Any Advice on Doberman Cropping?

Christian, there really isn't any need for your sarcastic response to Julie. You failed to do any research on the breed or buying a dog, so yeah, you are going to get taken to task a bit for that. Instead of getting defensive about it, take some time to head over to the http://www.dpca.org/ website and find a *responsible* breeder, not a backyard breeder/mill.

I know that one Dobe breeder on here crops her dogs before they go to new homes. I know others that leave it up to the buyer. If you find a responsible show breeder that leaves it up to you, you get her recommendations on a local vet that does a good job. If the breeder doesn't live nearby, then you contact the local Dobe club and get advice.

Show Dobes get a Dobe crop. There aren't multiple different kinds. You'll have to post, tape, and supplement, but you shouldn't have a problem with flopping ears past 6-8 months. It can be a long messy process, so you HAVE to commit.

Any vet who says you have to wait until 12 weeks should be avoided. Proper age is 7-12 weeks.

You can apply for a PAL number. Here's the link that tells you about it, and what he can complete in, but it certainly won't be conformation showing.

http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm

Ears are cropped between 8-12 weeks, and since you won't be showing him, you can choose what ever crop you want, but which ever Vet you choose, make sure they show you pictures of other Dobes they've cropped in the past, so you can see what the end results will be IF YOU keep up with the *posting* of the ears correctly. I was going to suggest that you go to the breeder referral of the DPCA and contact the breeders from your area to suggest a Vet to you, but that won't be of any help because you don't want a show crop anyway.

It's a darn shame that you bought your Dobe from a BACK YARD BREEDER. The CON Kennel Club is a SHAM registry. Good luck with your new puppy, but I wouldn't expect the best of health for him. Dobes can have a ton of health problems, and BACK YARD BREEDERS don't do genetic health testin.

CKC? Canadian KC or Continental KC? If its Canadian- yes. Canadian KC is the Canadian equivelient of AKC.

If its Continental KC, no.. Continental KC is a sham registry designed to put "papers" on dogs with questionable genetic backgrounds- your dog might not even be a purebred.

If you wanted a dog to show, then you should have taken more time to research and find a show quality dog.

If you are going to crop.. find a vet that is experienced with cropping this breed. Ask reputable breeders who they use. 12 weeks is the cut off age, because the cartilidge starts to set at that point.

ADDED

Sorry, you did not get a show dog then. Its just a pet, and may not even be a purebred. Cropping the ears would only be for vanity.

AAA Pet Services !

Dr. Thomann has been doing ears for 20 yrs , and guarentees all his work !

Best if done @ 10-12 weeks of age

www.aaapetservices.com

704.522.0677

CKC is the crappy worthless registery. You won't be able to show your dog in any other association for comfirmation. So leave the ears natural and don't be cropping them for cosemetic excuses.

Added - I hope you cancel your "purchase" now and go research legit breeders who have show dogs - you do realize you will be paying over $1,000 for a show dog.

I won't bash you with my negativity, but why do you want to crop his ears? I'm sure you have a reason beyond the merely aesthetic.

Sorry I can't directly help, but have you tried asking his breeder?