Whether or not Doberman Ear Cropping is cruel depends on several factors. Some breeders and professional handlers claim that ear cropping is a minor procedure. Others argue that it is painful and should be avoided. The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes the practice but modern veterinarians use pain management techniques and laser ear cropping to reduce the recovery time. However the controversy over cropping ears remains a hot topic.
Is Doberman ear cropping cruel?
While ear cropping on Dobermans is still legal some argue that it isn’t very humane. Originally people performed ear cropping on Dobermans for functional reasons such as to increase their hearing capabilities. Now it’s commonly performed for show-quality results and for personal preference. However you should read up on the procedure before you consider having it done.
Ear cropping is an elective procedure that has been performed on many different species for centuries. It was once a practical way to prevent infections and tears but today it’s almost cosmetic. You should always consult with your veterinarian before choosing ear-cropping surgery for your Doberman. Cropping ears is completely your choice and no one should pressurize you into the decision. It can be a risky procedure for some dogs.
Before undergoing an ear crop it’s important to know the risks and benefits of ear-cropping on dogs. For one the procedure can be painful and expensive but it’s also associated with a lot of pain and follow-up for the dog’s owner. Ear-cropping may even hinder your dog’s body language. So if you don’t plan on competing in conformation dog shows ear-cropping is probably not for you. But if you do decide to get your Doberman an ear-clipping it’s important to find out why.
Is it good to Crop Doberman ears?
There are several arguments for and against cropping Doberman ears. One is the appearance of the cropped ears. People at Doberman clubs usually ask this question because cropped ears are seen as unnatural by others. Another reason is because cropped ears make dogs look intimidating. In fact some studies have suggested that cropped ears make dogs look more aggressive. But which side of the argument is true?
While many advocates claim that ear cropping is an effective cosmetic surgery others argue that it can be painful. Doberman ears are traditionally cropped to help them hear more clearly. Many breed standards do not explicitly state whether they should be cropped or left untouched. This debate may never end however. It’s important to note that many modern veterinarians now use pain management techniques to make the surgery as painless as possible.
How painful is ear cropping for Doberman?
While the procedure does not cause a great deal of pain it is important to understand that it comes with risks. In the case of ear cropping two-thirds of the dog’s ears are removed. This is not a reconstruction surgery but an amputation. It is a recovery period of several weeks after the operation and the patient must be careful to avoid disturbing the healing wound.
Anesthesia is used to administer the procedure and the Doberman puppy is put under general anesthesia. The veterinarian will then carefully cut off the floppy part of the dog’s ear stitching the edges closed. After the cut is complete the ear is taped around soft foam blocks. Ear cropping for Dobermans is common at eight to twelve weeks of age. The procedure is most effective in young puppies but as the dog grows older the cartilage will weaken and the ear may not stand upright.
Why do people cut Doberman ears and tails?
There are several reasons to dock the ears and tail of a Doberman dog. One of the biggest is to save it from a possible injury. Unfortunately the procedure is more complicated than simply docking the tail. Aside from its pain the procedure will also require a longer recovery period and can result in bleeding and discomfort. Although it’s not medically necessary tail docking is still a common practice.
A study of four breeds found that people’s perceptions of the dog’s ears and tails varied based on whether the dog’s ears were docked or cropped. Participants were shown photographs of natural-looking Dobermans and pictures of modified dogs. Although they were told the dogs were purebred only 42 percent of respondents said that individual dogs of the same breed vary in appearance. Some have small upright ears and others have long curly tails.
