| Ear cropping for Dobermans is usually done between | | | | be cruel. According to Robert L. Vandiver, an |
| 8 and 12 weeks of age. It is not a good idea to do it | | | | experienced Doberman Pinscher Club of America |
| after 14 weeks of age as the cartilage becomes less | | | | judge, the Doberman breed standard specifies the |
| pliable and the ears are less likely to stand. The | | | | ears to be cropped and carried erect. Uncropped ears |
| surgery is done under general anesthesia. After the | | | | are allowed, but should be thought of as a deviation |
| ears are cut, the are stitched (some vets use surgical | | | | from standard. |
| glue) and bandaged. After 10 -14 days, the stitches | | | | A press release from the American Veterinary |
| are removed and the ears are splinted and taped to | | | | Medical Association in November 2008 stated that |
| their erect position. The longer the ears, the longer | | | | their revised policy opposes ear cropping as it is done |
| they will take to stand. It can take between 3 and 6 | | | | only for cosmetic reasons. This is not a change in |
| months for the ears to stay erect. It is | | | | policy but a stronger statement of their findings, |
| recommended to leave the splints on for a week, | | | | which is that there is no medical benefit to the |
| then leave them off for 4-5 days, then retape them. | | | | procedure. Some of the problems that can result |
| This must be done consistently or it will not work. It | | | | from ear cropping surgery include, pain, anesthesia |
| takes time and commitment to get the desired result. | | | | complications, blood loss and infection. Although some |
| There are several breeds that typically have their | | | | breeders do ear cropping, it is recommended that |
| ears cropped, including Dobermans, Boxers, Great | | | | you find a veterinarian that is experienced in the |
| Danes, Schnauzers and American Pit Bull Terriers. For | | | | procedure. |
| Dobermans, there are 3 types of crops. The military | | | | In this country it is not illegal to have your dog's ears |
| pet crop is the shortest with a wide base or bell. The | | | | cropped, but it is more difficult to find a qualified |
| medium crop is slightly longer with a narrower bell and | | | | veterinarian to do the surgery, In our area, the |
| the show crop is long and narrow. The longer the | | | | closest, experienced vet is an hour away. I know |
| cut, the more time it will take to get the ears to | | | | that for a Doberman, the erect ears give the dog a |
| stand. | | | | more distinguished look and that look is specifically |
| In the late 1980's, most European countries made it | | | | what the owner wants. It is a regal, and somewhat |
| illegal to crop ears, including Germany. Today, it is | | | | fierce look that fits the idea of what the Doberman |
| increasingly difficult to find a veterinarian to crop ears. | | | | should be. For now, ear cropping is a personal choice |
| It has become controversial because it is considered | | | | for the Doberman owner, but one that should not be |
| to be strictly cosmetic and therefore considered to | | | | taken lightly. |