Cropped/Docked or Natural?
- Thread starter sillysally
- Start date
I like dobes with cropped ears (why does that seem to be the consensus here? lol), but I would not do it unless the dog came to me that way.
Otherwise I prefer natural. But as far as tails go, I've never (personally) seen a natural tail on a breed that is traditionally docked.
But I'm not disappointed that Juno can not damage me with her tail lol.
Otherwise I prefer natural. But as far as tails go, I've never (personally) seen a natural tail on a breed that is traditionally docked.
But I'm not disappointed that Juno can not damage me with her tail lol.
I like the natural look in pretty much all dogs except dobes. I'm not sure why dobes are the exception but they look a lot more elegant cropped/docked.
The only breed I'm really interested in that is cropped and docked usually, I much prefer left natural- that would be pyr sheps. They look much nicer to me left natural.
I really dislike short docked tails in general. I don't mind the docks that some sporting type breeds get like GSPs, Weims, etc (would still rather a full tail though). But the Aussie or Rottie type dock, I do not like at all. I also really really prefer beaucerons not to be cropped.
Overall I wouldn't crop or dock any dog I got. I just really don't like it to be honest.
The only breed I'm really interested in that is cropped and docked usually, I much prefer left natural- that would be pyr sheps. They look much nicer to me left natural.
I really dislike short docked tails in general. I don't mind the docks that some sporting type breeds get like GSPs, Weims, etc (would still rather a full tail though). But the Aussie or Rottie type dock, I do not like at all. I also really really prefer beaucerons not to be cropped.
Overall I wouldn't crop or dock any dog I got. I just really don't like it to be honest.
LOL here's why Dobes seem to be the exception..... 
But in all seriousness, I support GOOD cropping. As in, cropping done by vets who really know what they're doing, and their crops are works of art. Anything less, and it's just not worth it. I'm the first person to tell someone NOT to crop if it's obvious they're not going to have their puppy cropped by one of the "masters."
I do like cropped danes and boxers, but I also love natural eared danes and boxers. ike Classic... his crop makes me drool! No problem with docked tails on most traditionally docked breeds, but I do like full tailed Entlebuchers.
But in all seriousness, I support GOOD cropping. As in, cropping done by vets who really know what they're doing, and their crops are works of art. Anything less, and it's just not worth it. I'm the first person to tell someone NOT to crop if it's obvious they're not going to have their puppy cropped by one of the "masters."
I do like cropped danes and boxers, but I also love natural eared danes and boxers. ike Classic... his crop makes me drool! No problem with docked tails on most traditionally docked breeds, but I do like full tailed Entlebuchers.
Agreed.
I prefer cropping on the breeds that are generally cropped, like Dobes, Danes, Boxers, Schnauzers, etc. I think Dobes with natural ears look like Hounds. I have an Am Staff who is cropped. I also have two mutts who have natural ears; I like the look of both. Sako was cropped because he shows conformation and it's very rare to see an Am Staff with natural ears. I love how his crop looks.. and if y'all would've seen his ears as a pup, you'd probably understand why I chose to crop vs. risking his show career on bad ears.
As for docking, same thing with cropping. To me, Boxers, Rotties, Dobes, Schnauzers, etc. shouldn't have tails. Rotties with tails.. meh.. they don't look like Rotties to me. And Boxer's with tails? No LOL. Docking is SO much less "hard" on them than cropping; it's done at 3 days old, it's not a big deal.
I prefer cropping on the breeds that are generally cropped, like Dobes, Danes, Boxers, Schnauzers, etc. I think Dobes with natural ears look like Hounds. I have an Am Staff who is cropped. I also have two mutts who have natural ears; I like the look of both. Sako was cropped because he shows conformation and it's very rare to see an Am Staff with natural ears. I love how his crop looks.. and if y'all would've seen his ears as a pup, you'd probably understand why I chose to crop vs. risking his show career on bad ears.
As for docking, same thing with cropping. To me, Boxers, Rotties, Dobes, Schnauzers, etc. shouldn't have tails. Rotties with tails.. meh.. they don't look like Rotties to me. And Boxer's with tails? No LOL. Docking is SO much less "hard" on them than cropping; it's done at 3 days old, it's not a big deal.
I actually prefer the natural looking. I think Dobes are adorable with natural ears and tails. Same for Danes. I honestly do not like Pits that are cropped and/or docked.
