What's the latest on average to get a Dobermans ears cropped?

Answer 1

12 to 16 weeks--I've had them done as late as 16 wks. an had no problem with them standing--I have 5 grown Dobies--1 has cropped ears an tail--2 cropped tail, natural ears---2 long tail, long ears!! Just a matter of preference for the owner! They are awesome dogs either way!

Answer 2

The Dobermans "look" is that of a compact, powerful, medium sized dog that shows an attitude and temperament reflecting great nobility and confidence. His short, tight coat and cropped ears and docked tail add to his clean lines and effectiveness as an elite protection breed. But, the docked tail and the cropped ears on the Doberman are historically VERY FUNCTIONAL in origin and serve important purposes..

Cropped ears, were the logical, functional addition to complete the Dobermans physical equipment to make him the elite family companion and protection dog that he was, even from the beginning. There are two primary reasons that we desire cropped ears, and both have to do with FUNCTION. The first is that a neatly cropped ear is less of a "handle" for an attacker to hang on to. Since the Doberman has been bred to be a personal protector, a cropped ear gives the dog a decided advantage in a confrontation with a perpetrator. The second has to do with sound "localization". An erect earred dog can localize the source of a sound to within a 5 degree cone, whereas a drop earred dog can only localize a sound source to within a 20 degree cone. Since Dobermans do SEARCH AND DETECTION as well as SEARCH AND RESCUE, cropped ears are a decided advantage.

The DOBERMAN **STANDARD** asks for "ears, normally cropped". This simply implies that they are cropped in a normal manner. Many people choose to leave their Doberman puppy uncropped. These are mostly people who have a Doberman as a pet only and do not exhibit them in competition in the various AKC events. There is no disqualification for uncropped ears, and people can and do show Dobermans that are not cropped, in the US. But, because the overwhelming majority of exhibitors show their Dobermans cropped, perhaps it just looks like there is no choice involved. It is a matter of personal preference as to crop or not crop their puppy and likewise to show a cropped or uncropped Doberman in AKC events.

If the ears are cropped they must be cut in a shapely manner when the Doberman is a youngster, usually between 7 to 10 weeks. The ear must be long enough to crop, and the puppy should not be too old that the surgery becomes more difficult for the ears to successfully stand.


The Veterinarian puts the puppy under anesthesia and then proceeds to remove the excess ear on the outside portion of the ear. It is cut in a curving and graceful design and then the edges are stitched. The ears are taped over the head and wrapped with gauze for protection or they are glued with surgical glue to foam or a Styrofoam cup or other material to keep the ears upright and the edges exposed to the air for good healing. The stitches are removed after about 10 days, and the ears must be kept from puckering---which is the edges pulling together and causing the ear to shorten because of the scar tissue in areas along the cut edge. The ears are examined everyday to make sure they are healing well and when all edges are totally healed they are ready to be taped.

After the edges are fully healed, with NO SMALL OPEN WOUNDS the ears can be rolled and TAPED. Below is a website that will show the usual manner that ears are taped. The technique is demonstrated by Carol Selzle Petruzzo, a very long time, successful breeder and Handler. The site is invaluable for learning how to care for and tape the healed cropped ears.

http://dobermanpages.com/taping.html


There are a variety of lengths and shapes of cropped ears. Cropping is very artistic and each cropper has their own style. The show conformation Dobermans are cropped longer and more stylish than most pet crops that an average Veterinarian would do. The longer, more stylish crops are beautiful, but they can take more time taping to get the ears to finally stand. Success with ears standing has a great deal to do with persistence of the person taping and the technique. Problems do arise and it is best to seek the advice of an experienced Breeder or very experienced Veterinarian that has cropped hundreds of ears.

Answer 3

While I understand the Dobie people liking the ears cropped, it is a painful and potentially dangerous and most vets won't do it. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association came out in 2005 and told their members it was cruel and painful and as vets, they should counsel their clients to reconsider.
Most European countries no longer allow cropping ears or docking tails.
Maybe if you bought the dog as a show dog and have a contract with the breeder saying the ears must be cropped...well, then maybe, although there is nothing in the Doberman standard that says the ears MUST be cropped and I would think with Europe not allowing it, there must be some dogs being shown with natural ears.
If you are not going to show in conformation then why even consider putting your dog through so much pain? Think about it.

Answer 4

4 months

Answer 5

6 to 12 weeks. I have seen pups have them done after that with little success. They need to be done early before the cartilage grows in. If you do it after 12 weeks you CAN run a chance of unnecessary pain and them never standing up

Answer 6

It would be around 3 months. No later than four months.

Answer 7

Never older than 12 weeks

Answer 8

don't....it's invasive...hurtful...and unnecessary. You have this soul to love not hurt. I knew someone that had his boxer's ears cropped. They infected and hurt his personality...maybe it was a trust factor...what do you think...I think I could never trust anyone whom unwillingly hurt me..maybe he thought the same. All souls are beautiful the way they were made. Be Kind!

Answer 9

dont get ur dogs ears cropped it is only for pleasure it is pointless dont do it!