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Q:

Why are Doberman ears cropped and tails docked if they are important for communication?

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.

All Replies

baumbach.ted

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.

clare.little

Hello everyone,

As a former Doberman owner, I chose not to crop or dock my dog's ears and tail. While I do appreciate the aesthetic appeal that cropped ears and a docked tail can give to the breed, I couldn't bring myself to put my dog through the unnecessary pain and potential health risks that these procedures can involve.

Additionally, I found that my Doberman communicated just fine without the need for these procedures. She was able to convey her thoughts and feelings through body language, vocalizations, and other nonverbal cues, just like any other dog. In fact, I often found her natural ear and tail movements to be quite endearing and expressive.

Ultimately, the decision to crop or dock your Doberman's ears and tail is a personal one that should be taken with both the dog's well-being and your own preferences in mind. However, I hope that my own experience can offer some insight for those who are considering the same decision. Thank you.

reinger.gerson

Greetings fellow Doberman enthusiasts,

I personally am a very satisfied owner of a Doberman with cropped ears and a docked tail. Although it is true that these practices were originally done for practical purposes, I believe that they also add to the Doberman's striking appearance and give them a more unique look.

As far as communication goes, I have not noticed any significant differences in my dog's ability to communicate with other dogs or humans. In fact, I feel that the cropped ears give my Doberman a more alert and attentive expression, which makes him more approachable and friendly.

I can understand why some people may have reservations about these practices, and I respect their decision not to do it. However, as someone who has had a positive experience with a Doberman with cropped ears and a docked tail, I would encourage others to not dismiss these practices outright without first considering the benefits they may have. Thank you.

bosco.burley

Hello Doberman enthusiasts,

I am currently a Doberman owner with one dog that has cropped ears and a docked tail, and another that has natural ears and tail. I have to say that I have noticed a slight difference in behavior and communication between the two dogs.

My Doberman with cropped ears and a docked tail seems to be more alert and focused on surroundings, likely because of the way his ears are positioned. He also seems to have a more confident posture, which may be attributed to his docked tail. However, he has received more attention and uneasiness from strangers, likely due to his unique appearance.

On the other hand, my Doberman with natural ears and tail has a more relaxed and playful demeanor, which may be related to the greater mobility and expressiveness in her ears and tail. However, she does seem to have a bit of a reserved attitude towards new people and unfamiliar surroundings.

In the end, as a pet owner, I and other pet owners should be sure to take all factors into consideration when deciding to crop and dock or not. Every dog is different in behavior and communication, and there are pros and cons to both options.

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