5 Most Common Doberman Pinscher Ear-Crops
The regal and striking appearance of a Doberman Pinscher cannot be understated. From their long, lean limbs to their chiseled snouts, you can see why people love the breed. One of the long-standing traditions for Doberman Pinschers is the process of ear cropping. This procedure entails removing a portion of the dog’s ears, reshaping the ear, and stitching or suturing the ear into its correct shape.
It has been widely debated whether the standard of ear cropping for Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, etc., is humane or ethical. Animal Welfare activists argue that the procedure is unnecessary and a breed standard that should be retired. Ultimately, the decision is up to the owner and should follow local regulations. It’s crucial to have the procedure done by a professional to avoid the risk of improper healing, infection, and anesthesia-related issues.
Types of Ear Crops
Looking for a Doberman ear cropping style chart? Below, we’ve listed some of the most common styles for Doberman clipped ears.
The Classic Short Crop Style
This crop is the most iconic style for Doberman Pinschers and has a timeless appeal. It creates a defined and attentive appearance with a clean cut right across the top of the dog’s ear. This alert look adds to their imposing expression and intimidating presence.
The Medium Crop Style
If you want something in between the traditional short cropped ear and long natural ear styles, the medium crop is a good marriage of the two. This look is characterized by a gentle curve at the top of the ear, softening the dog’s face while retaining the breed standard or erect and alert ears.
The Long Crop Style
While this style is generally considered to be the least common style, some Doberman enthusiasts prefer this style for the elegance and sophistication it brings to the silhouette of their dog. This crop allows the ears to still stand tall but maintain a longer, more graceful curve at the top. It leaves a lot of length on the ear compared to the medium and short crops.
The Battle Crop Style
This style is also referred to as the “warrior” or “fighter” crop and gives the dog a fierce, intense look. The Battle crop is a variation of the short crop with a severe and angular cut at the top of the dog’s ear, forcing the ears to stand completely upright.
The Natural Style
Advocates for the natural style for Dobermans argue that this is the best way to preserve the health and well-being of the dog while still portraying the natural beauty of the breed. With changing attitudes towards cosmetic procedures for pets, the standard of living Doberman ears all natural has become a growing trend in the last decade among breed enthusiasts.
It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian or a reputable breeder before deciding to crop your dog’s ears. We travel seven hours one way to Dr. Anne Midgarden to have our European Doberman puppies cropped, and we are grateful to have her as our main ear-cropping veterinarian.
No matter how you decide to crop your Doberman’s ears, this breed’s loyal, loving, and intelligent nature will be the real reward for owning one of these spectacular dogs. Reach out to us for more information on Doberman ear cropping.
