Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient
Crop, Dock, Dewclaw Removal, Bark Softening
Position Statement on Cropping and Docking: We strongly support the freedom of Doberman Pinscher breeders and owners to choose to procure the cropping of the ears, tail docking, and dew claw removal of their dogs to advance the purpose of the breed and breed standard, so long as the cropping of dogs’ ears is performed by a licensed veterinarian in the state in which the surgical procedure is conducted, or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian in states which allow that practice.
AKC Position Statement on Ear Cropping, Tail Docking and Dewclaw Removal: 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. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.
AKC Position Statement on Debarking (Bark Softening Surgery): Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog that barks excessively in its loving home rather than to be forced to surrender it to a shelter. Debarking should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian after other behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive barking have failed. As with other veterinary medical decisions, the decision to debark a dog is best left to individual owners and their veterinarians.
April 5, 2014: New article on calls to lift tail docking ban in Scotland, links to two studies just published which show benefit of tail docking as puppies to prevention of injuries in gundogs and working dogs as adults. (article as pdf)
Of note, the American Rottweiler Club in 2009 produced “Special Report: The Investigation and Analysis of the Veterinary Medical Literature Regarding Ear Cropping and Tail Docking” and an audit of AVMA 2008 policy to accompany their early letter of opposition. All three documents are at this link:
