Doberman tail and ear docking: unjustified cruelty or disease prevention?

How does the operation take place?

Tail surgery occurs in two ways:

1. The first, and least painful method involves removing the organ with surgical scissors within three days of the puppy’s birth. The operation does not require anesthesia and does not require stitches. Ideally carried out by veterinarians, but can also be carried out by breeders at home.
2. The second method is to apply a special rubber band (ligature) to the tip of the tail. The ligature does not allow blood access to the tip, and after a few days it falls off on its own.

Here's how ear cropping works. Here, anesthesia is required for the dog, since the procedure itself is quite painful. You cannot feed the animal 12 hours before surgery. The dog is fixed on the operating table after a dose of novocaine or antipsychotic is administered. Sometimes the operation is performed under general anesthesia. The circumcision process itself occurs using a scalpel. After the cupping procedure, the wound is sutured and treated with antibacterial agents. The duration of the operation generally takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Rehabilitation period

After docking the tail, monitor the puppy for several hours to avoid bleeding. Kutya heals quite quickly and without complications.

After ear surgery. To prevent the animal from scratching the seams, a special plastic frame is put on it. If the animal feels pain and constantly rushes about and whines, it is prescribed painkillers. Also spend a lot of time on the seams, they need to be constantly processed. For disinfection, use hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, calendula tincture or streptocide.

The stitches are removed after a couple of weeks, but the rehabilitation period does not end there. If, after removing the stitches, they have healed correctly, ears will still need to be fitted for the owner and dog.

Possible complications

What a docked tail can theoretically affect:

• communication with animals and socialization. Since this organ is the dog’s means of communication, its removal may affect the perception of it by other animals. Relatives are more aggressive towards bob-tailed dogs, as they do not always correctly perceive their behavior and motives;
• increased aggression. It has been statistically proven that docked dogs are more aggressive than their relatives with healthy tails;
• joint problems. Due to improper distribution of the load on the hind limbs, the animal may develop a hernia in the future. Also, removal of the tail is fraught with the development of deformities of the fingers of the hind limbs;
• motor skills. The tail is not only a way of communication, but also an important regulator of the animal’s movements. Due to its absence, some problems with motor skills arise. Ordinary dogs do not skid as much when turning as docked dogs;
• psyche. Research shows that tail removal, even at an early age, is very painful for the puppy and the shock experienced can lead to mental problems in the future.

Ear cropping is fraught with all sorts of infectious diseases. The dog's ears become open to rainwater, dust and dirt, which can lead to serious illnesses. In addition, if the operation was performed by a non-specialist, the animal’s sutures may not heal properly.

Cupping

Whether this is necessary is up to you to decide.

Why do this?

1. First of all, for beauty, since high protruding ears and a short tail are the distinctive features of the Doberman breed.
2. To eliminate vulnerability in combat.
3. For medicinal purposes.

At what age?

Ear cropping in puppies is done before the tail. In 5-7 days (bleeding will be less and healing will be faster) or 5-8 weeks.

How to carry out the procedure correctly?

Special clips are used for the selected shape, but not more than 2/5 of the ears. There is no need to feed on this day.

Vet

It is better to use the services of a professional veterinarian. It will be more expensive, but with less trauma for the pet, since the operation will be performed under anesthesia.

Undocked dog with ears and tail and photo

Today, undocked Dobermans are recognized as a full-fledged breed, and are increasingly winning at exhibitions. Germany, England, Holland, Scandinavia and Austria have already introduced a ban on this operation. Below you can see a photo of a Doberman with undocked ears and tail:

Forms

The shape of the ears is created in proportion to the size of the head

It is important that this is done by a specialist. After all, Doberman ears are a source of pride for the owner.

As a result, they should stand like horns.

This process is long and painstaking. We need to be patient. The dog will have to wear a special “crown”, and you will constantly have to glue the ears with adhesive tape, adjusting the shape.

Care

Caring for a Doberman is not difficult:

1. There is no need to comb the fur.
2. Daily wiping with a wet towel is enough.
3. You can bathe once every six months (frequent bathing weakens the immune system).
4. Wash your paws after a walk.
5. Systematically clean your ears and eyes with a cotton swab dipped in water.
6. Watch your teeth and claws.

How to trim claws?

The length of the claws must be monitored. If they themselves do not grind down enough, then they need to be trimmed. This can be done at the veterinarian or at home using special nail clippers. You only need to cut off the keratinized part without touching the body of the claw to avoid injury. If there is blood, then it is enough to attach several crystals of potassium permanganate to the vessel on paper.

