nupe
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by nupe on Oct 2, 2011 12:59:18 GMT -5
Hey guys I just got into a big back and forth on another forum (actually a dogfoodforum) about ear cropping. basically I was there defending ear cropping with a few other people but going at it with some anti - cropping people. Now I got a pretty good idea what the majority will say here, but what the big thing was over there is that it is absolutely no health benefit to ear cropping i.e...the ear infection thing is BS is what I was told and " people who get their dogs ear cropped just putting their dog througha unnecessary procedure just because they want a cool looking dog'. Your thoughts??? I am pretty sure this has been discussed before here on the forum, but just wanted to hear some feedback?
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Post by Shadowlands on Oct 2, 2011 13:47:32 GMT -5
For one, the ear infection argument is not bullshit. For two, we should always have a choice as to whether we choose to crop and dock our dogs. And three, in my personal experience, having a natural eared doberman can be more of a liabilty only because I take her everywhere with me that I can. Idiots will reach out and touch her without asking permission and I know they wouldn't have done that if she were cropped. Another argument is that it is easier to re-home a cropped dobe as most want their dobes to look like one. Everyone has a different opinion but no one has the right to force thiers on me. That is my two cents worth.  Oh, and I have now stopped getting into back and forth arguments with folks on this. I will state my case, opinion and reasons but I will not argue their merit. They will not change their minds and neither will I but someone may read what I have written and help them to decide for themselves. |
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Post by trinitydobes on Oct 2, 2011 16:57:34 GMT -5
Nupe, I usually tell people its the AKC Doberman Breed Standard - and that if they don't like a cropped dog then take it up with the breed clubs.
A breed standard is like a law for that breed - identifying certain phenotypical traits that make the dog unique and instantly identifyable. To not crop is to break the "unwritten" law for the breed in THIS country. It has nothing to do with health - never did.
This is the USA -not the UK, nor other european countries, this is our breeds law here in the USA. This argument is always heated - as each side is passionate -
I just wish the non crop contingent was as courteous and respectful of my wish to crop as I am of their desire not to crop.
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Post by von Cosack on Oct 2, 2011 17:46:26 GMT -5
The concept was for security plain and simple!!! The ears were cut shorter back then and the tails for that matter were too on alot of pups. The ears are sensitive so you eliminate that emotion the tail is a way to control any dog if you can get to it hahaha!! but non the less if you get the tail the dogs in trouble if your very very strong. Second cropping is IN the Standard!!! Third theres NO issue with a natural ear being more prone to infections then a cropped ear!! You just take better care as far as cleaning it once a week if it needs it. What no one is gonna say the dog with cropped ears "hears better" hahaha!!! Honestly to much time on some peoples hands. Fourth I think both looks are acceptable today but if you own a Dobermann with home and family security in mind you crop n dock accordingly. Personally the natural ears as far as their "look" is a nice one. The ears need to lay flat it also should have a length thats in balance with the head. I'll bet the ears on some akc show dogs have actually bred more length into the dogs. By using the dogs that have been cropped very long your assuring that trait to be there. Fifth to the folks who cry about an unnessary proceedure, maybe some have realatives who owned dogs more than 40 years ago. Our working, show and companion dogs were rarely altered because the people back then were very responsible dog owners. Thats all thats needed to be a successfull owner is to own up!! I understand todays different, to bad the other way was the better way for dogs and people. Hey nupe you got enough "dope" on ears to get back on there?  Von |
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Post by aruiz0322 on Oct 2, 2011 17:55:13 GMT -5
When I used to work at the vet clinic we cropped ears and I hated it I thought it was cruel. Now with that being said I have come to change my mind the more I look at the breed. I used to see a lot of people have the ears cropped but then would not properly take care of the ears so then yes it was real painful for the pup but proper care decreases that a ton I think. Also, I just firmly believe that as long as the animal is being properly taken care of and the owner is responsible then whether or not you crop or don't is non of anyone's business.
