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Q:

Why do some Doberman dogs have long ears and other Doberman dogs have short pointy ears that stand up?

Hi everyone, I am a pet owner who recently adopted a Doberman puppy, and I've noticed that my puppy's ears are long and floppy. However, I've seen other Doberman dogs with short pointy ears that stand up. I'm curious to know why there is this difference in ear shape among the same breed of dogs. Is it a genetic factor or a matter of how they are raised? I would appreciate any insights or experiences that other Doberman owners or breeders have had with their dogs' ear shapes. Thank you!

All Replies

lydia.jerde

Hi all, I'm a veterinarian and have worked with Doberman dogs for years. From my experience and professional knowledge, it is true that the ear shape of Dobermans can be influenced by genetics or the method used to crop their ears. However, the long floppy ears in Doberman dogs are considered natural, not a result of a genetic defect or health issue. Some breeders may not opt for ear cropping because of personal ethics or to ensure their dogs have a more calm and peaceful demeanor.

It's important to note that ear cropping is considered a cosmetic practice and is not necessary for the health or wellbeing of dogs. Additionally, it is not a risk-free procedure, and it is possible to develop complications such as excessive bleeding or infection. Therefore, it is always important to choose an experienced veterinarian for the procedure if you decide to go ahead with cropping your dog's ears.

Lastly, if your Doberman has long floppy ears, it is essential to clean and dry them regularly, especially after bathing or swimming, to avoid the buildup of dirt and moisture that can lead to ear infections. Please consult with your veterinarian for proper ear care and hygiene recommendations for your dog.

cortez14

Hello, fellow Doberman dog owners! I'm here to share my personal experience with my Doberman, and his ear shape. My dog has long and floppy ears, and I've always appreciated this unique feature. I never felt the need to crop his ears because I fell in love with him just the way he is. My dog's long ears add to his goofy and loving personality, and people always compliment him on his unique look.

From what I've learned over the years, the Doberman's ear shape comes down to personal preference. Ear cropping is not required for health reasons, but it is done for aesthetic purposes in dog shows or personal preference in some Doberman owners. However, long ears are just as adorable and are a signature feature of Doberman dogs that many of us love.

Caring for your long-eared Doberman is as easy as caring for any other dog's ears. It's important to keep the ears clean and dry, as moisture can cause ear infections. Regularly check for signs of redness, inflammation or a foul odor - this can indicate an infection. If you feel that your dog's ears are developing issues, please take them to a vet immediately for professional diagnosis and treatment.

stephon58

Hey there Doberman owners! I've owned both Doberman dogs with cropped ears and long floppy ears over the years, and I must say that both are beautiful in their way.

I decided to crop my first Doberman's ears when he was a puppy for aesthetic purposes. He grew up with the distinct and sharp look that pointy ears provide, but I did notice that he was more sensitive to loud noises than other dogs. According to some research and discussions with other owners, cropped ears could affect the dog's hearing slightly due to the changes made during the ear cropping process. But I did train him well to keep his ears clean and dry, and he never had any issues because of it.

Later on, when I adopted my current Doberman dog, I decided not to crop his ears because I wanted him to have a more natural appearance. His long floppy ears have grown on me, and I feel that they add to his charming personality. I've also noticed that he is less sensitive to loud noises than my previous Doberman, which might be an indication that his greater ear coverage provides extra protection to his sensitive hearing.

In conclusion, both ear shapes have their pros and cons. If you're considering cropping your Doberman's ears or adopting a dog with cropped ears, make sure that you're informed about the process and that it's your choice. Ear care will always be essential for your Doberman, regardless of their ear size or shape.

chanel39

Hi folks, I am a Doberman owner, and I would like to share my personal experience with cropped ears. I adopted a Doberman pup four years ago and had his ears cropped when he was six months old. At first, I was hesitant to go through with the procedure, but I did some research and found a trustworthy veterinarian who had years of experience with ear shaping.