It is important to calm the dog so that the procedure does not cause negative associations in the future. It is enough to cut your nails once every 1-2 months.

Dental care

Doberman's teeth are their calling card. They should be closely monitored because they are susceptible, just like humans, to caries and periodontal disease. Inspection and cleaning must be carried out daily. There are dog toothbrushes and toothpastes for these purposes.

Disqualifying faults

Deviations that may lead to disqualification of an animal at a canine exhibition are presented:

• obvious perversion of the sexual type;
• different eye colors or yellow irises (like birds of prey);
• incorrect bite placement - pincer-shaped, with a protruding or recessed jaw, with incomplete dentition;
• unilateral or absolute cryptorchidism - the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum;
• white spots (marbled, spotted individuals), wavy and long hair (on the body or in the form of a cap on the head), sparse coat or baldness.

Important! The height and weight of the Doberman plays an important role: deviations from the accepted standard lead to disqualification. How much can a Doberman weigh: from 35 to 45 kg.

Is it necessary to dock the tail and why?

A similar situation exists with tail docking. Dobermans with a short tail are more common than those with a long tail.

Most of all breeders carry out this procedure with puppies, so it is incredibly difficult to meet long-tailed Dobermans.

There is one catch with this - due to docking, the genetic shape of the tail is not fixed in any way in the standard.

Therefore, it is impossible to determine which tail of an undocked dog is suitable and which is defective. A puppy can be born with a completely different tail - bent, twisted, raised up.

This is another reason why it is better for a Doberman to have this part of the body docked, because you will always be at risk when participating in exhibitions or competitions.

NOTE! The tail must be docked if the dog develops in hunting and fighting activities.

Tail docking is a procedure that also depends on the wishes of the owner, but the shortened appearance of the tail is the most acceptable feature for a Doberman.

Choosing a nickname

For Dobermans, nicknames should be chosen based on their appearance. These are beautiful, intelligent dogs that are often recruited to serve in the army or police. The Doberman makes a wonderful protector.

The following names are suitable for boys of this breed:

1. Emphasizing their strength and physical development: Atlas, Opal, Sunset, Zeus, Pharaoh, Caesar, Hercules, Achilles, Vulcan, Ararat, Sultan, Conan, Gloom, Circassian, Titan, Sherkhan, Elbrus;
2. Nicknames that focus on color: Chocolate, Walnut, Ash, Black, Coal, Amber, Yakhont, Truffle;
3. Nicknames that echo German names: Albert, Hans, Askold, Karl, Oscar, Jan, Nicholas, Rudolf, Theodor, Schultz, Richard, Jurgen, Max, Michael, Jurgen;
4. Nicknames that emphasize the qualities of temperament (after all, how many dogs have so many characters): Rogue, Golden, Friend, Wind, Tango, Cyclone, Miracle, Glorious, Frisky, Fakir, Fire, Mars, Leader, Success, Hurricane, Champion, Romeo, Pilot, Indigo, Storm, Bulldog.

The following nicknames are suitable for girls of the Doberman breed:

1. The most aristocratic nicknames that will emphasize the elegant, beautiful and graceful appearance of your dog: Hera, Ariadne, Star, Melisa, Roxy, Liana, Venus, Diva, Bagheera, Aelita, Naomi, Shelly, Stephanie, Yasmin, Aurora, Giselle, Luna, Paula, Camellia.
2. To emphasize the temperament of your pet, give the following nicknames: Aida, Love, Verona, Gloria, Clear, Audrey, Oda, Blizzard, Fun, Muse, Night, Sonata, Melody, Doll, Prima, Fairy, Fortune, Charade, Ethiopian, Riddle, Rocket.

General information about the procedure

Many dog ​​breeders consider the procedure for cropping dogs' ears to be a personal whim of the owners. However, according to veterinarians, partial amputation of the ears often prevents the development of various pathologies. The operation is recommended for those dog breeds that are genetically predisposed to ear diseases.

Ear cropping is recommended for representatives of fighting and hunting breeds

What is the procedure for ear cropping in dogs? Under general anesthesia, the veterinarian removes the top of the ear. Most often, half of the ear is subject to amputation, much less often – the third part. The first few days after surgery, the pet needs special care and attention from the owner.

In most cases, the procedure is virtually painless for the animal. It should be noted that the dog’s condition depends on the experience and professionalism of the doctor. You should not trust the life and health of your four-legged friend to an unfamiliar or inexperienced veterinarian.

Ear cropping does not have a reverse “move”. Before deciding to undergo surgery, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Most European countries have long abandoned this procedure; Russian dog breeders have still not reached a consensus.

