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Q:

Why do some Doberman dogs have long ears?

Hey there, I am considering getting a Doberman as my next dog, but I've noticed that some Dobermans have long ears while others have short ears. I am curious about the reasons behind this and wondering if there is any benefit or disadvantage to having one type of ear over the other. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks in advance!

All Replies

edna42

I have a Doberman too, but with short ears, and I think it's because his ears were cropped. When I got him as a puppy, I decided to have his ears cropped as that's the tradition with Dobermans. Now his ears stand straight up, and I think it makes him look more intimidating and fierce.

Of course, there are pros and cons to ear cropping. The main advantage is the cosmetic look, as the short ears give Dobermans a distinctive and intimidating appearance. I won't lie; a part of my decision was the "cool" factor of having a Doberman with cropped ears. However, it's essential to note that ear cropping is an elective surgery and it does have its risks, such as infections, bleeding, and improper healing.

All in all, I think it's a personal choice and depends on one's preference. Both long-eared and cropped-eared Dobermans are equally loveable and loyal as pets if trained and socialized well.

kilback.woodrow

I have a Doberman with long ears, and they were not cropped. While some people prefer the look of cropped ears, I believe that my dog's long ears bring about a sense of elegance and beauty to her appearance that I would not want to compromise.

Furthermore, I noticed that Dobermans with long ears tend to have better hearing and are more alert to their surroundings. This could be because their long ears can pick up sounds better than a cropped Doberman's ears. Additionally, since her ears protect her ears canals from insects, dirt and other debris better, my dog has not had any ear infections or ear-related issues, contrary to what some other dog owners fear.

However, it is worth mentioning that long-eared Dobermans may require more grooming to keep their ears clean and free from debris, but it's a small price to pay for their overall health and well-being. Ultimately, whether you prefer long or short ears on your Doberman should not influence your decision to adopt one of these beautiful and intelligent dogs.

brennan.franecki

I had a Doberman with long ears, and I appreciated the natural look that they provided to my furry friend. However, we did face some challenges with ear infections, which required frequent visits to the vet and medication. In my experience, long ears did require extra care, which some owners may find overwhelming. The frequent cleaning, drying, and monitoring for signs of infection can be time-consuming, and it can be tough to get your dog to cooperate.

One thing I appreciated about long ears was that they gave my dog a softer, more approachable appearance, which I think helped her interact with people, especially children. On the other hand, Dobermans with cropped ears give off a more intimidating, serious appearance, which can be useful for guarding and protection purposes.

Ultimately, both long and cropped ears are attractive in their way, and it's up to the owner to decide what they prefer. However, the most important thing is to prioritize the dog's health and well-being over their appearance. Consult with a trusted, licensed veterinarian before making any decisions about ear cropping or any other elective procedures.

jonathon.mayert

I have never owned a Doberman, but I have interacted with quite a few of them. In my opinion, the length of their ears does not affect their loyalty, intelligence, or protectiveness, which are the traits most Doberman owners and potential owners appreciate. Whether long or cropped, Dobermans make excellent pets as long as they receive proper training, exercise, socialization, and medical care.

However, I would like to emphasize that ear cropping is a controversial issue with strong arguments for and against it. On the one hand, some people believe that ear cropping is cruel, unnecessary, and purely cosmetic. These people argue that cropping can cause significant pain, discomfort, and potential complications, and Dobermans can look just as impressive without it. On the other hand, supporters of ear cropping argue that it reduces the risk of ear injuries and infections, improves hearing and overall health, and makes the dog look more intimidating and focused on guard duty.

Regardless of your stance on ear cropping, it's paramount to do your research, consult with a qualified veterinarian and other Doberman owners, and consider the dog's welfare above everything else. It's essential to understand the potential risks and benefits of any elective procedure and not base our decisions solely on appearance preferences.

alexander.deckow

I have a cropped-eared Doberman, and while I understand that ear cropping is a personal choice, I want to emphasize that it should only be done by a licensed veterinarian who is experienced in this procedure. Improper ear cropping can lead to adverse side effects such as excessive bleeding, infections, and stunted ear growth.

While some people prefer the intimidating look of a cropped-eared Doberman, it's important to educate ourselves on the origin of ear cropping in Dobermans. Historically, it was done to reduce the risk of ear injuries when the breed was used in military and police work. However, nowadays, it's purely done for cosmetic purposes, and some countries have even banned the practice.

In contrast, long ears are a natural feature of Dobermans and do not require any surgical procedures. They provide protection and improved hearing, as mentioned by User 3. My brother has a long-eared Doberman, and I can attest that he is just as loyal and protective as my own dog. However, It's worth noting that long ears require regular cleaning to avoid infections, which can be cumbersome for some people.

In conclusion, whether you choose a long-eared or cropped-eared Doberman, we should prioritize their health and well-being over their appearance. A well-trained, well-socialized Doberman, with healthy ears, will always make an excellent companion.

carroll71

I have had both long-eared and short-eared Dobermans, and I prefer the look of the cropped look. However, I agree that it's a personal preference, and it depends on each person's taste. As mentioned by User 2, it does bring about a distinct appearance and may deter potential intruders.

I do think that ear cropping should only be done by a qualified veterinarian, and aftercare instructions must be strictly followed to ensure proper healing. When I had my first Doberman's ears cropped, I noticed that there was some discomfort, and she was irritated for a few days. However, after the healing process, she seemed to be completely fine, and I did not see any side effects.

On the other hand, my long-eared Doberman required more maintenance as compared to my cropped-eared one, as her ears tend to trap dirt and moisture, which can lead to infection. So, I had to be more diligent with grooming her ears to prevent any issue.

In summary, ear cropping is a personal decision and depends on one's preference. So, if you're not sure, I would suggest doing your research, talking to breeders, veterinarians, or other Doberman owners, and then make an informed decision.

thills

I have a Doberman with long ears, and I've been asked this question a lot. As far as I know, the length of the Doberman's ears is genetically determined. Dobermans with long ears are not considered less desirable than those with short ears in any way. In fact, some owners believe that their long-eared Dobermans are more prone to ear infections or other ear-related issues, but I haven't found any evidence to support that belief.

In my experience, my Doberman's long ears have not caused any significant problems. However, I find that I have to clean his ears more frequently than I would with a dog with shorter ears, as they can trap more dirt and debris. Overall, though, the length of the Doberman's ears has not affected my love for him or his wonderful traits, such as his loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence.

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