The $1,200 Decision Every Doberman Breeder Faces (And Why Europe Banned It)
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Every Doberman breeder faces the same $1,200 choice: crop at 8 weeks or go natural. Here's what my years of imports taught me about making the right call.
What to Expect This Issue:
The political strategy behind Germany's cropping ban (and why it's not about animal welfare)
Why docking at 8 weeks costs 6x more—but prevents $500 corrective surgeries
The neutering study that forced a public apology (and what it means for your breeding program)
My 16-year position on natural vs. cropped Dobermans
Reading time: 3 minutes
The Doberman Dilemma
When I imported my first European Doberman 16 years ago, I faced a choice that would define my breeding philosophy: natural ears or the traditional cropped look that Frederick Doberman himself designed for intimidation.
Today, that same decision costs $900-$1,200 per puppy and carries more controversy than ever. But here's what 16+ years in this game has taught me about ear cropping, tail docking, and why the debate isn't as simple as "abuse" versus "tradition."
“Germany essentially said "this is our breed, follow our rules“
Why Germany Started the Ban (And What They're Not Telling You)
The European cropping ban didn't happen overnight. It started in Germany—the Doberman's birthplace—and spread through the EU systematically.
Here's the real strategy: opponents spent years placing anti-cropping advocates in FCI (European kennel club) leadership positions. Once they had enough power, they pushed out pro-cropping voices and passed the ban.
The irony? Germany essentially said "this is our breed, follow our rules" without explicitly claiming ownership. Meanwhile, Serbia and Russia still allow both procedures.
What this means for US breeders: Understanding this political maneuvering helps you frame conversations with clients who think cropping is universally condemned. It's not medical consensus—it's lobbying.
The 8-Week Window That Changes Everything
Most American breeders dock tails at 5-7 days old with minimal anesthesia. The Europeans taught me why that's a mistake.
When you dock at less than a week, mothers lick the wound open. The result? Exposed nubs, hair loss, and corrective surgeries that cost $300-500 down the line.
The European method: Wait until 8 weeks and do ears + tail simultaneously. Yes, it's more expensive ($1,200 vs. $200), and yes, it requires cracking bone with a hammer. But the tail heals correctly with proper skin overlap.
What Bitko charges: $900-$1,200 for 8-week docking in Riverside. He does solid work. Just bring cash.
Pro tip: If you're cropping, never go past 4 months. Finding vets who'll guarantee good post-posting results after that age is nearly impossible.
The Three Crop Styles You Need to Know
There's battle crop (very low)
short crop
medium show crop
long show crop
I prefer medium to long—it's all about head size and structure.
Europeans do an S-cut where the ear edge has a slight curl. It's clean. Americans typically go straight.
My philosophy: If importing a dog over 4 months with natural ears, the male must have proper head size, bone structure, and width to carry them. Otherwise, they look like hound mixes—especially with tails on.
I'll accept natural ears on the right dog. I will never accept tails on Dobermans.
The Neutering Lie That's Killing Dogs
Here's something that'll make veterinarians uncomfortable: the woman who popularized dog neutering in Arizona publicly apologized after studies showed 90% of neutered dogs developed cancer.
When you remove testicles or ovaries, you're stripping the body of hormones that serve a biological purpose. The body declines. Energy drops. Disease susceptibility increases.
Real example: My ex-wife spayed our female. She went from active to couch-bound within months. Her health declined across the board.
My position: If you don't want to breed, don't breed. But don't neuter. The kidney donor analogy applies—doctors worry most about the healthy person losing an organ, not the recipient gaining one.
“The debate isn’t about cruelty… It’s about preserving breed standards while respecting those who choose differently.“
Where I Stand
After 15 years breeding Dobermans, I prefer cropped ears and docked tails. It's the iconic look Frederick Doberman created for intimidation and function.
But I'll accept natural ears if the male has the proper head—square, wide, with correct bone structure.
What I won't accept? Tails on Dobermans. They ruin the silhouette.
The debate isn't about cruelty—properly done procedures cause minimal pain, and recovery is managed with medication and cone protocols. It's about preserving breed standards while respecting those who choose differently.
Bottom line: Whether you crop, dock, or go natural, make decisions based on breed function, client education, and proper surgical techniques—not Twitter outrage from people who've never owned a working dog.
Interested in Mentorship?
Want to build your kennel the right way from day one?
I'm launching a Mentorship Program for breeders—whether you're starting from scratch or scaling an existing operation. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly options available. Affordable. Opening early sign-ups. Can only take on a limited amount.
Interested? Comment "MENTOR" below or DM me for details.
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