What are the pros and cons of cropping Doberman ears?

Hi there,

I have a 7-year-old Doberman with natural ears, and I've never regretted not cropping them. For me, the decision was largely based on the fact that I didn't want to put my dog through any unnecessary pain or risk his health for cosmetic reasons.

I also appreciate the natural look of his ears, which I think is just as elegant and regal as those of Dobermans with cropped ears. In fact, I've received many compliments on their shape and softness.

In terms of health and behavior, I haven't noticed any significant differences between my Doberman and others with cropped ears. He hasn't had any more ear infections or health issues related to his ears than any other dog I've owned.

Ultimately, I think the decision to crop a Doberman's ears is a personal one, and each owner should consider their own values and preferences. While I respect the choice of those who choose to crop their dogs' ears, I am glad I made the decision not to do so with my pup.

I hope this helps give some perspective.

Hello everyone,

I have a 2-year-old Doberman with cropped ears, and while I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the look, I do have some regrets about the decision.

Firstly, as others have mentioned, the healing process can be painful for the dog and require a lot of care and attention. I had to keep my pup on strong painkillers for several days after the procedure and watch him closely to make sure he didn't scratch or injure his ears during the healing process.

Additionally, I have found that people are often intimidated by my Doberman simply because of his ears, which can be frustrating when I'm trying to socialize him with other dogs or people. I sometimes worry that people are judging my dog based solely on his appearance, rather than getting to know him for his individual personality and temperament.

That being said, I do think the cropped ears give my Doberman a certain elegance and power that suits his natural confidence and athleticism. I think it ultimately comes down to individual preference and priorities.

If you're considering cropping your Doberman's ears, I would recommend speaking to a reputable vet and doing plenty of research to weigh the potential risks and benefits. At the end of the day, you know your dog best and should make a decision that feels right for you and your pup.

Hi everyone,

I'm a first-time Doberman owner who decided to leave my pup's ears natural, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

One thing that stood out to me during my research on the subject was that many countries already prohibit ear cropping and tail docking for cosmetic reasons. This led me to question why this was the case, and I ultimately felt that the practice was outdated and unnecessary in today's society.

Aside from ethical concerns, there are also practical reasons why I chose not to have my pup's ears cropped. For one, it's less expensive to maintain natural ears, since there are no extra cleaning or maintenance requirements. Additionally, natural ears have better hearing ability and can express a wider range of emotions through ear position and movement.

Overall, I have found that my Doberman's natural ears add to his unique personality and charm. They're soft, floppy, and full of character, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

At the end of the day, the decision to crop or not to crop a Doberman's ears is a personal one. I would encourage anyone considering the procedure to carefully consider their reasons for doing so and weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.

Hello everyone,

As someone who has owned two Dobermans, one with cropped ears and one with natural ears, I've had the opportunity to compare the benefits and drawbacks of both options.

With my first Doberman, I decided to have his ears cropped because I thought it would make him look more intimidating and powerful. However, the healing process was very difficult for my dog, and I felt guilty for putting him through unnecessary pain and discomfort.

When I got my second Doberman, I decided to leave his ears natural, and I've been very happy with my decision. Having natural ears has not affected his personality or behavior in any way, and he's just as loyal and protective as any other Doberman.

One advantage of natural ears that I've noticed is that they can help my dog communicate more effectively through various ear positions and movements. For example, when he's alert or curious, his ears will perk up and swivel in different directions, which makes it easy for me to tell what's going on around him.

Another benefit of natural ears is that they are less prone to infections and require less maintenance than cropped ears. I don't have to worry about cleaning or taping his ears or taking him to the vet for surgery.

Overall, I would recommend leaving a Doberman's ears natural unless there is a specific reason to do otherwise. It's a personal decision, but in my experience, natural ears are just as beautiful and unique, and they offer a number of benefits over cropped ears.

Hey there,

I have a 5-year-old Doberman whose ears were cropped when he was a puppy. In my experience, the main benefit of cropping his ears is that it makes him look more intimidating, which is helpful when it comes to deterring potential intruders.

However, I do wish I had done more research on the procedure before going through with it. The healing process was long and painful for my pup. He had to wear a head cone for weeks to prevent him from scratching at his stitches and his ears were constantly sore and tender.

Additionally, I have noticed that his ears are more prone to infections and require more regular cleaning and maintenance than dogs with natural ears. This is an added expense and responsibility that I didn't anticipate.

Overall, I think whether to crop a Doberman's ears is a personal decision that should be made based on individual preferences and values. If you're willing to take on the extra responsibility and potential risks, then the cosmetic benefits might be worth the procedure. However, if you're unsure, I would recommend speaking to a veterinarian and doing more research before making a decision.

Hope this helps!

Hey everyone,

As a Doberman owner myself, I've been in the same position as the original poster in trying to decide whether or not to crop my puppy's ears. In the end, I decided not to go through with it, and I'm glad I made that decision.

While I understand the appeal of a "classic" Doberman look with cropped ears, I ultimately felt that it wasn't worth the pain and risks associated with the procedure. Plus, there are many benefits to having a Doberman with natural ears, including that they tend to be less prone to infections and require less maintenance overall.

In addition to the health considerations, I also felt that leaving my Doberman's ears natural was a way of promoting acceptance and appreciation of natural beauty in animals. I've received many compliments on the unique shape and size of his ears, and I feel that they are a defining feature of his individuality and personality.

Overall, I think each owner needs to make their own decision regarding ear cropping based on their individual values and priorities. For me, the benefits of natural ears have far outweighed any cosmetic appeal of a "classic" Doberman look.

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