Medical / cosmetic debate
Behold, the almighty debate over the ear cropping and tail docking or opposition to it – the dew-claw removal is a fairly uncontroversial practice. Whoever you are – future owner, current owner or breeder – once you become aware of the subject, you are unlikely to be left without an opinion, which can range from vigorously advocating for it, to against it, and anywhere in-between.
You will no doubt notice that advocates on both sides sometimes use the same arguments against each other. In some cases, the argument is subjective, debatable or even unfounded: yet it is still used. Individuals can make up their own mind based on the research they perform, the credibility of the material they read and the people they discuss the matter with.
Ear cropping
The practice of ear cropping in the Doberman breed – also performed in many other breeds in North America and around the world – consists in shaving the thin-skin back part of the ear, to make the ear light enough for the ear muscles & cartilages to hold upward – which would not be possible with the full weight of the natural ear.
Notice here that there is no definite mention of whether it is a small, medium or large skin part, and much less refers to a sizeable measurement. The reason is that every ear crop is different, depending on what the breeder or future owner desires.
The longer the crop style – usually called “show crop” – the smaller the cropped skin part. The shorter the crop style – commonly called “military crop” – the larger the cropped skin part. A show crop – longer ears – will also require more time and maintenance to stand erect than a military crop will – shorter ears. This is due to the ear weight as well as the amount of ear muscles and cartilages that must be reinforced – over a period that can vary from one to several months – before it stands on its own.
Arguments in favour of ear cropping:
- Preserving the breed standard since its conception (tradition)
- Legal in most countries around the world
- Avoid inner-ear infections (natural floppy ears cause moisture & humidity in the ear)
- Better auditory capacity (with ears being unblocked)
- Procedure is painless for the puppy
- Looks better
Arguments against ear cropping:
- Inhumane treatment of animals (unnecessary cosmetic surgery)
- Banned in some countries around the world (mostly Europe)
- Possible outer-ear infections (if not cared for properly)
- Procedure is painful for the puppy
- Looks better
* Please note that some breeders only sell their Doberman puppies with docked tail and cropped ears. If you wish to have a Doberman with natural ears, make sure to mention it in your first conversation with the breeders while you do your research.
Tail docking
The practice of tail docking in the Doberman breed – also performed in many other breeds – consists in cutting the tail after the first, second, third or fourth caudal vertebrae, of the tail. The majority of show Dobermans will have the tail docked after the second or third vertebrae. Though a subjective matter, a tail docked after the first and fourth is generally considered by most breeders to be too short or too long.
The procedure is usually performed within a week after birth. Whether you purchase a puppy with docked tail or not, the price of the puppy will not be affected.
Arguments in favour of tail docking:
- Preserving the breed standard since its conception (tradition)
- Avoid kids & small children injuries (tail-wagging)
- Avoid breaking objects indoor (tail-wagging)
- Procedure is painless for the puppy
- Looks better
Arguments against tail docking:
- Inhumane treatment of animals (unnecessary cosmetic surgery)
- Banned in some countries around the world (mostly Europe)
- Possible tail infections (if not performed/cared for properly)
- Procedure is painful for the puppy
- Looks bad
Dew-claw removal
The practice of dew-claw removal in the Doberman breed – also performed in many other breeds – consists in removing the dew-claws, which are inside the dog’s front paws, up high. Because of the way dogs move on their paws, it is never in contact with the ground and is useless. It can, however, get stuck and torn on bushes, trunks or rocks, among other random objects.
Tear can cause mild to excruciating pain depending on how severe it is. Think of tree bark getting peeled off a tree. Now think how you would feel if your nail was pulled off and peeled back along with the skin. Yes, that painful.
Some few breeders – and owners – do decide not to have it removed, in which case it is possible that the Doberman never suffers from a dew-claw injury. Nevertheless, be informed that the procedure may save your dog a lot of pain & bleeding as well as a few visits at the emergency veterinary clinic. Similarly to tail docking, whether you purchase a puppy with dew-claws removed or not, the price of the puppy will not be affected.
Arguments in favour of dew-claw removal:
- Avoiding unnecessary gruesome injuries
- Preserving the breed standard since its conception (tradition)
- Procedure is painless for the puppy
- Looks better
Arguments against dew-claw removal:
- Inhumane treatment of animals (unnecessary cosmetic surgery)
- Banned in some countries around the world (mostly Europe)
- Procedure is painful for the puppy