Hi everyone,
I have been considering getting a Doberman as a pet, but I have a question about their ears being cropped and tails docked. I understand that these practices are common for Dobermans, but I am a little confused because I have read that ears and tails are important for communication in dogs. So, why would breeders and owners choose to crop and dock these important body parts? Does it affect how they communicate with humans and other dogs? I want to make sure that I am making an informed decision before bringing a Doberman into my home. Any insights or information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
As a Doberman owner, I can say that the decision to crop and dock their ears and tails was not an easy one. However, it is important to note that these practices were originally done for practical purposes. Docking the tail was believed to prevent tail injuries while hunting and working on farms, and cropping the ears was done to reduce the risk of ear infections in working dogs.
That being said, as a pet owner, I feel that these practices are unnecessary and have potential negative effects on the dog's behavior and communication. My Doberman still communicates well with other dogs and humans, but I do notice that his body language is slightly different than dogs with natural ears and tails. Additionally, he does attract more attention from strangers due to his unusual appearance.
If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would not have chosen to crop or dock my Doberman's ears and tail. It is important for potential Doberman owners to consider the pros and cons before making this decision.