Optimal timing

So, at what age can a Staffordshire Terrier get ears? The success of the operation depends on the correct timing. The optimal age for a puppy is 8–12 weeks. It is unwise to carry out elective surgery at a later age, as the likelihood of possible complications increases.

The older the dog is at the time of surgery, the longer the postoperative period lasts. Experienced dog breeders also note that puppies tolerate pain much easier and quickly get used to the new ear shape.

Indications

The first reason for carrying out cosmetic surgery to remove part of a dog’s ear is remnants of the past. Cupping was used during the reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. As you know, habits formed over centuries take years or even decades to eradicate.

The second reason is the health of the pet or the prevention of the development of ear pathologies. Amputation is recommended for injuries, ulcers, neoplasms of various origins and necrosis of the auricle. A highly qualified veterinarian should make a diagnosis and suggest cupping as a method of solving the problem.

The third reason is the characteristics of the breed. Ear cropping is recommended for representatives of fighting and hunting breeds, including the Staffordshire Terrier. In the process of fighting with other animals, there is a high risk of injury or rupture of the ear.

Cupping prevents the development of ear diseases in Staffies

Contraindications

Surgical intervention has a number of contraindications. Cupping is contraindicated if there are obvious signs of illness in your pet. Increased body temperature, apathy, lack of appetite and other disturbances in the animal’s behavior are reasons for contacting a veterinarian. First you need to understand your pet’s well-being and only then make a decision about the need for surgery.

Another contraindication is obvious deviations in the physiological or mental development of the puppy.

Features of the appearance of the breed

How is the Russian Spaniel different? How to train this breed of dog to hunt? Its representatives have proven themselves well in Russian conditions. In our country, the breed appeared at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries.

The standard for the Russian Spaniel intended for hunting was approved in 1951. Significant diversity in the breed was allowed, which led to the emergence of different regional types with differences.

The modern Russian hunting spaniel has a height at the withers of 40-45 centimeters. The dog is distinguished by a small, dry head and expressive dark eyes. The dog is distinguished by its cheerfulness and lightning-fast movements.

The coat is smooth and wavy, so the Russian Spaniel suffers less from thorns when hunting. The breed is adapted to hunting various game birds in any area of ​​the country. During a hunt, the dog searches for game, reacts to the owner’s shot, and hands the killed bird to the hunter.

Appearance

True fans of this breed are confident (and, it must be said, quite rightly) that the Doberman Pinscher is the standard of beauty in the canine world. The animals have a spectacular appearance, harmonious build, a high level of intelligence and a superbly developed protective instinct.

The modern Doberman is a dog of above average height: males reach 72 cm at the withers, weighing around 45 kg, females are slightly smaller: 68 cm, weighing no more than 35 kg. The physique of these animals is dense, strong, muscular, but not as massive as, for example, a Rottweiler. Representatives of the breed are endowed with an elegant, chiseled silhouette. The coat is silky and smooth. It only emphasizes well-developed muscles. The breed standard allows for brown or black and tan coloring.

Peculiarities of docking in different breeds of dogs

For each breed in need of surgery, there is its own set of forms allowed by the standard. In addition, the operation may vary depending on the size of the dog and its physical characteristics.

Ear cropping of Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)

The Staffordshire Terrier standard specifies cropped ears, unlike the Staffbull. Which is considered strange, because the breeds are close. It is this fact that explains that, most likely, surgery for these dogs is not necessary, but is considered purely cosmetic. Owners are still confident that short ears look aesthetically pleasing and make the dog look more respectable. Since Staffs no longer participate in dog fighting, there is no point in carrying out the procedure.

The operation is performed at 1.5-3 months under general anesthesia. There are several options for the correct shape of cropped ears for this particular breed: fighting (the shortest), short, show and long. For Staffs, it is not necessary to apply forming bandages; often the ears themselves take the desired position.

How are the Miniature Pinscher's ears cropped?

The miniature pinscher is now a decorative breed, which does not interfere with long ears at all. Therefore, the operation is only cosmetic in nature. It is carried out at 3 months. Due to physiological characteristics, the ears need to be fixed. This is usually done by a veterinarian using band-aids and cotton swabs.

Ear cropping Alabai

For Alabai, the procedure should be carried out as early as possible to avoid blood loss. Cupping is often carried out directly during childbirth. If this is not possible, then the ears are cut off before 3 days of age. For this breed, the short form is considered the only correct option. But it is also divided into several types:

1. Standard (medium length with a semicircular or straight cut);
2. Mishka (elongated cartilage with a semicircular cut);
3. Caucasian (1.3 cartilage is the longest acceptable option).

