Different Ear Crops for Dobermans

Doberman puppies have long floppy ears that do not function like normal dog ears. Cropping is a cosmetic procedure that removes the outside membrane of the ear so only the hard ear remains. This allows the ear to perk-up, lay flat and move toward sound. Cropping is not necessary and entirely up to the owner's discretion. However, when choosing to crop your Doberman's ears, do not take this situation lightly. Cropping is a craft that takes careful skill and attention to detail. Typical breeders have three options when it comes to ear cropping: military, medium and show. Each type serves its own function depending on how the dog will be used by the owner.

  1. Military Ear Cropping

    • Doberman puppies are born with floppy ears.

      Military ear crop is when the Doberman has shorter cut ears with a larger base. Puppies quickly heal from this procedure, so the surgery is considered easier as the ears do not take a long time to stand on their own. This procedure requires far less positioning than the other two methods.

    Medium Ear Cropping

    • Medium ear cropping leaves the ears a bit longer than the military crop, as well as leaving a narrower base. The surgical procedure takes longer to fully heal as the ears have to be positioned over time. Medium ear cropping is the most common among dog owners who purchase Dobermans with the sole intension of having them as pets and not show dogs.

    Show Ear Cropping

    • The name is misleading as all ear cropping methods are suited for showing a Doberman; in fact, Dobermans lacking ear cropping have also won competitions. Show ear cropping leaves the ear longer and the base wider. This means the ear needs to be trained to fully stand and takes much longer to heal. If the ear is not trained to fully stand over time, the procedure will lead to a floppy ear, so it is important for the owner to work with the dogs ears after the procedure.

    Ear Cropping Care

    • Dobermans usually have upright ears by six months of age

      Quality breeders will have the entire litter's ears cropped before adopting the puppies out. Doberman pups should have their ears cropped between seven and eight weeks after birth. Older pups develop cartilage in their ears that will inhibit the process and may result in injury. The procedure requires pups to be anesthetized and normally takes 30 minutes. Choose a qualified veterinarian with a long history of Doberman ear cropping to ensure quality of the crop. After the procedure, your pup's ears will be cupped. They must remain this way for seven to 10 days, and must remain clean and dry.

      A BFI powder may be applied to dry out the edges of the ear. Once the scabs heal, the ears can be taped. It can take 4 to 5 months for ears to stand upright, and most pups have upright ears by 6 months of age.