Benefits of Cropping Doberman Ears

Doberman Pinschers are strong hunting dogs with big bones and impressive physiques. Aside from their strong nature, Dobermans are also loyal and intelligent animals which is the reason why many families prefer them as pets. Although they are born with floppy ears, most Dobermans that you will see today feature cropped ears which make the dog look more intimidating. Dobermans with pointed ears have actually undergone an ear cropping procedure at a young age which altered the shape of their ears. Ear cropping is a common practice that has been around for hundreds of years and it still remains common even up to this day. Most Doberman owners opt to have their dog’s ear cropped as it also comes with a few advantages that are deemed beneficial for their pets in the long run. Let’s take a look at what ear cropping is and its benefits to your beloved Doberman.

What is ear cropping?

Ear cropping refers to a half an hour surgical procedure that involves the removal of a specific part of the dog’s ear. During the procedure, the floppy part of the ears is to be removed surgically then followed by the stitching of the inner ear flab. After the procedure, the cropped ears will then be pressed to a flat and hard surface with the ears pointing upward from the head. Doing so will train the dog’s ear to take the desired shape which is typically more aesthetically pleasing. Once the ears have healed, the Doberman will then have two smaller but upright ears that will complement its powerful physique.

History of Ear Cropping

The origin of the Doberman Pinscher breed can be traced back to the late 1800s in Germany. It was named after Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann who created the breed in Apolda shortly after the Franco-Prussian War. Dobermann created the breed from several other dog breeds which include Black and Tan Terriers, German Pinscher, and Rottweilers. Since the breed’s inception, ear cropping has been a common practice among the Doberman Pinschers as it served a functional purpose. Ultimately, the cropped ear helped in lowering the risk of the dogs injuring their ears during hunting or battle. Today, ear cropping is primarily for aesthetic purposes but they still do have a few benefits aside from aesthetics.

The Benefits of Ear Cropping

It Improves Hearing Abilities

It’s no secret that floppy ears among dogs make them look all the more adorable and endearing. The floppy ears frame their faces in such a way that it makes them look gentle and fragile. However, having floppy ears can prevent the dog from living their lives to the fullest because it hinders their ability to localize sounds. With their ears covering their ear canals, the sounds around them can not easily pass through the canal and this limits their capacity to hear. By having their ear canals unblocked, you will be able to help your Doberman to hear better and become more vigilant of its surroundings.

It Reduces the Risk of Ear Infection

An ear infection is a common condition among dogs. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear infections. When it comes to this condition, Dobermans as well as other floppy-eared dogs are more susceptible to this type of infection because the shape of their ears allows the dirt to accumulate under the earflaps. Fortunately, there are certain measures that you can take to reduce the risk of ear infection for your Doberman and one of them is ear cropping. It is a common method used by Doberman owners especially if their dogs are prone to allergies that compel their pets to scratch and damage their soft earflap.

It Decreases the Risk of Fatal Ear Injuries

For those who like to take their Dobermans on their hunting excursions or trekking adventures, cropping the dog’s ear can help in decreasing the chances of injury. While outdoor activities can be extremely rewarding for you and your dog, a floppy ear increases the chances of it being ripped up while having fun in the great outdoors. The ears can potentially hit barks, stones, or any rough object which may cause hard-to-heal injuries that can be avoided by ear cropping.

It Lessens the Dog’s Vulnerabilities in Times of Combat

Whether your Doberman is a guard dog or just a mere pet, making the dog more prepared for any form of attack can make all the difference for its safety. If you take a look at wild canines, you will notice that floppy ears are definitely not one of their traits. Floppy ears among canines are unnatural and are often a result of interbreeding or domestication. With floppy ears, the dogs can be more vulnerable to attacks since the opponent would know that they can be defeated by simply grabbing their ears. A cropped ear allows the Doberman owners to remove their dog’s Achilles’ heel and be less vulnerable in times of combat.

It Makes the Dog Look More Aggressive

Dobermans are beautiful dogs desired for their athletic builds and impressive appearance. Even the police and military forces often choose Dobermans to accompany them in rescue operations. Indeed, Doberman Pinscher is one of the best dog breeds that exist today. However, the Doberman breed features a pair of droopy ears that makes the dog look less intimidating. If you have a Doberman as a guard dog, then ear cropping can definitely make your dog look formidable, as it should.

Final Words

While some pet owners are against ear cropping, the decision regarding the procedure still boils down to personal preference. Ear cropping does come with a few advantages that both the pet and the pet owners can benefit from. As long as you have done your due diligence prior to the procedure, you will be able to decide confidently whether or not the procedure would be the best fit for your dog. Consider talking to other pet owners, do some research, consult your veterinarian then decide from there.