As a General Rule Ear cropping in Dobermans is very popular. Ear cropping is a surgical technique that removes a part of a dog’s Ear, resulting in ears that stand straight. The treatment is most frequently performed on Doberman puppies between the ages of 8 and 12. The corners are stitched, and the ears are trimmed.
Doberman without Clipped Ears / Can Doberman’s ears stand up without Cropping?
Can Doberman ears stand up without cropping? While it is possible to tape (or “post”) a Doberman’s ears and teach them to stand without cropping them,(without surgical Procedure), this is a unique and unsuccessful method. The form and size of a Doberman’s fully erect, uncropped ears would be identical to that of a German Shepherd. Doberman without Clipped Ears
Doberman Pinschers dogs were developed in Germany in the late 1800s, mainly as guard dogs. Their precise ancestry is uncertain, but they’re thought to cross between several dog breeds, including Rottweilers, Black and Tan Terriers, and German Pinschers.
This puppy has the look of an aristocrat, with its elegant coat, athletic frame, and regal attitude. They’re high-energy, intelligent dogs who excel at police and military work, canine sports, and serving as family guardians and companions.
Do Doberman’s ears stand up Naturally?
At the shoulder, the adult Doberman pinscher stands 26 to 28 inches tall and weighs 60 to 100 pounds. The Doberman’s head is wedge-shaped, and the ears are clipped or not. The tail is docked, and the ears are left uncropped.
Ear cropping in Dobermans is very popular. Ear cropping is a surgical technique that removes a part of a dog’s Ear, resulting in ears that stand straight. The treatment is most frequently performed on Doberman puppies between the ages of 8 and 12. The corners are stitched, and the ears are trimmed.
After that, the ears are taped to a hard surface for several weeks to allow them to heal. This is done to keep the ears from falling forward. A veterinarian with ear cropping experience should perform ear cropping.
A Doberman with uncropped ears has a different look. Ear cropping in Dobermans adds to the breed’s identity and personality. Cropped ears are a common way to recognize a Doberman pinscher. Many people believe it contributes to the breed’s striking look.
The shape and length of an ear crop can vary. The short crop, the medium crop, and the longer crop, known as the traditional display crop, for example, are all ear cropping types.
The Doberman Ear Cropping Procedure
Ear cropping surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, which takes about a half-hour. Although some Dobermans may take up to a year to completely stand erect after being taped for 5 or 6 months, the ears will normally stand upright after being taped for 5 or 6 months.
This is particularly true when the ear crop is longer. People think the procedure is cruel and needless because the slow recovery period is more painful for the dog than the surgery itself.
To avoid infection and ensure that the ears stand upright after ear cropping surgery, proper aftercare is required. If the owner cannot commit to such extensive aftercare, the ear cropping technique should be avoided.
Should I Crop or Should I Not?
Initially, the experiment was carried out for practical purposes. The Doberman was originally bred as a guard dog. The increased sound was made possible by having the ears stand erect. For a watchdog, this was a critical aspect. In today’s Dobermans, ear cropping is usually done to comply with display guidelines or simply because the owner prefers it.
Ear cropping is a procedure for dogs that is done voluntarily. It’s a decision. It has no known health benefits and is only performed at the request of the dog owner. Ear cropping has long been performed in the Doberman breed to create a distinct look.
In certain countries, ear cropping is prohibited. Although this traditional practice is not forbidden or regulated in the United States, it is becoming increasingly contentious. Some states are considering enacting legislation to prohibit ear cropping, but none have done so yet.
In certain breeds, such as the Doberman dog, ear cropping is “integral to identifying and maintaining breed character,” according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Still, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes ear cropping in dogs. They claim the operation is unnecessarily dangerous for the dog because it is purely cosmetic.
The practice of cropping one’s ears is becoming less common. Many veterinary schools do not teach it. Fewer veterinarians can conduct the operation, and dog owners are becoming more mindful of the procedure’s controversial existence. If you enter your Doberman in dog shows, you should know that dogs with docked tails or clipped ears are just as likely to win.
Why do Dobermans Ears have to be Cropped?
Doberman Pinschers’ ears were initially clipped for practicality and defense, and the practice is still followed today as a choice of the owner.
Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector at the turn of the century, created a dog breed to accompany him on his rounds. Dobermann wanted a strong dog with an imposing appearance to shield him from criminals and wild animals on his journeys.
As the breed is called, the Doberman Pinscher is known for its strength, ability to defend, and noble appearance. The breed’s striking look is aided by the dog’s smooth features, docked tail, and clipped ears.
How long does it take for a Doberman’s ears to stand up?
The puppy will need to be seen/have its ears posted every 2-7 days before the ears are upright; the average time for Doberman Pinschers’ ears to start standing is 6-10 weeks, with specific individuals being posted beyond six months of age or more.
Ear cropping is a surgical operation that a veterinarian performs on a puppy between 7 and 16 weeks. The surgery is done under complete/general anesthesia, and the puppies are sent home the same day or the following day.
