Hello everyone,
I have been researching and contemplating getting a Doberman Pinscher as a pet for a while now. However, one thing that keeps popping up in my research is the practice of ear cropping. I've seen some images of Dobermans with cropped ears and it looks pretty severe to me.
I'm starting to wonder if cropping a Doberman Pinscher's ears is a cruel practice. I don't want to support anything that would cause unnecessary pain to an animal. Is ear cropping medically necessary or is it done purely for cosmetic reasons? I also wonder how much pain does the process cause and how long does it take for the dog to heal?
I would appreciate any insight into this matter. Thank you!
I am a veterinary professional, and I am often asked by Doberman Pinscher parents about ear cropping. Personally, I do not support the practice of ear cropping and prefer to see Doberman Pinschers with their natural ears.
While ear cropping is a personal choice, it is not medically necessary and does not provide any health benefits to the dog. It is simply a cosmetic surgery that alters the natural appearance of the dog, which is why it is now banned in many countries.
In my opinion, the potential pain and discomfort that the dog goes through during and after the procedure, as well as the risk of complications such as infection and poor healing, cannot be justified for cosmetic reasons alone.
Moreover, I have seen cases where ear cropping has gone wrong, resulting in an unsightly appearance and chronic pain for the dog. There is even a risk that ear cropping can affect the dog's ability to communicate non-verbally through their ears, which is an essential part of canine communication.
In conclusion, while ear cropping is a personal choice, it involves unnecessary pain and discomfort for the dog, and I do not recommend it. I encourage Doberman Pinscher parents to consider the breed's natural, beautiful appearance and focus on providing their dogs with the best possible care, rather than altering their appearance for cosmetic reasons.