Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/4/2006

Question
Hi. We are about to purchase a doberman puppy and have been reading up on ear cropping.  My question is- when is the best time to get her ears done?  My vet says 12 weeks and everything I read on doberman websites says that 6-9 weeks is the best time.  Can you give me a second opinion?  Thank you.

Answer
Ear cropping is better earlier, but vets don't want to do it until the puppy is fully immunized against parvovirus (12-16 weeks).  Often, when we trim a Dobe's ears very young, it is stressful enough to bring on parvo in a dog that is not fully protected.