Doberman Ear Cropping Why: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Ear cropping in Doberman Pinschers has been a contentious topic for many years. The practice has been a long-standing tradition in the breed.

In the past, ear cropping was believed to prevent ear infections and injuries, but research suggests that this is not the case. In fact, studies have shown that ear cropping can actually increase the risk of ear infections.

Proponents of ear cropping argue that it helps to maintain the breed's appearance and prevent ear damage from fighting. However, many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations disagree, citing the potential risks and unnecessary pain associated with the procedure.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has taken a stance against ear cropping, deeming it a cosmetic procedure that can cause pain and discomfort to the animal.

People crop a dog's ears for various reasons, but one of the main motivations is to prevent injuries and infections.

In the past, it was common for Doberman ears to be cropped to prevent fighting and biting.

Ear cropping is also done to prevent ear infections, which can be a serious issue for some breeds.

Some people believe that ear cropping improves the appearance of their dog's ears, making them look more "normal" or aesthetically pleasing.

However, many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations disagree with this practice, citing the potential risks and discomfort it can cause for the dog.

The debate surrounding ear cropping in Dobermans is complex and multifaceted. Some argue that the procedure has benefits, which we'll explore in this section.

Ear cropping can reduce the risk of ear infections, as those who are for the procedure point out. This is because the surgery removes the floppy parts of the ears that can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Some proponents of ear cropping also claim that it can prevent ear injuries, which can be painful and even life-threatening for Dobermans.

Intriguing read: Does It Hurt Dobermans Ear Cropping

Some people believe ear cropping can help prevent ear infections in Dobermans.

Ear infections can be a significant health issue for Dobermans, with some owners reporting a high incidence of infections in their cropped dogs.

The procedure can also be argued to help prevent ear hematoma, a painful condition that occurs when blood collects in the ear.

Ear cropping is often performed to prevent these health issues, but it's essential to note that not all Doberman owners agree on the necessity of this procedure.

The cons of this topic are worth considering.

Some of the main drawbacks include a higher upfront cost.

Long-term maintenance can also be more expensive than expected.

The learning curve can be steep, especially for those without prior experience.

It's essential to weigh these potential downsides against the benefits.

The Doberman breed and tradition are deeply connected, with a rich history that dates back to the 1890s when Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann created the breed. He wanted a dog that was ideal for personal protection, and through selective breeding, he created the Doberman we know today.

The traditional Doberman look, with cropped ears and a docked tail, was originally intended for guard work. This look has caught on and is now widely considered the "traditional" look for a Doberman.

Die-hard breed fanatics often argue that a Doberman without cropped ears isn't a true Doberman. However, the American Kennel Club's breed standard doesn't list uncropped ears as a disqualifier.

Interestingly, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard doesn't require cropped ears either. Instead, it states that the ears should be left natural and set on either side at the highest point of the skull.

The breed standard for the Doberman Pinscher is set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. However, other countries follow different breed standards, such as the FCI, which has no requirements for cropped ears.

Here are some dog breeds that can sport cropped ears, like the Doberman Pinscher:

For the average owner of a Doberman who just wants a family dog, fitting the breed standard isn't likely a concern.

Every surgery involves some level of risk, and ear cropping is no exception. Although rare, potential complications can happen during the procedure, such as infections or even death.

Discomfort or Pain is a Given

Any medical procedure will involve some level of pain or discomfort, but the amount of pain is hotly debated. In my experience, I've never noticed pain around the time of the surgery, but my dogs have whimpered during the first bandage change after surgery.

The Bandage Posting Stage can be Annoying

After the surgery, your dog's ears will need to be posted in position until the ear cartilage firms up, usually at 6 to 8 months of age. The bandages and ear posts can be annoying and uncomfortable for the dog.

Related reading: Doberman Pinscher Ear Surgery

Every surgery inherently involves some level of risk to your dog.

An ear cropping procedure, for example, involves full (or "general") anesthesia, which is a higher level of risk.

Infections can happen during an ear cropping procedure, although they are rare.

Even death can be a complication of an ear cropping procedure, although it is extremely rare.

Any medical procedure, including ear cropping, will involve some level of pain or discomfort for a dog.

The use of general anesthesia during surgery makes it unlikely the dog will experience pain during the procedure itself.

However, pain and discomfort can occur afterward, with some owners noticing their dogs shaking their heads or trying to scratch at their ears as pain medications wear off.

The most noticeable pain from my experience with my Dobermans is when the stitches are removed or the first bandage change occurs after surgery.

Depending on the technique used by the veterinarian, there can be crying and/or whimpering during these stages.

After surgery, your dog's ears will need to be posted in position until their ear cartilage firms up, usually at 6 to 8 months of age.

The bandages and ear posts can be annoying and uncomfortable for the dog, although it's unclear how much pain is experienced.

In my experience, the pain medication seems to be effective in minimizing pain, and my dogs appear happy and chipper after the procedure.

However, some owners may notice pain or discomfort around the time of the first bandage change or during ear posting.

Ear posting after surgery can be a challenging task, requiring a significant amount of time and effort.

Typically, bandages need to be removed and posts replaced every 3 to 5 days to ensure the ears stay in the correct position.

This schedule can be adjusted depending on the dog's lifestyle, with more frequent wrapping and cleaning needed if the ears get wet or dirty.

The ear posting process can continue until the dog is at least 6 months old, and in some cases, may be necessary until the dog is 1 year old.

Maintaining clean ears is crucial to prevent infections and ensure the ears heal properly.

Ear cropping is a surgery that's not necessary, and many countries and breed associations have banned it.

In the US and most of Canada, it's still allowed, but the American Veterinary Medical Association doesn't support it for cosmetic purposes due to the risks involved.

The procedure should only be performed by a qualified veterinarian, not at home with scissors, which can be painful and lead to serious consequences like infection, ear loss, or even death.

In the US, ear cropping is legal as long as a veterinarian performs the procedure.

Many countries and breed associations have banned ear cropping due to its cosmetic nature and potential risks to the animal.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not support the practice of ear cropping for cosmetic purposes due to the unnecessary risk to the animal.

In Germany, where ear cropping likely originated, it has been banned.

The American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club still support the practice and allow registration and showing of cropped dogs.

Ear cropping is a surgery that carries significant risks, including infection, possible loss of the entire ear, or death.

It's essential to discuss these risks with your veterinarian extensively before pursuing the surgery.

Even in countries where ear cropping is legal, it's crucial to do your own research on the specific laws and regulations in your area, as they can change.

For example, in Canada, ear cropping is only legal on the federal level, but it's banned in many provinces.

You may get comments from others who disagree with ear cropping, especially on social media where people from other countries can easily see your dog and share their opinions.

Some people may call ear cropping "mutilation" or say you don't care about your dog.

Outside the United States, there's a stronger opinion against ear cropping, so be prepared for differing views.

Ear cropping is a topic that raises a lot of moral dilemmas. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes ear cropping when done solely for cosmetic purposes.

The AVMA has been against ear cropping since 1999 and reaffirmed their stance in 2012, encouraging the elimination of ear cropping from breed standards. Many animal rights activists share this view, considering ear cropping to be unnecessary and a violation of an animal's rights.

However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes ear cropping as an acceptable practice that's integral to defining and preserving breed character. They emphasize that dogs with natural ears are not prohibited from entering dog shows.

In fact, more and more "natural" dogs are being successfully shown, according to a Westminster spokesperson. Ear cropping is banned in the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries, further highlighting the divide on this issue.

If this caught your attention, see: American Bulldog Ear Cropping