Cropping and Docking

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Ear cropping is a simple minor procedure removing the extra ear that is part of a man made mutation due to domestication and selective breeding. Ear cropping allows the ears to stand erect like all wild mammals ears do naturally. It is done 7-12 weeks of age and puppies are eating and playing immediately after waking up. A "natural" ear is a wolf type standing ear.

Ear cropping has been around for thousands of years. Erect ears eliminate the risk of hematoma, ear infection, cuts and other damage. Anyone claiming there is no medical preventative reason to crop hasn't had uncropped vs cropped dogs.

Dobermans have docked tails because in their undocked form the tail is thin, frail, easily damaged, high carried and are prone to "happy tail"  hitting walls and door frames. 

Beaucerons have thicker tails and are carried low like all herding breeds and have no issues. 

Posting is a simple method allowing the ear cartridge to form properly and ears to stand. It is no different than cosmetic braces on teeth that also must stay on with regular band changes to desired appearance and results. 

Braces must be kept dry! If you plan on swimming or washing the puppy take ears down and dry 100% before putting them back up. Braces should be changed every 5-10 days and whenever dirty. 

➡️We NEVER let our dogs ears go un braced for more than 10-15 mins for the first 3-4 months while re posting. After 3-4 months we let them down for 30-45 mins once a week.⬅️

Here is a link to one of our ear posting video with Bel.

https://www.facebook.com/VonKatzenstein/videos/1189655271443945/

We only use Dr. Midguarden in Wapakoneta, Ohio or Quail Wood veterinarian in Tifton,  Georgia. The whole litter is cropped at the same time. 

If you do not want to post for more than 3-4 months we recommend a "pet crop".  Putting the puppy at about 5-6 months old when finished.

If you want a longer crop more of a show type crop a "long crop" might be perfect. On average you post a "long crop" for 5-6 months.

If you want a show crop and posting ears for 6-9 months doesn't bother you, we will absolutely get you a show crop procedure.

➡️If you do not intend to post the puppies ears correctly or want a incorrect uncropped Doberman or Beauceron please look elsewhere for a puppy.⬅️

10 weeks old pet crop.

The same pet crop shown as a puppy above at 5 months 

9 weeks old Long crop not show crop.

Another long crop on Yara that would also be acceptable for show at 11 weeks old. Unless specified the puppy will get a pet crop. 

Balenciaga Von Katzenstein 

 crop 11 weeks 

The beaucerons will have two styles of crops. We do not put Doberman crops on this breed. The crop shown is 100% acceptable for show, work and pets, the only difference is about 1" longer.

Pictured is Sonja around 16 weeks old.

Another example of Beauceron crop on Remy 

✳Medium and large backer rod - Lowe's and Home Depot. Large backer rod can be cut in half to fit all ages.

Medium backer rod is used until about 18 weeks old. When the puppy gets bigger the large is needed.

✳Glue Torbot - Amazon, used after 9 weeks old.

✳Duct tape - dollar store or hardware store. Wrap around backer rod.

✳ 1"Paper tape  - CVS/Walgreens, Walmart etc. 

✳️ 1" Cloth tape only use for bridge.

This crop would also be acceptable for show 

Another example of a long 

Yara same puppy shown above 

Sadie 9 months old pet crop

Older picture of Balenciaga (Bel)