Doberman

For this breed, the procedure is carried out within a period of 3 days – 8 weeks. It is not recommended to have surgery while changing teeth. A characteristic feature of the operation for Dobermans is that the animals are left with very long cartilages, only 2/5 of the ear is cut off

After this, it is important to place the shells correctly, for which bandages and clamps are used

Shepherd dogs

For Caucasian Shepherds, like Alabais, the procedure is carried out immediately after birth for 8-20 hours. It is recommended to postpone surgery no longer than 7 days. After this, the ear tissue will harden, so cupping may lead to complications. If it was not possible to trim the cartilage at an early age, then this can only be done at six months under general anesthesia.

Cane Corso

The breed's ears are now cropped only for strict conformation. It is believed that dogs with long shells look awkward and funny. The correct shape is a rounded short triangle laid back. During the formation period, bandages will not be needed, but the position must be fixed with a plaster.

Great Dane

For this breed, the patterns are long, usually the ear is cut off by 1.5-3 cm. The operation is carried out at 2.5-4 months, the late procedure involves the manifestation in the puppy of qualities in which docking is undesirable: low set, soft cartilage, creases on the ears. After the operation, a bandage and clamps are applied, similar to splints for a Doberman.

pitbull

Like Staff, Pitbulls have complex-shaped ears, so cropping is carried out 1.5-3 months after vaccination. The shape of the ears is not provided for by the standard, because the breed is not recognized by world canine organizations. Veterinarians identify standard types for all fighting dogs.

Toy Terrier

Decorative breeds do not need this procedure, especially Toy Terriers. Ear trimming is a pointless operation for them. However, some owners believe that this will improve the appearance of the pet. One way or another, for the breed it is considered correct to perform docking at 8 weeks, followed by securing it with a bandage for correct positioning.

Each owner must determine for himself whether his dog’s ears need to be trimmed. Veterinarians believe that the procedure does not bring practical benefit, but can cause complications. It is not for nothing that the operation is prohibited in many countries.

At what age is it best to dock?

The docking procedure itself is quite painful, since the excess part of the tail and ears has to be cut off. To minimize discomfort, the optimal framework for the procedure was determined. It is better to work with the tail first, followed by the ears. It is correct to dock the tail from three days of age, when the puppy is too small to understand what happened, and its tail vertebrae are as soft as possible and can be easily cut.

The procedure can be performed in two ways:

• using cutting scissors;
• thanks to ligation of the tail in the place where it will need to be shortened (blood stops flowing into the limb and it dries out).

It is very important to carry out transformation work on those puppies that are completely healthy and full-term, otherwise the animal will experience too much stress that is life-threatening. So, you can shorten your tail from the third to the tenth day after birth, or you can delay the procedure for a longer period and carry it out from the age of three months until six months

After this, you should not start this type of activity.

If we talk about ear cropping, the optimal time would be from 5 to 8 weeks of age, this will allow a certain break between the ears and tail so that the puppy can fully recover. From the 12th week, this procedure is considered undesirable, since at this time the Doberman's teeth begin to change, which in itself is painful and there is no need for additional stress. This period is marked by rapid growth of the skeleton, which requires a large supply of minerals, and this will significantly complicate the healing process of the ears. The sooner the cupping procedure is performed, the easier it will be tolerated and the bleeding will be minimal.

Prevention of abnormal development

Knowing at what months a German Shepherd's ears stand up, you can begin to prevent improper development of the auditory organs in advance.

It is important to follow some tips for this:

You should not pet small puppies on the head in the ear canal area, as this can cause creases. It is necessary to give your pet a preventive massage of cartilage tissue. It is worth caring for your dog with special care, communicating with it and periodically taking it for walks. Give the shepherd gelatin diluted in water before each feeding. Improve the dog’s nutrition and balance it as much as possible. It is important to let your puppy chew on cartilage and bones, as well as special toys. When your shepherd is sleeping, you need to make sure that it does not press its head against the wall. It is necessary to clean your dog's ears every 2 days.

By following these simple care tips, your pet's hearing organ will develop correctly and rise on time.

All about ear cropping for Caucasian Shepherd dogs

Let's consider the main features of ear cropping (trimming) of a Caucasian Shepherd dog: indications for cropping, age of the operation, features of the procedure.

At what age is ear cropping performed?

Newborn Caucasian Shepherd puppies undergo complete ear amputation in the first week of life. The optimal age is 1.5 - 3 days. Upon reaching three days of age, the ears of a little Caucasian begin to actively grow and quickly thicken. In exceptional cases, cupping of the concha without anesthesia and sutures is allowed up to seven days of age. If you miss this period, the relief will be more painful, with severe blood loss, and serious postoperative complications may develop.

