To Crop or not to Crop?

[SummerRiot]

How do you like your Dobermans Ears?

Cropped..or

Not Cropped


For a conformation/obedience show?

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I like the cropped look on a Doberman, but I also like the uncropped look. If I got a Dobie I don't think I'd have it cropped though.

 

[CanadianK9]

not cropped

 

[RD]

A Dobe is a Dobe and I love 'em either way, but if I had my choice I'd still crop. they look so much more elegant and streamlined with nicely cropped ears.
If the crop isn't done well, I'd rather leave the ears alone entirely.

 

[keyodie]

Shouldn't this be in a different forum?

They look great either way but I prefer them cropped.

 

[joce]

cropped. If i see one without it I automatically think bad breeder.

 

[showpug]

I would have to go with cropped as well...

 

[Zoom]

I waver, because if the cropping job was botched or just poorly done, I think it makes the dog look bad. But if you know where to get the job expertly done, I agree with RD. It does draw attention to the head shape more.

But I do love the floppy ears! They're so soft!

 

[tessa_s212]

Icky... definitely NOT cropped. I prefer the cute look, rather than the "meaner" look.

 

[Bichonmum]

They look great both ways!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

It should be noted that drop ears are a man made creation.

They do not occur in the wild in ANY animal. This because the ear is supposed to AID hearing, not lay on the head blocking the ear canal. This also predisposes some long heavy drop eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds) to recurring ear problems. Manmade recurring ear problems.

So, in the pendant eared breeds that are traditionally cropped, it prevents ear infections by leaving the ear canal open so it can stay dry, and it aids hearing since the ear flap is not blocking the ear. In most breeds that traditionally have ears cropped, there was/is a working/historical reason for the ear cropping.

I say if you don't want a cropped dog, don't have one, and return the favor to those who might wish to own a crop eared dog.

 

[doberkim]

i like both looks, and currently own one of both kinds.

personally, if the dog is going to be cropped, i want it to be a good crop and both ears standing - if you cant have a good crop (i cringe at the ones with huge bells, etc) done, or you dont plan on following through to get them to stand (i hate when they fall over the head), then leave them natural.

personally, i also love a good set of natural ears, and wouldnt mind having more natural eared dogs. i like them both ways, but want to preserve my right to CHOOSE. i dont want to be told how i have to have them

 

[tessa_s212]

If the people that originally bred these dogs wanted dogs with erect ears, why did they just not breed for erect ears?

 

[BigDog2191]

I prefer cropped.

 

[oc_spirit]

I like both but prefer the cropped look a little better...