Hey everyone,
I am a dog lover and recently came across a Doberman Pinscher that had its tail docked and ears cropped. It made me wonder about the ethics of this procedure. I have always been under the impression that it is a common practice for certain dog breeds, but now I am not sure if it is justified.
I want to understand why it is considered unethical to cut off a Doberman's tail and crop its ears? Does it cause the dog any discomfort or pain? Does it serve any purpose other than just for aesthetic reasons? I am really curious to learn more about this topic, and any relevant information or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your input!

Hello everyone,
Having worked in the veterinary field for years, I can confidently say that tail docking and ear cropping are not only unnecessary but can also cause harm to the dog.
While some people argue that tail docking and ear cropping are essential for the working breeds, such as the Doberman, research has shown that these procedures are of little benefit to the dog's health or wellbeing. Moreover, these procedures can cause long-term damage, both physically and behaviorally, to the dog.
For instance, when the tail is docked, the dog's tailbone is cut, which can lead to persistent pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel and bladder functions in the long run. It can also interfere with the dog's ability to communicate with other animals, leading them to feel anxiety and distress.
Similarly, ear cropping can cause pain and discomfort for the dog, and the recovery period can be protracted and painful. The dog's ears also play an essential role in communication, and cropped ears can create miscommunications, leading to aggression or fear.
Ultimately, as pet owners and lovers, we should be advocating for the best interests of dogs. Tail docking and ear cropping offer no medical advantage and are purely aesthetic, which is not a fair trade for the dog's discomfort, risk of infections or significant life-long complications.
In summary, as a veterinary professional, I would advise against tail docking and ear cropping as there are instances where they can cause pain and leave life-long effects on the dog. I hope that breeders can focus on breeding for the animals' health, performance, and welfare instead of focusing on their appearance.