A Caucasian Shepherd with undocked ears can be operated on by a new owner upon reaching 6-7 months of age. But in this case, you will have to do the procedure under general anesthesia in a veterinary clinic. Late cupping is dangerous due to a long recovery period, severe stress for the pet, large blood loss, and a high level of injury. It is best not to delay this process and cut off the ears in infancy.

How to crop the ears of Caucasian Shepherds

Representatives of this breed undergo a complete trimming of the upper part of the ear. If docking is carried out within the recommended time frame (1.5-3 days), then you can do without visiting a veterinary clinic and do the trimming at home. For Caucasians, there are no uniform patterns for trimming; the breeder or veterinarian conducting the procedure is guided by the length and thickness of the puppy’s ears.

When performing the operation at a later date (6-7 months), you will have to prepare your pet for this serious painful manipulation. The day before the scheduled operation, the dog is not fed and is kept on a starvation diet. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and general anesthesia, so you will have to take the animal to the clinic.

Before the procedure, the ears are shaved to remove hair. Patterns are placed on the ears. The surgical area is carefully treated with antiseptics, after which an incision is made into the cartilage of the auricle from the edge to the central part. After the shepherd dogs' ears are cropped, the incision is processed and stitches are applied. After the wounds have completely healed, they are removed, usually within 8-12 days.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

What is postoperative care?

A successful operation is only half the battle. Further healing of the injured area will depend on proper post-operative care. Responsibility for this falls on the dog's owner, without whose help the pet cannot cope.

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Doberman character

The Doberman is a one-owner dog. She will love, obey and protect all family members, but the main thing in his life will be only the owner. The one who raises and trains the puppy is the “leader” for the dog. With proper upbringing, the owner is allowed absolutely everything.

Individual qualities

The breed was bred as a service breed, so the Doberman’s “firmware” includes the desire to protect and protect. But with innate wariness towards strangers, a properly trained dog is invariably patient and forgiving towards family members. The temperament is often choleric - dogs are easily excitable and active. It is important for them to be good for their owner; they need approval and attention. Sometimes they can be obsessive or jealous.

It is worth paying close attention to raising a puppy in the first year of his life, and you will get a loyal and reliable friend and protector for his entire life. These dogs are very sensitive. With good contact with the owner, the dog “tunes in” to the owner; by its behavior, you can guess the person’s mood. Dobermans will protect, comfort and cheer and make wonderful companions.

It is believed that females are usually more attuned to their owner, and in Dobermans, males are also more attuned to their owner. This is a like-minded dog, a one-love dog

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by such features as:

• intelligence
• self-esteem
• devotion
• energy
• learning ability
• attention to nuances - voice timbre, intonation, gestures, facial expressions, host’s mood
• courage
• lightning-fast reaction
• cunning

Should you get a Doberman?

Dobermans are intelligent, but they are a large and strong temperamental dog. It's not for everyone. It is recommended for experienced dog owners, people with knowledge about the breed, upbringing, and training to own one. Owning a Doberman is a huge responsibility; it’s not for nothing that they have been compared to firearms. They definitely need to be educated and trained, but they learn easily and quickly. A well-mannered animal will obediently and patiently endure provoking stimuli and will not forget to carry out the given command.

The famous poem by Sergei Yesenin “Give me a paw, Jim, for luck…” is dedicated to the Doberman of actor Kachalov

The Doberman is patient and gentle with children. Photo: Silvia Living in a family, the Doberman will not offend other pets. They are patient, caring, and attentive to the children in their family. They can be trusted with a baby, a nimble preschooler, or a teenager. Despite their considerable height, weight and choleric temperament, they restrain themselves for fear of accidentally causing harm. They tolerate strangers, try to ignore them, but are still always on guard.

Who shouldn't get this dog?

This breed is not suitable:

• for inexperienced dog owners
• unorganized people
• busy or inactive people;
• nervous people

A Doberman without proper training can cause trouble. Photo: Chris Lester When getting such a dog, you need to take into account that it will require a lot of time, attention, effort and investment, especially in the first year of life. You will have to move a lot, walking and training, monitoring and correcting behavior. It is impossible to let the upbringing of such a serious breed take its course. There have been cases when Dobermans raised like “pocket” dogs would bite without a command, rush at cats, not let their owners leave the apartment, or pull during a walk like a good KamAZ truck. And all because “unexpectedly” for the careless owners, the trembling fawn, which a Doberman puppy usually looks like, grew up and suddenly turned into a powerful, uncontrollable, nervous dog.

