I have worked with a lot of dogs at a summer job as a dog daycare attendant, and I got to experience all the different versions of different breeds, but I didn't realize how much we tailor our dogs to make them look how we want. In some cases, it's just unnecessary for the animal.

What really led me down the rabbit hole of how many different breeds we dock tails, crop ears, and remove dew claws is the Doberman Pinscher. With this breed, all of the above is done. Dobermans are known for their fierce look, but mainly because of their pointy ears.

But do you know there is a process to get the ears to stand up after cropping?

After undergoing surgery, which and lead to painful results if not properly performed, the ears must be taped. That's right, taped up with foam blocks to keep the ears erect. This process can last weeks, and even up to a year according to petcarerx.com. This process seems tedious, and something I personally won't go through one day because I do want to own this breed one day, but it depends on how you go about it. Selecting the right vet that will perform this is crucial. Otherwise, it could go wrong.

In the same article, it does describe the benefits of ear cropping, such as being able to hear more acutely and hygiene, but it comes down to whether or not you are going to show the dog. Owners want their dogs to win, so in order for them to win, and win big, they have to abide by certain standards.

In some cases it is beneficial, and dogs don't experience a lot of pain if it's done at an early age. As if certain breeds like Dobermans aren't huge and intimidating on their own, I don't think cropping is necessary in most cases. It could go wrong, and be even more costly, to owner and dog.

Now I am not saying showing your dog is wrong; I think it can be a fun sport for both owners and pets. It's just the idea behind tailoring a breed physically, by removing what they are born with. Spaying and neutering I understand, but cosmetic surgeries I have a hard time understanding, but the more I read, the more it depends on the breed and preference of the owner.

It's kind of like people in a way, all of us tailoring our looks to conform to a certain standard. Instead of putting our pets through it, love the body they are in, a lesson we could all use, but if you feel it could benefit the dog in some way because some parts dogs don't even need, like dew claws, which could be a nuisance rather than benefit.

Just treat your dog right, and do what you feel is safe and right for them. I know there has been a lot of controversy on this topic, and I'm on the fence when it comes to it sometimes, but there is evidence that it can be helpful, and harmful. Depending on your case and dog, do what you think is best for man's best friend.