Doberman - cropped and docked why? 

I live in the Netherlands and in our country it's against the law to crop the ears and dock the tail pure for cosmetic reasons... So my Dobermann pup has floppy ears and a very long tail... There can be made an exception on the tail but you have to proof that the dog is going to be "a working dog that can harm his tail during work". It's of course different if your dog has some kind of medical issues on his ears or tail but than you never get 2 nicely cropped ears that look the same. I think a Dobermann looks better when they are cropped but I can also understand why they have decided to forbid it. There where a lot of idiots that cropped the ears of their Pitbull, Stafford and other breeds themselves or it was done by someone who was not a vet, without anesthesia or a sterile surgery room, etc. No a days you rarely see a Dobermann anymore because of the law being changed.. I think that also proves that a lot of people had a Dobermann for its looks and not for the amazing breed that it is... You can of course still import a cropped dobermann but than you have to have a declaration that the dog was already cropped when you bought it and you had no knowledge that the dog was going to be cropped. You will also be prepared for a lot of people voicing their opinion and a lot of "training facilities" will ban you from entering puppy training etc because of the cropped ears..

Nice explanation. I’d add that tail docking is done around 3 days old by an experienced vet. No bone is cut and the procedure generally requires one stitch. We picked up our girl at 8 weeks, the day after her ears were cropped. She was lively and playful, tail completely healed.

I really appreciate this video. I had two red Dobermans. My female passed away April 2021, she was 9 years old and my male Doberman lost him Nov 2022, he was 15 years old. They both passed away from Wobblers Disease and both times the pain was terrible in my stomach. The pain was the same because I fell in love with the breeds and had a wonderful life with these two. Dobermans are the most intelligent breed I've ever owned. Very smart dogs and easy to train. You have to spend a lot of time with them, these breeds deserve time spent with because of their will to please. They love to work and please their owner. I won't get any other breed. I am thinking of getting another one sometime in the future. I think the next one that I get will be either another red ( I love the reds more) or a black one because I've never owned that color. Love, love, love the Doberman breed, definitely show stoppers.

Thank you, I always wondered about that and it, honestly, it was bugging me to see him in those ear bandages. Not in a bad way, I just felt bad thinking he was in some sort of discomfort/pain. Although I’d never publicly say it, I was concerned for his well-being. Even though I know you’d never hurt him. Please never stop these videos! The education they provide is priceless!

Yeah and it’s still cruel. Just cause it’s “supposed” to be done doesn’t mean it’s should. It’s harder for an animal to communicate when you cut their communication off. If I see a pitbull or a Doberman with cut ears and tail running at me, I’m gonna assume I need to run for my life. I don’t know what that dog is thinking, I cannot read it’s body language. But if they have their ears and tail, and I can understand that it just wants to be friends? I’m gonna crouch down and wait for it to get close so I can pet it. Cutting off their communication will just reinforce the stereotypes of these breeds being vicious and unpredictable hellhounds. Even if a dog is raised to be sweet and has an otherwise amazing owner, the cut ears and tail will keep on pushing the stereotype of these dogs being demons. Would you rather approach a sweet-looking Doberman with a wagging tail and floppy ears, or one with a cut tail and ears that you can’t tell is aggressive or not until you approach and ask? I may one day get a Doberman but that dog is going to be an animal that is loved by my family and protects us, not just some doll that we can cut parts off of to look “like a Doberman should”

Ok but why?- why can’t you just leave him as he was?! - I already knew all that, that tells me why YOU like it. It doesn’t tell me why it is necessary. As in it’s necessary to have them neutered as it prevents over breading of animals, meaning less strays on the street, and less animals going to abusive owners, it also helps to curb aggression. But WHY does he NEED to have his ears and tail messed with? From what your saying the clear answer is fashion.

What is the reason for the cropping though? Does it serve a purpose, other than looking good?

Both illegal in New Zealand. Dogs look better and stops it being done by backyard cowboys. Gross

The fact you won’t let the negativity take over other videos is awesome. That kind of thing always takes away from the real message, and generally just goes down a rabbit hole of arguing points that NO ONE is actually “getting”. Keep up the great work with Bruce, can’t wait to see more of his progress. He’s a beautiful and majestic pup, he’s going to be something else as an adult! 👍☮️

Illegal in Ireland. Revolting practise 🤮

Absolutely beautiful pups🕊️🤍

Cropping of ears is a breed standard with Dobermans and in one of his videos with Ruby he explains why Ruby’s ear were cropped too. I always thought cropping was a bad thing but I watched Charles and I understood why it gets done. Tail docking is done when they are about 2-3 days old and the cartridge isn’t developed meaning it is still very soft. It is a very quick procedure. A quick snip and a stitch and that is it. There are certain lengths the tails have to be once they are docked if you go by the breed standard. Bandaging I promise doesn’t hurt. As Charles explains it is simply because the cartilage in the ear isn’t developed. I used to work in the veterinary field so I have seen all these procedures done. I promise Bruce probably has forgotten by now that he even had it done ❤

Thank you for this video!!! I never knew how or why this was done, I am glad you addressed it for those of us who didn't know. I look forward to watching Bruce's progress, he is absolutely beautiful. I found Ruby once she was already trained, and loved everything about her.... but now special to watch just how it's done!

