Ear cropping in Dobermans originally served practical purposes. It basically helps their hearing as guard dogs. Today, it's mainly done for cosmetic reasons to align with the breed's standard appearance. Many veterinarians and animal advocates view ear cropping as inhumane. Some countries have banned the procedure, which is often performed on puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks. Healing can be painful, and many international bodies and the Doggywala team oppose this practice.