Fact ... the Dobe is not a converted sheep herder or cattle dog but the only breed that was created specifically to defend man. To enhance its ability to be the victor in direct contact with evil doers, it evolved into a short coated dog to eliminate the hand holds the longer coated dogs afforded the human aggressor. For agility, it was squared meaning it is as long as it is high. And finally, its ears and tail were shortened to eliminate the 'handles.' Thus from its early introduction, the reason for cropping has never been cosmetic as some think but a true enhancement of its capabilities as a protector of life and property. So when you hear negative comments crop up (excuse the pun), referring to the ban on ear cropping in England, as proof that cropping is cruel or inhumane, note that this ban began before the Dobe existed; in fact before anesthesia existed, a time when cutting off anything meant agonizing pain for the victim--a.k.a. patient. Today, with excellent timed anesthesia at the hands of an equally excellent surgeon, a pup can be cropped at 9 a.m. and by noon be ready for lunch.