Roger, it is illegal in a few European countries, but then again, so are prong collars.

Is this pup in question a Dobe? I can't imagine why the breeder wouldn't have had it done young if so. I don't see too many Dobe's from reputable breeders w/out docking/cropping, although I must admit I'd be hard pressed myself to have my dog's ears cut off...even though I like how it looks <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. IMO, you need to examine your reasoning behind doing it to deterimine if it has merit. If you decide to do it, however, I wouldn't wait.

Thanks Simon, I appreciate your comment. I heard that it could be trying experience after the procedure. Honestly speaking, I've seen only a handfull of Doberman w/out the ear croppings and on many, the ears looked a little ridiculous. I remember only observing one Doberman where the ear looked impressive and gave it that softer, hound look.

However, I do prefer the "cropped ear" over the natural ear. I also don't want it to be something that I regret later on if I decide not to do it. In my opinion, it make him look more intelligent and regal.

For how long does the ears need to be posted? I get different responses from different breeders.

Is there anyone out there who took their puppy to get their ears cropped who can provide information regarding the procedure and how their puppy dealt with it after the operation?

Regards,

Thanks Steve!!!

How long did it take for the ears to heal? Was your little dobe in noticable pain afterwards? I believe it's well worth it, but at the same time I do feel a little conflicted.

I believe the reason the breeder didn't want to crop the ears is because of the aftercare involved. I feel like she just didn't want to be bothered. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The posting can take anywhere from weeks to months. There is no 100% ans. as each dog and surgeon that does it is different.
Procedure is bring the pup in and they will do a pre-op consult, then fast the pup for 12hrs if you decide to go ahead with it. Bring the pup in early in the morning and they will do the surgery and keep him overnight for observation. After that it is time to try and keep a young pup calm and not letting him exert himself for a few days....

I have a lot of experience with Dobes and ear-cropping. It is true that I can't think of a reputable Dobe breeder that does not crop ears. It's usually done and included in the purchase price of a good Doberman (we charge a minimum of $1200 for our pups, and this price includes cropping among other things). The procedure is done under anesthesia at around eight weeks, and pups are sent back with pain medecation. In our experience VERY few puppies react negatively to having this done. They come back from the vet fiesty and cheerful as though nothing has happened. Be warned though; it does LOOK gross at first and requires some care. It takes the ears about 10 days to heal. During this time they are left un-taped and are treated with antibiotic ointment at least twice/day to keep them clean and soft, and remove any scabbing. Once healed, they can be posted to stand. Your vet may have a different way of handling the post-op stuff, but this is the way I personally feel is the least traumatic. For us it has been worth it because we're breeders and like our reputation. Even so, that wouldn't be enough for us if the puppies were traumatized; which they don't appear to be at all. We have taken some grief about cropping and docking, for sure, but it's pretty minor surgery compared to spaying, which is done all the time without much thought. I hope this helps <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
As a PS: If you DO go ahead with it, ask your vet for a 5/8 crop; it's a nice length and with proper posting has a pretty good chance of standing.

Kristel,

Thank you for your thorough posting. I too believe that there are several procedures that must be equally painful, if not more painful than the ear cropping (i.e: neutering, spaying, etc.)

It doesn't appear as though this breeder really cared too much, but I don't want to go as far as to labeling her "irresponsible" as I don't know her that well. That said, I am disappointed that the ears weren't done prior to delivery.

After reading your e-mail, I find comfort in knowing that the ear cropping experience won't be too traumic for him. I can only pray that all goes well.

I thank everyone for their input...even those who decided to express their opposition and/or distaste to the procedure.

Rest assured, that my puppy is in an extremely loving and caring environment. He will live a happy life after his ear cropping.

Regards,

At the risk of being "unpopular", as a Dobe person I support your choice to have it done. I would do it right away though, before your guy gets any older. He's right at the tail-end of the optimum age. Sounds like you're on top of it though. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Let us know how it goes.

I guess we'll just have to agree to differ on this, although I find the thought of what I regard as unnecessary mutilation quite distressing. Sorry for the emotive language but it is how I see it.

I look at pics of European Dobes with 'foldover' ears and find them much more natural looking than those spiky ones which appear to be done just to make the dog look more ferocious.

If you want dogs with stand-up ears, I'd suggest you breed 'em that way.

Just my 2c.

Oh and BTW, comparison with spaying is a complete red herring; there are very good medical reasons for doing that to non-breeding stock.

So I guess you are against ear tattoo's as well?

Hi Roger,

We have a beautiful 2 year old blue Doberman with his natural ears & tail, which we also happen to prefer -- Duke's guarding demeanor is VERY intense/intimidating & he looks nothing like a Coonhound either (but the whole cropping/docking issue is a huge "hot button" among Dobie enthusiasts!)...