Ear Cropping Styles for Dobermans: Types, History, and More

Dobermans have been a popular breed for centuries, and one of the most distinctive features of a Doberman is its cropped ears.

The practice of ear cropping in Dobermans dates back to the 19th century, when it was believed to improve the dog's appearance and reduce the risk of ear infections.

In the past, ear cropping was often performed on Dobermans to give them a more intimidating appearance, as it was thought to make them look more aggressive.

Ear cropping for Dobermans typically involves removing the floppy ears and folding the remaining ear tissue back against the head.

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There are three main types of ear crops for Dobermans. The Doberman military crop, also known as the working crop, is the shortest and easiest for training the ears to stand upright.

The show crop is a longer, curved style that takes many months for the ears to stand erect and almost a year of proper after-care. This style exposes the inside of the ear, including the ear canal.

The medium crop falls between the military and show crop in length, and some dogs may require additional surgery if the initial procedure is not successful.

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The Medium Style is a great option for dog owners who want a balanced look.

This style is characterized by a gentle curve at the top of the ear, which softens the dog's face.

It's a good marriage of the traditional short cropped ear and long natural ear styles, making it a popular choice for many breeds.

By retaining the breed standard or erect and alert ears, the medium crop maintains the dog's natural expression and alertness.

This style is perfect for owners who want their dog to look neat and tidy without sacrificing their natural charm.

The Long Style is a unique approach to ear cropping that sets it apart from other styles. Some Doberman enthusiasts prefer this style for its elegance and sophistication.

This style allows the ears to still stand tall but with a longer, more graceful curve at the top. It leaves a lot of length on the ear compared to the medium and short crops.

The Battle Style is a variation of the short crop that gives a dog a fierce and intense look. It's also known as the "warrior" or "fighter" crop.

This style forces the ears to stand completely upright with a severe and angular cut at the top of the ear. The cut is what sets it apart from other ear cropping styles.

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Doberman ear cropping has a long history that dates back to the 1600s, when their ears were cropped for functionality.

The original intention was to increase the intimidation factor of Dobermans, which were bred as protection dogs. Floppy ears were seen as a liability, making it easier for attackers to grab them.

Breed organizations like the American Kennel Club still endorse ear cropping to maintain traditional breed standards. However, this argument is weakened by the fact that breed standards can be changed, and have been changed in countries where ear cropping has been banned.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America claims that ear cropping gives dogs an advantage when confronted with an attacker, as there's less for the perpetrator to grab hold of. However, this claim is not supported by scientific evidence.

In fact, studies have shown that dogs with cropped ears are perceived as being more aggressive and dominant. This suggests that ear cropping may be more about aesthetics than functionality.

Historically, ear cropping was also performed to decrease the risk of ear infections. However, nowadays it's often done for purely aesthetic reasons, such as to comply with show standards or to make the dog look more intimidating.

Leaving your Doberman uncropped won't increase the risk of ear infections, despite what you may have heard.

Dobermans without clipped ears aren't overly susceptible to ear infections or hearing loss.

For more insights, see: Dog Ear Infection Types

The ideal age to crop a Doberman's ears is between 7-9 weeks old. This is because the ears' cartilage has formed to a flat shape by this age.

It's crucial to have the procedure done by a vet with experience in ear cropping, as it's both a science and an art. A vet with experience will ensure a proper and good-looking standing ear.

The ear cropping procedure should be completed by 9 weeks of age, as the ears will not develop properly after this point. This is a commitment that requires proper aftercare, which can take a few months.

After the surgical procedure, ear care and taping are essential to ensure the ears stand upright. It may take almost a year of care for the long crop, so it's vital to have a commitment from the owner to proper ear care.

Your Doberman's ear health is a common concern, but the idea that leaving their ears uncropped increases the risk of ear infections is a myth with no evidence to support it.

In fact, Dobermans without clipped ears are not more prone to ear infections or hearing loss.

It's essential to keep your Doberman's ears clean and dry to prevent infections, but this can be done through regular grooming and proper ear care, not by clipping their ears.

Ear cropping surgery takes about 30 minutes and must be done by a veterinarian experienced in cropping Doberman's ears.

The surgery involves trimming the outside part of the ears and suturing the edges, which can be a lengthy healing process.

Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection, which is why regular dressing changes are required.

Taping the ears to keep them upright is a common practice, and it can last anywhere from 6 months to a year for a long crop.

The wounds can bleed quite a bit, making it crucial to monitor the dog's healing process closely.

A veterinarian who is experienced in cropping Doberman's ears is necessary to ensure a smooth and successful surgery.

A unique perspective: Ear Cropping Aftercare

Ear cropping for Dobermans is largely a matter of aesthetics, as it's primarily done to meet show standards.

Some people believe that cropped ears make a Doberman look more intimidating or sleek, but this is subjective.

The main reason to crop a Doberman's ears is to comply with breed standards for the show ring.

Cropped ears are also thought to reduce the risk of ear infections, but this claim is not universally accepted.

Doberman owners who don't plan to show their dogs have no need for ear cropping, as it's not a necessary procedure for their health or well-being.

In fact, some Dobermans look quite handsome with their natural ears, which are soft and floppy.

Ultimately, the decision to crop a Doberman's ears should be based on personal preference and the dog's intended use.

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