Many veterinarians may tape the ears to a foam block or cup to hold them upright until the edges heal. The ears must be taped after the stitches are removed to teach them to stand upright. Taping can last a few weeks or up to a year in some cases. Having the ears to stand is highly dependent on the owner’s attention to keeping them properly taped.
Why are Dobermans ears cropped and tails docked?
Dobermans, including labradors and hound dogs, are bred with floppy ears and long tails. To achieve the upright standing Ear and short tail, the ears are clipped and tails docked. We want to be as educational and responsive as possible because there can be a lot of controversy around this issue.
Doberman Natural Ear Taping
Natural Ear taping for Dobermans is a hassle, but it’s not harmful to the dogs and can help the ears look good!
Is it Illegal to Crop Dobermans ears in some Countries
The majority of EU countries have outlawed Doberman ear cropping and tail docking. The Russia, United States, and a few other Eastern European countries also allow these dogs to have their ears clipped, but only for legitimate health purposes.
Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 tells that ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales. It’s a painful procedure in which a dog’s outer ears are surgically altered or removed entirely, with the tips or large sections of the outer ear cut off.
It is illegal to perform this procedure on your own or to have your dog’s ears cropped by a veterinarian in this country or abroad. Regrettably, it still occurs.
Veterinarians may perform a penectomy, which looks like the ears have been cropped in some medical situations. This is only achieved in ear disease, and it is more common in white cats prone to skin cancer.
When there are legitimate medical grounds for the operation, it is approved – this is not the case when ears are surgically changed for aesthetic reasons.
Tail docking is another elective procedure that is illegal unless done by a doctor for medical purposes, and getting a “working dog” is not an exception. Cropped ears are not suitable for dogs.
Can a Dog Die from ear cropping?
It’s a scarce chance. But, it will cause your puppy a great deal of pain and shock, and it may lead to death from shock or infection.
Since you have caused such suffering to your dog, it can no longer trust you. The wound takes a long time to heal (it can’t be stitched), and the wound edge will still be sensitive due to the contact with the sensitive nerves in this area.
Even after the wound has healed, your puppy will feel pain for the rest of its life. When a dog moves its ears to enhance hearing, the pain will return. Ear cropping is banned in many civilized countries due to these concerns, as we discussed above.
If you crop your dog’s paws, people would think your masculinity is so weak that you have to make your lovely dog look fierce to raise it.
Does Ear Cropping have any Benefits?
Ear cropping has long been prescribed as a health benefit for dogs with long, dangling ears. Dogs with standing ears were considered to have fewer ear infections than dogs with hanging ears. Standing ears, particularly in working dogs, are thought to be less vulnerable to damage and subsequent medical complications.
Cropped ears are said to help Doberman to hear better. Erect ears that can swivel toward a sound source work better than long, dangling ears. Sound waves are guided through the ear canal by the vertical shape, which also slightly amplifies the sound. Sound waves entering the ear canal are often physically blocked by long, hanging pinnae.
How long does Ear Cropping take to Heal?
After surgery, the ears must be “posted” to a hard surface and taped until fully healed to heal in the desired upright precision. Usually, bandages must be changed once a week. The entire procedure will take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Tail Docking Painful to Puppies?
According to the (WSAVA) World Small Animal Veterinary Association, tail docking is a painful process. Puppies have a wholly developed nervous system and are thus fully capable of feeling pain. Although a puppy does not display signs of distress, according to WSAVA, “there are biological indicators that show pain is occurring.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) agrees that tail docking is uncomfortable but opposes it, arguing that “there is no clear advantage to our patients in conducting this operation.” “The removal of ear cropping and tail docking from breed requirements,” says the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Queensland’s Department of Companion Animals conducted fascinating research involving 50 Doberman, Rottweiler, and Bouvier puppies aged 3 to 5 days. Both puppies seemed distressed after being docked, producing “repeated and violent shrieking vocalizations.” The puppies made uncoordinated movements after being returned to their cage, “stumbling and whimpering for some time.”
Methods Used for Tail Docking
When it comes to docking tails, there are several ways. With more strict regulations and the banning of the practice in several countries, more and more breeders feel forced to open a “chop-shop” in their homes, docking litters of puppies themselves with a Stanley knife, nail clippers, or scissors.
Banding / Tail Docking
Many breeders use a method known as “banding,” in which a rubber band is wrapped around the tail, allowing the tissue to die and the tail to fall off about three days later. “Slamming your finger in a car door – and leaving it there,” says veterinarian Jean Hofve of the procedure.
Tail docking procedures do not need anesthesia or analgesics, except when done in a veterinarian’s office’s sterile setting. An increasing number of veterinarians are refusing to conduct tail docks solely for aesthetic reasons.
With “the general health and safety of pets in mind,” Banfield, one of the largest veterinary chains in the United States with over 730 clinics, stopped conducting tail docks and ear crops in July 2009. More will undoubtedly follow as research, and ethical debates around this painful cosmetic surgery begin.
What are the Dangers of Cropping your Dog’s Ears?
When considering getting your dog’s ears cropped, there are various threats and concerns to consider. Before proceeding, as with any surgical operation, there are several complications to consider.