Who is the Doberman best suited for?

The breed will fit very well into the life of a sporty, active, organized person who loves outdoor activities. A properly raised Doberman is perfect for a family with children, a teenager, a student, or an athlete.

This crown is a fairly strong metal structure, which:

1. First you need to try on and adjust to the size of the dog's head; the part that fits on the head can be bent or unbent if necessary.

Then you need to wrap an elastic bandage with cotton around the metal base so that the metal cannot injure the scalp. If necessary, you can adjust our “crown” to the size of the dog’s head.

Afterwards, from a regular medical bandage you need to make a strap-tie that will help hold the structure on your head.

Having put the “crown” on the dog’s head, take one ear by the tip and, without much effort, pull it to the top bar of the structure, glue half a strip of the patch to the inner surface of the ear, pass this strip through the top bar and glue it to the outer surface, while carefully pressing the patch , securing it along its entire length.

The same procedure must be done with the second ear, this is how we install the ears of a Doberman.

After the work has been done, tie the straps under the throat, but not too tightly. The puppy should wear this design for about a week, after which it should be removed to give the ears a rest, and later reattached.

Once all the stitches have been removed, you can discard the crown.

It is impossible to imagine a Doberman without high-set ears and a docked tail. Despite the fact that several years ago the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the validity of the Doberman breed without these distinctive features in appearance, dog breeders continue to crop the ears and tails of Dobermans. Setting up Doberman ears is a rather complex and painstaking procedure that will require an experienced veterinarian. From our article you will learn how to prepare your pet for surgery and provide further care for it.

Why do you need to crop Doberman ears and tail? Beginning dog breeders often ask about this. Initially, hunting and fighting dogs were subjected to this procedure. Thus, it was possible to reduce the risk of injury during hunting or combat.

As a result, a certain breed standard was formed, which emphasized the special shape of the ears and tail of the Doberman. However, today hunting has lost its popularity, and many countries have banned dog fighting. It would seem that the need to shape the ears of Dobermans should have disappeared in itself. But modern dog breeders with many years of experience in raising and training four-legged dogs insist on further carrying out such operations. It is believed that cropping Doberman ears significantly reduces the risk of ulcers, necrosis, neoplasms of various types, as well as wounds and injuries. Ear cropping can be called a unique form of animal protection.

Representatives of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (OIE), who are trying to achieve a ban on the procedure for docking animals, do not agree with this version. England, Austria, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia are countries that have introduced a ban on such operations. At the same time, OIE representatives do not think about the fact that by their actions they are significantly reducing the number of Doberman Pinschers.

Remember one simple rule: the earlier the tail and ears are docked, the easier the animal will tolerate this procedure. According to the recommendations of dog handlers and veterinarians, the optimal age of a puppy for such an operation is considered to be the life period from 3 to 10 days from birth. In puppies, blood circulation is slower, and the healing process, on the contrary, occurs much faster. Cupping is also allowed at the age of 5-8 weeks. However, the operation is already performed under anesthesia so as not to injure the animal.

Why do you need to crop your ears and tail?

Doberman ear cropping is an ancient tradition that has been going on since the very beginning of the breed. Dog creator Louis Dobermann wanted an invulnerable service dog.

To make caring for the pet easier, to make it look more intimidating, and to avoid possible problems due to injuries during service, Louis decided to crop the Doberman's ears, and for the same reasons, he also cut off his tail.

Later the procedure was carried out “for health reasons.” It was believed that a dog with cropped ears would not get rabies. The risk of getting inflammation of the shell is also reduced.

Since 1987, the document “Convention on the Rights of Pet Animals” has been in force, according to which ear and tail docking is prohibited in countries that have signed the pact.

Now the procedure is only aesthetic and cosmetological in nature. Breeders prefer a cropped form; they believe that this way the Doberman does not lose its standard appearance.

Pros and cons

Cynologists are divided into two groups: those who consider docking a meaningless ancient procedure, and those who are confident that without amputation of the ears and tail, the Doberman breed will cease to be aesthetically whole.

Is it possible to leave it undocked?

Maybe a Doberman with undocked ears and a long tail looks less intimidating, but such an appearance is considered natural and correct according to all the laws of nature.

In Russia, docking is considered a legal procedure, but judges at international exhibitions are no longer so strict about the shape of ears and tails. The main parameters for assessing a Doberman are its size, working qualities, coat and color.

A peculiarity of the breed is a tendency to otitis media, so undocked shells require special care. The owner should inspect the Doberman's ears daily so as not to miss the possible occurrence of an inflammatory process.

