be around 6 months of age, but can be as late as 12 months of age if it's a longer crop or the dog's ear cartilage is slow to firm up.

Ear cropping is performed in some countries in puppies between 6 and 12 weeks of age, depending on the breed. The surgery must be done before the cartilage acquires its shape and permanent position, which happens at around 4 months of age.

The procedure involves removing part of the ear flap, which requires cutting through blood vessels and nerve endings. This is a delicate process that requires great care.

To achieve the desired look, a dog has to undergo a surgical procedure to remove cartilage and skin. This is usually done in puppies before they're even 4 months old.

After the surgery, the dog's ears are taped to a hard surface to heal in an upright position. This helps the ears heal in the correct shape.

After the ear cropping procedure, you'll need to take care of your Doberman's ears for a few months. This involves posting their ears into position until the cartilage firms up and they can stand on their own.

The veterinarian will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, but generally, you'll need to remove ear postings every 3 to 5 days, clean the ears, and check for signs of redness, irritation, or infection. You may need to do this more often if your dog gets their ears wet or dirty.

Replacing the ear posts can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your experience and the technique used. I've found that it's essential to be patient and gentle when handling your dog's ears during this process.

Here's a simple routine to follow:

It's not uncommon for the ear posting process to take longer than expected, especially if your dog is a bit stubborn or has particularly long ears. In some cases, the ear cropping process can take up to 12 months to complete, but with regular care and attention, your dog's ears should be standing proudly in no time.