Doberman Ear Cropping
The ear crop is a cosmetic procedure where the thin outside membrane of the ear is skillfully trimmed away allowing the remaining thick ear trainable to stand. Dobermans are born with a long floppy ear. Cropping it allows it to function like a natural dog ear, able to perk-up, position toward sounds, and lay flat.
Unlike other common veterinary procedures, the ear crop requires an artist’s hand. An attractive ear crop is created only when the ear structure, head shape and size, and crop style are all evaluated; and the crop performed by a talented surgeon. A veterinarian possessing this skill should be sought prior to bringing home a Doberman puppy, if that puppy’s breeder does not handle the cropping.
Controversy
Cropping Rights and Misconceptions
Since the late part of the 20th century, ear cropping has become a controversial practice. Arguing that the procedure is cruel and inhuman, animal rights groups have fought to end it. In the lat 1980’s, most European countries outlawed ear cropping, including Germany. Where ear cropping is allowed, not all veterinarians believe in it and few are skilled in the techniques. As the circle tightens, many Doberman lovers ship their dogs in from areas where cropping is still performed and current standards for the Doberman still include a cropped ear. Continue....
Art of Ear Cropping
Creating a Beautiful Ear Crop
Like sculptors, veterinarians that perform the ear crop must be gifted in the art and vary in skill and abilities. They also vary in techniques and preference of cropping age. Some prefer a younger puppy, between eight and nine weeks, when the ear is less developed, not yet accustomed to laying flat. Others prefer a slightly older dog, as old as 12 weeks, when there is a more developed ear allowing more material to work with and a more developed head with which to match ear. Continue....
The Ear Cropping Process
The Owner's Responsibility
Ear cropping is a three step process. In the first step the veterinarian, after carefully studying both the Doberman’s head and ears, will cut away the thin membranous part of each ear from the base, around the outside, and up to the eventual tip. He will then stitch and dress the seam. Continue....
Taping and Posting Instructions
Doberman Pinscher Ear Crop Training Guide (Ear Taping)
This is the technique of ear training cropped Doberman ears that we have used most effectively with our Dobermans and their puppies. This guide is not meant to provide full instruction but will show you what is involved. If you plan to or are currently handling the ear training process of a Doberman, it is suggested that you seek first hand instruction from your veterinarian, your breeder, or an experienced Doberman handler. Continue....
Problems and Solutions
Help with Training Your Puppy's Ears
The puppy removes the posting and wrapping
Difficulty wrapping, the puppy fights
Training the puppy not to scratch
Ways to improve and quicken the training process
After wrapping and posting for weeks, the ears stand but then fall down