My Doberman's ears were properly bandaged, and he was given antibiotics to help with the healing process. A few weeks later, his bandages were removed, and I couldn't believe the transformation. His pointy ears gave him an intimidating appearance, and I found that people were more cautious when approaching him. I also noticed that he became more attentive to sounds and movements around him, in a positive way.

Apart from the initial healing process, ear care also needs to be practiced regularly. Keeping my Doberman's ears clean and dry after bathing or swimming has helped prevent ear infections.

In conclusion, ear cropping is a personal choice, and I decided to have my Doberman dog's ears cropped to suit his breed's distinct look. Consult with your veterinarian if you decide to go down the ear cropping path, as it should only be done by a competent and professional vet.

dario80

Hi Doberman lovers! I am a long-time owner and breeder of Doberman dogs. From my experience, I have found that ear-shaping, whether cropping or leaving them natural, does not have much effect on the dog's overall health or personality. Instead, the socialization and training the dog receives play a more significant role in their disposition.

Regarding ear cropping, I find that it can indeed make a Doberman dog look more intimidating and assertive, thanks to the breed's alert and energetic nature. However, ear cropping should never be done solely for cosmetic purposes. It is a surgical procedure, and as such, it carries some inherent risks.

On the other hand, long ears in Doberman dogs have become somewhat uncommon in breed standards. However, long-eared Doberman dogs have their unique look, and I find them charming and adorable. If you choose to leave your Doberman's ears natural, always be sure to keep them clean and dry to prevent infections.

In conclusion, whether you choose to crop your Doberman's ears or leave them long, what is important is that you take care of them, and provide them with early socialization and regular obedience training. Doing so will ensure that your Doberman is healthy, happy, and a joy to be around.

kassulke.jazlyn

Hello everyone! I am a Doberman owner and trainer, and I thought I'd share my experience regarding Doberman ear shaping. I have trained both Doberman dogs with cropped ears and long floppy ears. From my experience, I noticed that cropped-eared Doberman dogs are more alert, aggressive, and focused than the long-eared ones. This may be due to the fact that ear cropping may increase their ability to detect sounds, which makes them more aware of their surroundings.

Meanwhile, Doberman dogs with long ears may not have the same level of hearing as their pointy-eared counterparts. However, they are still alert and energetic dogs who are wonderful companions. In terms of aesthetics, long ears and cropped ears each have their unique appeal, and it's a matter of personal preference for owners.

It's also essential to note that ear cropping is a surgical procedure that requires proper care and attention during the healing process. As a trainer, I always recommend that owners refer to their veterinarian for guidance when it comes to ear shaping decisions. Veterinarians can give information on the pros and cons of ear cropping and can also advise on the proper care and hygiene of the dog's ears to prevent ear infections.

In conclusion, the Doberman dogs' ear shape is ultimately up to the owners' preference, and while ear cropping does affect their alertness, it's not necessary for training or overall health. A well-trained, healthy and happy Doberman can be enjoyed and loved, regardless of their ear shape.

predovic.litzy

Hi there! I have had Doberman dogs for years and can tell you that it all depends on the method used to crop their ears. Doberman dogs with cropped ears have a distinct and sharp look, with pointy ears that stand erect. It's typically done when they are puppies between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks, and it's a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the dog's ear flap and then bandaging it up until it has healed. This method of ear cropping is done mainly for cosmetic reasons and is commonly seen in dog shows. However, if you don't crop your puppy's ears before they are seven months old, then the ears remain floppy.

On the other hand, Doberman dogs with long ears are simply those whose ears haven't been cropped. It's less common to see Dobermans with long floppy ears compared to breeds like Bloodhounds or Basset Hounds. The long ears can be one or both sides, and their length can also vary. These dogs often have a very expressive face, and their ears just add to their charm.

It's important to note that ear cropping is a personal choice and not a requirement for owning a Doberman. In countries such as the United Kingdom, ear cropping is illegal, but in the United States, it's still a common practice.

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