1. Health Risks & Allergic Reactions
During the procedure, general anesthesia is used, which may cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, resulting in dangerous swelling or anaphylactic shock, and in some cases, death.
The surgery leaves an open wound that may become infected if not properly cared for and maintained. Following that, medications would be administered both orally and topically, possibly causing further allergic reactions.
2. Fear & Trauma
Ear cropping is an excruciating process for dogs, regardless of their age when it is done. Dogs’ external ears, regardless of shape, are used to enhance hearing by focusing sound through the ear canal. The external ears often shield the ear canal from foreign objects that may cause damage or infection if they penetrated the ear canal.
Ear cropping poses more than just physical danger. Ear cropping may have a negative psychological impact in addition to physical discomfort. Since getting their ears cropped, both puppies and older dogs can have difficulty socializing.
3. Problems with communication
Beyond the mechanism of listening, the external ears act as a means of communication. When dogs are scared, they will fold their ears back. When they are excited or on the lookout for possible threats, they will keep their ears higher upon their heads.
When the dog’s ears are cropped, he can no longer effectively express his state of being to other animals, and the owner can fail to discern the signals that their dog is giving.
Other animals can misinterpret the dog’s signals, resulting in fear, rejection, and fights.
4. Ear Cropping Is a Controversial Subject
Today, a substantial number of veterinarians refuse to conduct ear cropping, with many arguing that there is no legitimate reason to crop a dog’s ears, thereby rendering it an immoral activity. The practice is still essentially unregulated in the United States.
The only states with stringent controls on the procedure are New York, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Several other countries have outright banned the practice, as discussed above.
Ear cropping has been criticized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued an official statement in 2008 opposing Ear cropping for aesthetic reasons, calling it an inhumane practice that causes unnecessary pain and trauma.
They strongly advocate for ear cropping to be removed from breed standards set by organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other breed-specific clubs.
The American Kennel Club, on the other hand, holds a different viewpoint. They see ear cropping as an essential part of maintaining the breed standard, adding that it is often used to ensure the health and welfare of dogs working in hazardous situations.
The AKC specifically mentioned service animals used by law enforcement and the military, expressing concerns that are classifying ear cropping as a cosmetic is an insult to a practice designed to keep working breeds protected from injury.
What is the Purpose of Cropping a Dog’s Ears?
Ear cropping has long been prescribed as a health benefit for dogs with long, dangling ears. Dogs with standing ears were considered to have fewer ear infections than dogs with hanging ears. Standing ears, particularly in working dogs, are thought to be less vulnerable to damage and subsequent medical complications. Cropped ears are said to improve a dog’s hearing.
What to do after Cropping Ears?
Phase 1: Sutures should be removed.
The sutures are removed eight to ten days after surgery, and the ears are taped and supported. After the sutures are removed, they can be left exposed for a day or two to allow for air circulation and healing.
Enable your puppy to be separated from other dogs so that they do not chew or mess with his paws and do not allow him to scratch them. You may avoid scratching by putting socks over his back feet; however, a cone can interfere with structures or splints that help his ears stand up.
Phase 2: Before taping, make sure your dog’s ears are dehydrated.
Until taping, keep your ears dry and clean; if you use petroleum jelly or ointment on your ears before taping, the tape will not last. To stick to the tape, you’ll need a clean, dry surface. Cleaning the ears with an antiseptic wash allows them to dry entirely until applying tape is a choice.
Phase 3: RETAPE WET TAPE IN SEVERAL CONDITIONS
If the tape gets muddy, it needs to be removed and replaced. Allowing tape and support systems to become damp or soiled should be avoided.
Phase 4: Clean the incisions that have been uncovered.
When taping the base of the Ear, don’t cover any sutures or incisions. If required, clean this area locally with antiseptic wash, careful not to get the tape wet.
Phase 5: Re-tape regularly until it heals completely
Remove the tape once a week to check for healing, clean the ears with an antiseptic wash, and replace any soiled tape. Until re-taping, you may want to leave ears unbandaged for the day to allow air to enter tissues and the ear surface to dry completely.
How Long does a Dog have to Wear a Cone after Ear Cropping?
Given that most surgical wounds heal in two weeks and that most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days, most experts recommend leaving the cone on your dog for 10 to 14 days after surgery. Lesions, on the other hand, will take anywhere from 10 to 14 days to heal fully.
Highlights of the Doberman
- The Doberman has a lot of energy and needs a lot of exercise.
- Since this breed is maternal, don’t be surprised if it takes on the household guardian’s role.
- If you’re not a good leader in your family, the Dobie will take over as the alpha. Establishing your position as pack leader requires early and regular preparation.
- The Dobie is cold-sensitive and needs sufficient shelter in the winter (they like to be in the house next to the fireplace).
- Since the Doberman Pinscher is a family dog, it can never be left alone. When they’re involved in family events, they excel.
Final Thoughts – Can Doberman’s ears stand up without Cropping?
When it comes to our pets’ welfare, ear cropping is a divisive issue that poses several concerns. While some argue that ear cropping is needed to maintain breed standards, most evidence suggests that the practice has little practical application, causing animals unnecessary pain and discomfort for solely cosmetic purposes.