Amy
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Post by luvbirds on Oct 2, 2011 20:14:35 GMT -5
If it is legal where you live, it isn't a topic up for discussion. I'm had dogs with ears up and down. I've never had one ear infection in my 50+ years of dog ownership. You can call my mom and ask about the childhood dogs...not one. I have a natural eared dobe boy now, and I do think that the cropped look is so much nicer, but in my case, I'm an avid outdoors person, natural ears are better for all sorts of weather. My cropped boy hated hiking in the pounding rain, as it got in his ears. My natural eared boy has no issues with that at all.
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Post by dobs4ever on Oct 3, 2011 8:10:54 GMT -5
Nupe Dr. Beverly Purswell on DPCA was talking about this very issue and several of my vets when I asked also admit that the see more ear infections in floppy earred breeds as opposed to pricked ears. So unless you keep them really clean things can set up in there and the lack of ventilation increases the problem.
Dr. Purswell alss said while it does not improve hearing it does allow the dog to better pin point the location or direction of the sound - That is why you will see dogs using their ears like radar and turning them in different directions.
As far as wanting a cool looking dog I think that is why anyone or everyone buys a specific breed. The look the looks and thing it is cool. Everyone recognizes a cropped Doberman and Judy Doniere said it defines breed type.
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nupe
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by nupe on Oct 3, 2011 16:24:11 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback guys...and VON....Yes I do! lol
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Post by ok2bmef8 on Oct 6, 2011 14:42:54 GMT -5
I don't show my dogs, I don't buy from breeders as I prefer to rescue dogs who need homes. My preference is and always has been for natural ears. If you're not showing, I don't understand why you'd want to go through the cropping. But that's just me. I think England has the right idea with banning it. You can do as you see fit and will not get any flack from me. I believe in people making their own decisions as long as it's legal and moral!
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Post by dobs4ever on Oct 6, 2011 16:27:11 GMT -5
When any part of the stand is taken so causually and thrown out as unimportant then soon the others will follow. It is a cropped and docked breed and has been since the early pictures Herr Dobermann showed of his Dobermann.
There are also already those who prefer the much larger than standard size and proudly prmotoe King and Super Sized Dobermans. So eveidenlty that part is not real important either. What is next???
If we throw the standard out in 10 years will we even recongize our Dobermans???
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Post by deathmetal on Oct 6, 2011 17:03:32 GMT -5
I think England has the right idea with banning it. You can do as you see fit and will not get any flack from me. I believe in people making their own decisions as long as it's legal and moral! So, basically do what you want, but it has to be legal and moral. But wait, there is a catch. Your first choice is now illegal. Not quite the definition of 'choice' I believe in. |
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Post by dobs4ever on Oct 6, 2011 18:30:34 GMT -5
Deathmetal I could not agree more. Well said. If the uncropped and undocked faction wins we LOOSE our rights. That is not my idea of choice either ant that is the biggest problem I have with the choice issue. Seems if people prefer a floppy earred breed then they should choose one.
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Post by deathmetal on Oct 6, 2011 19:03:07 GMT -5
Dobs4ever I'm right there with you-however I respectfully disagree on choosing another breed if they prefer a floppy eared dog. I am a very black and white sort of person, no one should be told that their #1 choice is now not an option. (obviously in a world where people are sane and don't take that into extremes.) We all fell in love with the regal, elegant Dobermann. It should be every owners individual choice on what that means to them-within the standard, of coarse. If there were no laws it would be chaos, and without a specific definition you could be out there with a coonhound for all it would matter. Choices are important, to everyone. But I think arguing over c+d is like arguing which is better- Regular mustard or dijon.  |
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Post by turbok9 on Nov 4, 2011 11:43:02 GMT -5
It's my dog. My dogs are well fed, well trained, well cared for and well loved. What does it matter if I choose to crop and doc? I'll do as I please, and spare me other people's emotional reactions... TYVM in advance!
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Von