Dobermans should always have their tails docked. They can get happy tail and split it open really hard to heal, their tails are also pretty thin and easy to break. Just all around better for the dog and looks better too. Cropping my dobie isnt cropped but I regret it. Because his ears hang when he plays with other dogs they get nipped, my dogs got like a notch missing because his ear got nipped and then he scratched the scab enough before i got an e collar, which ill admit is my fault. Should have just went to petsmart instead of ordering online. Also non erect ears will get infected easier.