Originally Louis Doberman bred these dogs as guard dogs,alot of the reasons behind cropping and docking tails is so that no theif etc.has much to grab onto,no ears,no tail, Dobis Rock the world!

I'm well aware the dog is in no pain and of course an experienced vet does it, but wouldn't the dog act the exact same way without said procedures? It's only done because WE, humans, want it done & think it looks cool.

Thank you for explaining all this. My standard poodle’s tail tip was docked per standard practice by the breeder. I truly enjoy your videos and miss Ruby. Bruce is so handsome

My question is why is this done to doberman's? I've never understood the reason.

My dad actually would place styrofoam on our pups head and tape the ears up and tails were docked very young way before they left Mama I was little so I don't remember how young they actually were

I bet Ruby comes to play with Bruce! RIP Ruby!

Me personally chopping a dog ear is UNNECESSARY unless its for medical reasons like one ear is damaged from a fight or both are or if they got damaged somehow and it would cause more problems later on. Outside of them 2. Chopping is not a necessity.

On a totally unrelated note, I’m obsessed with that lamp in the background.

Thank you for explaining. I always thought it was hard on the dogs. So glad to know it’s not. 😀

Great information thank you

Doesn’t say why but the reason is vanity.

Don't come to sweden cuz its illegal to do it here 😄

Thank you for a great explanation! I absolutely love how you educate and teach. Oh and videos of Ruby and Bruce help too ❤️❤️❤️

Bruce is adorable❤ I understand why the ears of some dog breeds have been manipulated. It's my personal choice, if they were born with floppy ears, allow them to keep them. I love my Doberman Sally and her floppy ears👍♥

My parents did the exact same thing for our Warlock Doberman back the early 70s. Same with training the ears to stand. And was at the time when the "dangerous" dog of era was the doberman. I think Pitbulls were after the Doberman and then it was the Rottweilers turn. All just silly.

Bruce can’t replace the love you shared with Ruby but he fills the void and the love will grow. Beautiful young man, oh Bruce is pretty handsome too 🥰🥰

Genuine question. So does the cropping have like health beneficials as well? I know with some they crop them cuz they’ll get ear infections easier other wise. In the end it’s your dog and you do whats best for your dog😊

So is it for the dogs health or is it for show?

We had one when I was a kid! His name was snoopy!! I loved that doggo! He’s ears and tail were done also! Beautiful dog!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

You literally just exposed him to a greater risk of ear infections bro

I think he looks so cute with his antennas! 😆

Charles - there is a poem from Ruby in both e mail boxes.

The only people that are negative about cropping and docking or the animal activist. I've had Dobermans and we've cropped and had bought them their tails were already done as they do them at a few days old if I recall. Don't let the nay sayers in the haters ruin your love and respect for the Doberman breed. But thank you for clearing up all the myths for there are many people that do not understand. God bless and I enjoy watching your young new baby as he matures and grows into a fully mature Doberman. The training you are doing with him is awesome. At 4 months old his attention span is actually very good. God bless keep up the good work and keep the videos coming

I like the look but in my country it is not allowed anymore by law. Don''t know why but i have to say the dog looks strange with flappy ears and long tale. So over here in the Netherlands you just don;t see them anymore looking like bruce. I find it a shame but then again i don;t now nothing about it just how it looks. :-}

So yes, by your own description above, it is done for looks. I hope nobody ever cuts my ears off because it looks cool.

Thank you for educating us on this breed.

I appreciate your tutorials Mr.Lindsey. 😎

As a past doby owner, he said nothing that was false.

If i were to get a Doberman I would at least let him keep his tail. Gorgeous dog though!

Thanks for what you're doing to educate us on the Doberman ❤

wow 2 minute video and you gave 0 explanation on why it's done....impressive

Thank you for that information!

Thank you!

Love me some Bruce.

Excited to watch Brucey's show journey! He's such a good handsome boy ❤

Now wondering if Ruby and Bruce are from the same breeder. So beautiful!

Thanks Charles. Very informative 😊

I, thankfully, had some knowledge about the docking and cropping so it never bothered me. I had a Rottweiler and Boston Terrier with cropped tails and I thought it made them even more adorable. I must say you are an AWESOME dog daddy and trainer. I love watching you working with Bruce. He's come so far already! I'm looking forward to MANY more videos of both you handsome guys! Thank you Charles for sharing first Ruby and now Bruce with us! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Bruce is gorgeous. I think as long as it’s done in a safe clean space and it doesn’t hurt the puppy just like you say ❤

❤ Bruce is growing up fast. He is going to be big

People are uneducated and my dobies never were traumatized and even wrapping them was never limiting them at all. Stella and Bella played perfectly fine. Less chances of ear infections. Thank you! 🩷