Questions re cropping viewed as cruelty or not

[SmtmsAlwys]

Hi, all. I'm new here. Please forgive me as I wasn't really planning on posting as I don't yet have a Dobie, though I'm strongly considering getting one and have been learning quite a bit by just lurking. Even so, I've been left with questions that I'm just not really finding the answers to, if I may.

Growing up, my parents always had Dobermans. I have vague memories of the one we got when I was young having her ears cropped by my parents (via their vet). I remember asking questions and was told that "it looks better" and that my parents "like it better". The reason for the tail crop was that if it wasn't cropped, then she'd wind up beating us with her tail.

Fast forward some years where I heard so many things about how cruel it is to do it so I believed the claims. Now I'm seeing so many posts here where people do crop their dogs and, I can't imagine that so many people would be doing such if it were actually cruel to the dog.

*For those that have cropped their dogs ears/tail, is it strictly a looks thing, or does it serve another purpose?
*For those that didn't crop, was it because you found it cruel, or were there other reasons?
*Are there any real advantages to cropping them vs not?

I'm just currently in my research phase and trying to learn everything there is to learn before making a decision on anything. Thank you for all who answer!

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

Cropping and docking is the breed standard and it is in no way cruel like some of the animal activists are trying to state. The docked tail is in part so a predator can't grab them by the tail to try to take them down, not to mention I have heard of lots of cases where they get them slammed in a door or just hurt them and they can get broken.

For those that didn't crop, was it because you found it cruel, or were there other reasons?

I think the main reason a lot don't crop and dock is because it's illegal in their country or they rescued them at too old an age for you to be able to get the ears to stand.

Most reputable breeders have them cropped and docked before they are sent home since they have a reliable vet to do a nice job. Another reason they want them done is in case the buyer winds up returning the pup, it's much easier to rehome a c/d pup than it is a natural one.

 

[SmtmsAlwys]

Welcome from Minnesota!

Cropping and docking is the breed standard and it is in no way cruel like some of the animal activists are trying to state. The docked tail is in part so a predator can't grab them by the tail to try to take them down, not to mention I have heard of lots of cases where they get them slammed in a door or just hurt them and they can get broken.

I think the main reason a lot don't crop and dock is because it's illegal in their country or they rescued them at too old an age for you to be able to get the ears to stand.

Most reputable breeders have them cropped and docked before they are sent home since they have a reliable vet to do a nice job. Another reason they want them done is in case the buyer winds up returning the pup, it's much easier to rehome a c/d pup than it is a natural one.

Thanks for the warm welcome as well as answering my questions/concerns. The reasons you give make sense. There's definite concern about predators as we live out in the country and do have issues from time to time.

I wasn't aware that breeders had it done; I thought they left it up to the new owner. Is that a good way to tell if a breeder is reputable or not?

 

[JanS]

Is that a good way to tell if a breeder is reputable or not?

It doesn't tell you everything you need to know but it's definitely a good start. As you start your search for a pup feel free to ask all of the questions you might have and if you find a breeder you like, run them past us and we can help you out.
One of our members in IN has an occasional litter and she is excellent.

 

[Ladydi]

It depends on what you are wanting to do with your dog.
Dobermans with long tails can definitely clear a room.
Tough tails that act like a whip!
Tail docking and removal of dew claws should be done by the breeder.
You do not want to have to deal with with tail docking later in the dogs life to many complications can arise.
As far as the ears I have owned both…with and without cropped ears.
With cropped ears it’s important to have a reputable breeder co-ordinate that care with a professional before you take possession of the puppy.
Ear Cropping is a special art not to be preformed by just any vet.
Your breeder will have someone they regularly use for this procedure.
Just know with cropped ears you will need to learn how to post the ears…so check out videos on Dobermans Ear Posting to make sure you are ready for this process.
Ear Posting can require 6 to 8 months of your daily care.
Natural ears not so much work but sometimes those floppy ears can stand upward at bit.
Me personally I like cropped ears and willing to put in the work.
With ears cropped and standing at attention other hoo-mans will willingly walk to the other side of he road.