Ear Cropping

[Cristie94]

Hi , I’m a new Doberman momma. My baby girl Leilani will be 11 weeks on Friday, with that being said she isn’t fully vaccinated yet.

I was wondering if my puppy needs to have all her vaccines before she gets her ears cropped (to prevent possible infections). I’ve been getting mixed responses. I was hoping to get some insight from those who have gone through the process already.

I got blood work done today to make sure she is all good in that regard. Yet still unsure if it’s too soon and should wait till she is fully vaccinated to get her ears cropped.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Gpcoguy]

I think cropping is usually done at about 6-7 weeks

 

[Ravenbird]

No vaccines do not have to be completed. Puppies usually get their ears cropped at 8 - 10 weeks, 12 weeks is pushing it. Any vet that specializes in ear crops should tell you this, they should also take care to have puppies underage of complete vaccines to have a special recovery ward, not in the kennel with sick dogs around. You should be able to take her in and pick her up that afternoon. PLEASE be sure to use a vet with a good history of cropping. They are becoming harder to find. Inexperienced vets can turn into a nightmare for you.

Your pup is beautiful and has great upright set ears!

 

[Cristie94]

No vaccines do not have to be completed. Puppies usually get their ears cropped at 8 - 10 weeks, 12 weeks is pushing it. Any vet that specializes in ear crops should tell you this, they should also take care to have puppies underage of complete vaccines to have a special recovery ward, not in the kennel with sick dogs around. You should be able to take her in and pick her up that afternoon. PLEASE be sure to use a vet with a good history of cropping. They are becoming harder to find. Inexperienced vets can turn into a nightmare for you.

Your pup is beautiful and has great upright set ears!

Yes, I was afraid of that. Given that she is 11 weeks tomorrow I felt I was pushing it, but wasn’t sure. Thank you both for your insight.

 

[Ravenbird]

Remember also, the long show crop that is currently in fashion will take much longer to stand. If you do go forward with a crop, a medium crop will be done sooner and a little easier on a first timer. You'll be posting at least through age 6 months or more. A long show crop usually takes posting through 10 - 14 months of age. Read through our puppy threads on posting ears for good instructional videos! Call your local Doberman Club to ask for vet referrals. Back in the 1980's we didn't crop until 12 weeks but it was because of anesthesia concerns on young puppies. So much has changed since then. Just saying 12 weeks is not a deal breaker, especially if you go for a medium crop.

 

[JanS]

At 11 weeks you should still be fine as long as you opt for a medium crop as stated and get an appointment asap.

Welcome from Minnesota and congrats on your addition!

 

[Cristie94]

Yes, I’ll make sure to do a medium crop. Thank you .