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Q:

Is cropping a Doberman Pinscher's ears cruel?

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!

All Replies

feeney.brenda

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.

eleanora09

Hi, I have a different take on this topic. As a long-time Doberman owner, I have had both cropped and uncropped Dobermans over the years. I personally do crop my dog's ears because I think it improves their overall appearance.

When done correctly by a reputable veterinarian, the process is not as painful as some people may think. The puppies are given anesthesia, and the surgery itself takes around 30 minutes. Afterward, the dogs are given pain medication, and the ears are wrapped to help with the healing process.

In terms of healing, it can take several weeks for the ears to fully heal, during which time the dog will have to wear a cone to protect their ears. But after the healing process is complete, the dog's ears look beautiful and add to their already impressive appearance.

All that being said, I do think it is important to consider the ethical implications of ear cropping, and it is not something that should be done just because it looks cool or is a tradition in the breed. It should only be done if you are committed to providing the best care for your dog, and if you believe it is the best choice for your lifestyle and the dog's overall wellbeing.

In summary, I believe that ear cropping, when done correctly and for the right reasons, can enhance the beauty and appearance of a Doberman Pinscher. However, it is important to carefully consider the ethical implications and make an informed decision that is in the best interest of your pet.

will.clare

As a Doberman rescue parent, I have seen many Dobermans with both natural and cropped ears. My personal preference is for natural ears, as I believe that this is the way the breed was intended to look, and I don't support ear cropping for cosmetic reasons.

One issue that is often overlooked is that ear cropping can make it difficult for the dog to communicate with other dogs. Dogs use their ears to express themselves and as an important part of their body language. Cropped ears can make it harder for them to express themselves and can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings between pets.

Additionally, ear cropping is an expensive and often unnecessary procedure. Even though it is a personal choice, it does not provide any medical benefits, and it does carry the risk of complications, such as poor healing, infection, and chronic pain.

At the end of the day, I think it's important to remember that our dogs are living creatures and not just decorations to show off. We should prioritize the health and well-being of our pets, and not put them through unnecessary procedures or modifications just because it's considered socially acceptable or fashionable.

In conclusion, I believe that ear cropping is unnecessary, risky, and can lead to communication issues between dogs. I encourage Doberman parents to prioritize their dog's natural beauty and overall health and wellbeing over any cosmetic preferences.

oveum

As a pet owner of a Doberman Pinscher with natural ears, I would like to say that ear cropping is completely unnecessary and can be considered cruel. My dog has never had any ear infections or issues, and I find that his ears enhance his natural beauty.

When we were looking into getting a Doberman, we did consider finding one with cropped ears, however, the more we researched, the more we found out that it is simply a cosmetic procedure that is done for show purposes. It does not serve any real health benefits or purposes.

Moreover, the process itself is quite painful, especially for a younger puppy whose ears are still developing. Also, the healing process can be uncomfortable for the dog, and there is the risk of infection or other complications.

Overall, I would say that ear cropping is completely unnecessary and can be considered cruel. As pet owners, we should strive to provide our pets with the best possible care, but not at the expense of their well-being.

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