Price

The older the dog, the more expensive it is to dock both the tail and ears. If for Doberman puppies up to 3 months of age, ear amputation will cost 2000-2500 rubles, then for older babies it will cost 3500-4000 rubles. The cost of tail docking is slightly less - 1500-2000 rubles.

The price may vary depending on the level of the clinic, the conditions of the operation (at home is more expensive), the method of relief, the use or non-use of anesthetics.

Important! It’s better not to go for cheap prices, but to choose an experienced veterinarian and a veterinary center with good reviews. Poorly performed ear and tail cropping can lead to abscesses and scarring.

Of course, the decision about surgery always remains with the owner. Judges at shows are no longer strict about the shape of the ears and tail.

Moreover, Western countries disqualify and fine participants with unnatural shell placement. But many lovers of the Doberman breed are still confident that docking gives the dog an aesthetic appearance.

Traditions and reforms

Cropping of dogs' ears and tails began back in the Roman Empire: then it was a practical necessity. The long tail of a shepherd dog collected burrs and dirt in the field, and a hunting dog tore his tail until it bled in the thickets when he ran after the game. The tail and ears of fighting and guard dogs were cut off for the same reason that fans of street fights now cut their hair - so that the enemy could not grab onto them. And we are so accustomed to this that a dog with cropped ears and tail is automatically perceived by many as more aggressive and dangerous.

Nowadays, most people buy a dog not for protection and hunting, but as a companion. Tail and ear docking has long ceased to be functional and has become a cosmetic operation. As a result, starting from the 80s of the last century, European countries began to impose a ban on docking one after another. Now it is legally prohibited in a number of countries - Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Australia, Israel, South Africa: In Belgium, docked dogs are prohibited from being exhibited and sold. In Germany, only dogs that are used for hunting can be docked - to obtain permission for the operation, you must prove that it is not performed for cosmetic purposes.

Clubs from 34 countries that are members of the FCI, one after another, prohibit the participation of docked animals in exhibitions and breeding. And since each country sets its own standards for its national breeds, the requirements for show dogs change accordingly. Thus, the international standards of the German breeds so popular in Russia (Doberman, Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher) now indicate: “the appearance of the tail is natural.”

The main cynological organization in Russia, the Russian Cynological Federation, is not part of the FCI, and European laws are not written for our breeders. And the official position of domestic dog handlers is radically different from the European one. “I believe docking is functionally necessary, and aesthetically undocked dogs lose a lot,” comments Alexander Inshakov, president of the RKF. - This European fashion is simply sabotage. Our national breeds, such as black terriers and Caucasian shepherds, will not have any innovations: the dogs we dock will continue to be docked. As for German breeds, let the breeders decide for themselves: docked and undocked dogs participate equally in Russian exhibitions.”

However, whatever the position of the RKF, the fact remains: for a docked Rottweiler or Doberman, the European exhibition career is now closed. And there are fierce disputes between domestic dog handlers and breeders: “Western reformers” consider docking a senseless cruelty, while “traditionalists” consider docking a harmless practice that makes the dog more beautiful and makes its future life easier. So what is cupping - a barbaric tradition or a useful procedure?

Historical reference

The white Doberman was artificially bred in the 70s of the 20th century.

For the first time, a female of the usual dark brown color gave birth to an albino puppy in 1976. Once the puppy reached reproductive age, attempts were made to cross the born albino bitch with a Doberman male of normal color. The experiment was not a success: the puppy was born brown.

White Dobermans are considered very rare.

Subsequently, an albino puppy was nevertheless born after mating a white mother with her normal-colored son.

All white representatives of the breed in the United States are descendants of the first albino bitch. Therefore, white people are considered an incomplete albino.

Possible complications

Wound healing occurs within 1-2 weeks. After this, the dog needs to be shown to a veterinarian, who will assess the animal’s condition.

The following complications may occur during rehabilitation:

1. Bleeding. It occurs more often in adult dogs, especially after injury to a scar that has not yet healed. Stops with veterinary pencil or powder.
2. Scars and seals. They do not interfere with the dog, but affect the exterior. In puppies under 2 weeks of age, such complications almost never occur.
3. Inflammation. Occur after infection gets into the wounds. Requires veterinary treatment.

If you properly care for your puppy after surgery, there will be no problems. Complications occur more often in adult Alabais - another argument against docking after 2 weeks.

At what age is it best to dock?

From the point of view of painlessness and speed of healing, it is best to crop the ears of puppies under 7 days of age. But a difficulty arises: in such young creatures it is not always possible to accurately determine the future proportions of the head, body, and ears.

