Totally in agreement with you Labradork. I just can't see how it can be justified. Even if you like the look of cropped ears, is it really worth it?

My OH is mad on dobes and really wants one, having looked at both types and based JUST on the look (not taking into account the pain and legal aspects) i prefer the natural look. I just don't like the look of a cropped ear it makes the dog look silly and unfinished IMHO. I just don't think it adds anything to the look of the dog at all.

When we get a dobe it will be as nature intened . . .

As far as I am aware, unlike tail docking, ear cropping is purely for cosmetic reasons. Supporters have often said it also helps prevent ear mites and infections but I've certainly never seen anything evidence wise. I have to be honest, i do think some dogs can look magnificent with cropped ears but personally, it's not something I can justify being done to my dogs.
One of the saddest rescues I ever took on which I am sure I have posted on here about in the past was a 4 year old dobe whose owners had decided to try and crop its ears. Bearing in mind it would normally only be done at a few weeks old when the ears are soft. They had done it themselves with a pair of kitchen scissors and glued them with household super glue and no more nails and propped them with chopsticks and lolly sticks.
It was absolutely horriffice, the dog was in agony and despite the vets best efforts he is totally deaf in one ear. Thankfully he went on to lead a happy and loved life.

On a completely side note, has anyone actually got any information about when it was banned in England? I can't seem to find anything...

Dogs don't need this sort of tampering just because someone thinks it "looks magnificant".
Just leave the poor beggars how they were meant to be.

It is abusive and I get the feeling some of the pro-cropping people on here are enjoying being so blasé about it.

niffty or what

I have to confess to really liking the look. But I could never ever put a dog through that kind of surgery (or buy one from a breeder who had already done so) purely to satisfy my own tastes on looks.

I know what you mean, I guess its easy for me to like the look, but to put a dog through that is where I would draw the line,

but I still think it looks well niffty

I think it looks horrible. So unnatural; poor dog.

Absolutly stunning!!!

How about this one:

http://tera-zena.ru/img/IMG_2462-web.jpg

and this:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jZHHRfnq9F...t+Dane+dog.jpg