And as much as I used to like Cockers way back in the day, I do like them natural as well. I am not sure if I would like any of the other breeds natural. I'd have to see a side by side comparison of a cropped and natural dog. Some breeds I think are just more beautiful without having it done. But I support those who do crop and dock - I am not against it at all
And as much as I used to like Cockers way back in the day, I do like them natural as well. I am not sure if I would like any of the other breeds natural. I'd have to see a side by side comparison of a cropped and natural dog. Some breeds I think are just more beautiful without having it done. But I support those who do crop and dock - I am not against it at all
I don't know a lot about the dogs that require docking, but seeing puppies yip and squeel as it's being done makes my tummy upset.
Aesthetically though...
I like crops on...
Danes
Dobermans
I DON'T like crops on...
Boxers
APBT/AmStaffs
Miniature Pinschers
Miniature Schnauzer
I will say, Cane Corsos look way fiercer cropped.
Aesthetically though...
I like crops on...
Danes
Dobermans
I DON'T like crops on...
Boxers
APBT/AmStaffs
Miniature Pinschers
Miniature Schnauzer
I will say, Cane Corsos look way fiercer cropped.
Oh, now seriously, is there any possible way Sako could EVER look less than perfect?
They were BAD. Only pup in the litter whose ears looked like that, go figure. I had considered leaving them natural but when she texted me a picture of him at 8wks. I was like "OMG".. because #1, I cannot stand full prick ears ("bat" ears) on Bully breeds, and #2, I wasn't about to be a total newbie in the show ring with a dog with wonky ears LOL. I'm so happy I had them cropped.. he has a sister that didn't get hers done and her ears are so whacky, they really detract from how pretty she is.
LOL, you asked for it..
They were BAD. Only pup in the litter whose ears looked like that, go figure. I had considered leaving them natural but when she texted me a picture of him at 8wks. I was like "OMG".. because #1, I cannot stand full prick ears ("bat" ears) on Bully breeds, and #2, I wasn't about to be a total newbie in the show ring with a dog with wonky ears LOL. I'm so happy I had them cropped.. he has a sister that didn't get hers done and her ears are so whacky, they really detract from how pretty she is.
They were BAD. Only pup in the litter whose ears looked like that, go figure. I had considered leaving them natural but when she texted me a picture of him at 8wks. I was like "OMG".. because #1, I cannot stand full prick ears ("bat" ears) on Bully breeds, and #2, I wasn't about to be a total newbie in the show ring with a dog with wonky ears LOL. I'm so happy I had them cropped.. he has a sister that didn't get hers done and her ears are so whacky, they really detract from how pretty she is.
Aww poor little Sako w/the wonky ears. They would surely detract from his normally serious demeanor.
Funny that this has been brought up; my gf and I were talking over lunch about crops/docks. She owns a Beauceron and thinks they look ridiculous with ears. She and I agree; we'd prefer the battle crop on all breeds; Dobes and GDs too.
Dobes with battle crops can be found in historical books; they look just as stunning as they do with long show crops. GDs with battle crops; I think the closest you could see would be; German mastiffs and “Danish dogs” Retrieverman's Weblog -- still a stunning dog.
With the Boerboel; there is as much acceptance for long tails as there are docked.
With the Rat Terrier; the Bobtail, and docked tail are preferred over the natural tail. However a breeder that I'm facebook friends with has stated she will leave her current litter with tails; and that has been her intent; there are a number of Rat Terrier breeders who are friends with her who are eager to see what type of tails they have and how well they do in show competition. Since the Rat Terrier isn't a go to ground terrier; it probably wouldn't make much performance difference in a negative way; and I can only imagine it would make a beneficial difference with them left on. We are eager to see if her puppies are shown and place well.
Dobes with battle crops can be found in historical books; they look just as stunning as they do with long show crops. GDs with battle crops; I think the closest you could see would be; German mastiffs and “Danish dogs” Retrieverman's Weblog -- still a stunning dog.
With the Boerboel; there is as much acceptance for long tails as there are docked.
With the Rat Terrier; the Bobtail, and docked tail are preferred over the natural tail. However a breeder that I'm facebook friends with has stated she will leave her current litter with tails; and that has been her intent; there are a number of Rat Terrier breeders who are friends with her who are eager to see what type of tails they have and how well they do in show competition. Since the Rat Terrier isn't a go to ground terrier; it probably wouldn't make much performance difference in a negative way; and I can only imagine it would make a beneficial difference with them left on. We are eager to see if her puppies are shown and place well.