Because of this, the ears of newly born dogs may be trimmed incorrectly, which will become clear later. Therefore, the best time for resection is considered to be between 2 and 3 months of age, when the dog receives its first vaccination. At this age, the ear cartilage is still very thin and pliable.

The operation will take place with little blood loss. The scar will be barely noticeable and will not create a deforming effect on the entire shell. What is possible at an older age, especially after 6 months. In addition, up to 3 months of age, it is easier to form erect ears in Great Danes and Dobermans.

Sometimes you have to crop the ears of an adult dog. Such operations are performed in case of illness or injury to the auricle. In this case, medicinal, not cosmetic, purposes are pursued. The ear is trimmed to a size that provides maximum healing effect.

Types of colors

• Black-brown . The main color of the coat is dark brown, the color of dark chocolate.
• Chocolate . The dog's fur is a lighter milk chocolate color. The presence of a tan is also mandatory, since without it the Doberman will no longer be considered a purebred.
• Red-brown . With this color, the Doberman's coat has an intense reddish-brown color, which can also be described as chestnut. The absence of a tan puts such a dog outside the breed.
• Brown with white spots . You can also see dogs of this breed with small white spots scattered throughout the body. Even with tan, this color is considered a serious fault.

How to care for cropped ears?

After the procedure, the main attention should be paid to the successful healing of the wounds; most often, after cropping the ears, they are very itchy. Therefore, in order to avoid scratching and to maintain the integrity of the bandages that cover the seams immediately after surgery, you should use a special collar that is placed on the animal’s neck

You can make it yourself from soft plastic or a thick layer of cardboard, or you can also purchase it in a store. Usually the collar is worn until the sections of the ears are completely healed.

It should be taken into account that in the first few days after the procedure the animal needs to take painkillers. But there is no particular need to adjust your diet.

Postoperative sutures must be treated with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green alternately; you can use calendula infusion or streptocide powder. Processing is carried out using cotton swabs.

The next stage of care is setting up the ears, which are covered with horns made from adhesive tape and cotton wool using a special technology. Such devices are worn for two weeks.

During this time, the ears, initially falling back, and then gradually, as the muscles strengthen, take the desired shape, stand up rigidly. It is necessary to ensure that their contours resemble the roof of a house.

If the ears tilt to the side and are crooked, then the performance should be continued. For some breeds, special frames that are worn for at least 20 days help to install ears after cropping.

During postoperative care, the owner is required to constantly monitor his pet. It is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the dressing is maintained and measures are taken to prevent infection from entering the wound.

Particular attention is paid to sutures, which are removed only a week or 10 days after surgery. To prevent the seams from coming apart, it is better for the dog to maintain a calm lifestyle that excludes excessive mobility and games with other animals.

What to do next

Proper care of a cropped ear is the key to a healthy and attractive Doberman. The first thing to do after surgical manipulation is to put the remaining part into the desired shape. Gluing is done using adhesive tape. To do this, cut two strips of 10 cm and four of 30 cm in length. A cotton swab is inserted into the cleaned ear and “horns” are formed with adhesive tape.

Important! You can remove the plaster structure no earlier than after 2 weeks. If during this time it leans or falls apart, the performance must be done again.

What to feed?

We do not recommend saving on food, as it directly affects the physical characteristics and health of the pet.

Dry food

If you are a busy person and you do not have time to prepare a complete diet, then use special mixtures. They must be appropriate for the dog's age. Give preference to Premium class food. There should be no sudden transition from one food to another.

Straight

If you decide to feed your pet natural food, then stick to a special balanced menu. It is different for each age.

Menu for the week

Meals for the day roughly look like this: cook porridge (500-900 grams) in broth or water, cut offal or meat into it (500-1000 grams), as well as some grated vegetables (100-200 grams).

You cannot feed:

• manna;
• pearl barley;
• corn porridge.

Two to three times a week, meat is replaced with fish. Doberman should not be given: cutlets, sausages and sausages - all this causes gastritis and even ulcers in the dog. Sugar and potatoes are also contraindicated.

It is useful to arrange (for a healthy dog) a fasting day once a week consisting of crackers and water.

Nutrition

Dobermans are quite unpretentious in their diet. If you decide to give preference to natural food, then you should not forget about meat as the main source of protein. Meat products should make up half of the entire diet, and in some cases (intense physical activity, cold season, etc.) 75% of the entire menu. It is impossible to raise a healthy and active dog on cereals alone. The diet must include vegetables, fruits, herbs, dairy products, eggs and fish. Another option would be to feed a balanced dry food. Portions must be calculated based on the weight of each individual dog.