Why we decided to keep our Dobermans natural.

We absolutely LOVE the look of a cropped Doberman! Nothing beats that noble & alert look.

There was certainly good reason for cropping and docking when Louis Dobermann developed the breed in the 1890’s but that reasoning doesn’t exist today. We just can’t put a puppy through having it’s tail amputated, dew claws removed, and the ears cropped just for a look. Let us explain further and provide our research.

Dewclaws:

According to PetMed, “front dewclaws serve several purposes and should not be removed. For example, when a dog runs, their front feet often bend to the point where their dewclaws contact the ground. Their dewclaws provide extra traction and help stabilize the carpal joint. Some use their dewclaws to help climb or hold objects to chew on”.

Front dewclaws are attached to the bone and ligaments that connect to the leg so removing the dewclaw definitely changes those structures. It has been reported that removal of the dewclaws will likely increase arthritis and foot injuries, especially of working dogs.

Dewclaw injuries can happen but they are relatively rare so removing healthy front dewclaws as a preventative measure makes little sense to me.

Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-things-you-need-know-about-dog-dewclaws

Other Information : https://www.mcrehabilitation.com/blog/the-function-of-dewclaws-101

https://www.handsofgraceanimalmassageandbodywork.com/blog/canine-front-limb-dewclaw-removal-and-the-resulting-carpal-injury-and-arthritis-risks

Tail:

A dog’s tail is essential, especially for communicating. Sure, they can communicate with a docked tail (just not as well) but what is more important to me is that the tail is an extension of the spine and helps dogs balance. To me, this is important for our working partners.

Certainly a tail can get caught and cut (and may need amputation) but again, this does not occur often (this study found only 0.23% of dogs have injured their tails ).

A dog needs his tail for balance and expression, reasons I feel are more important that the look of a docked tail or the remote possibility of it getting hurt.

A good read: https://www.rover.com/blog/why-dock-dog-tails/

 

 

Ears:

The same applies to the ears. This cosmetic procedure has too much risk and too little benefit as far as I’m concerned. Don’t get me wrong – I do love the look, but I just can’t do that to my pups.

Sure, you don’t get that noble and alert look with natural ears but none of my dogs have been mistaken for anything else other than a Doberman.

All of my Dobermans, except Reeva (her ears were cropped when I bought her), have had natural ears. None of them have ever hurt their ears nor had any ear infections (some of the excuses used for cropping).

Cropping the ear is for the look, and I just don’t feel a pup should go through that just for a look. There is first the surgery to shape the cropped ear by removing the excess ear flap. That is stitched and then the ears are posted. They are posted in an upright position until the cartilage hardens, which can be up to 11 months of age, depending on hormones.

Cropping is done under a general anesthetic and that comes with its own risks. One of Karisma’s litter mates suffered brain damage from the anesthetic during his ear cropping procedure. That was super sad as he was a beautiful boy with such great potential.

A good read: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/ear-cropping-dogs