Many dog breed standards in the United States allow for cropping, docking and dew claw removal – Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Standard Schnauzers, German Pinschers and about 20 others. The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. These breed characteristics are procedures performed to insure the safety of dogs that on a daily basis perform heroic roles with Homeland Security, serve in the U.S. Military and at Police Departments protecting tens of thousands of communities throughout our nation as well as competing in the field. Nov 26, 2008

I have spoken to owners of other cropped breeds, it is popular opinion that many drop eared, short coated dogs can develop Pinnal (ear margin) Vasculitis when their ears are not cropped.  This is commonly known as ear splitting. The experience I had with a natural eared male German Pinscher that around 9 months of age started shaking his head, and when he did blood would spurt from small tears in his ears. Eventually, it got so bad that he had permanent notches in both ears. Veterinarians in the US are not accustomed to this malady. The cause of this inflammation is believed to be a result of the body’s abnormal immune response to the rabies vaccination. From my experience, ear cropping is not a purely cosmetic procedure. My dogs are cropped under anesthesia, but it is increasingly difficult to find a vet who is skilled, trained and willing to complete the procedure due to Animal Welfare groups and their influence on the AMVA.

2012 POLICY Reaffirmation of the 2008 policy recommended by the Animal Welfare Committee and approved by the AVMA Executive Board.

The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America offers mentoring and training for veterinarians who want to learn the art of ear cropping.

Ear cropping is not allowed in many European and Scandinavian countries. I have traced Pinnal Vasculitis to at least two bloodlines being actively bred in my breed. I feel that if the other continents do not crop or dock they should be responsibly breeding dogs with perfect natural ears.

Other breeders who champion ear cropping state that it stops ear infections (Canine Otitis Externa) and hematomas. A onetime surgery performed under anesthesia is much less detrimental to your dog than a lifetime of injury and pain.