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Getting unsolicited opinions about your dog on the internet? It’s expected but as helpful as your toddler’s parenting advice. Getting trolled by someone whose entire dog is a designer creation? That’s irony at its finest.
There’s a TikTok where Maverick the Doberman and his mom address some concerning comments they’ve received; specifically controversial comments about Maverick’s cropped ears.
The caption maintains, “Mavs fed up too. He’s perfect just the way he is 😭 I don’t hate Doodles, by the way, but if we wanna talk about ethics..”
Mom explains what transpired: “Someone comes and comments on my page, ‘Why do your dog’s ears look like that? That’s so unethical.’ And then I go to their page, and they have a Doodle.”
Maverick’s listening to all this. When he hears his mama say, “a Doodle,” his head tilts in the most chalant way ever.
The internet immediately had opinions.
“Anyone else hear the Doberman’s entire half of the conversation?” wrote a fan who could hear Maverick’s silent commentary.
“‘Talkin’ bout me, and you got a dang Doodle?'” translated what his face was saying.
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“He really said ‘Mind yo business, doodle bug!!!!'”captured Maverick’s energy perfectly.
“The slap of the phone by the Doberman is hilarious 😂” because apparently, Maverick had a physical reaction to the entire situation.
“He looks flabbergasted 😂,” that head tilt said everything.
Because here’s the thing: someone’s calling out ear cropping as unethical while having a dog that was literally designer-created by mixing breeds to meet human aesthetic and lifestyle preferences. That’s the exact and real irony Maverick’s mom is calling attention to.
Doberman Ear Cropping Is a Cosmetic Choice With No Medical Benefits
Let’s be clear about what ear cropping actually is: it’s an elective cosmetic procedure. There’s no medical reason to do it. Ear cropping doesn’t improve hearing, doesn’t prevent infections, and in no way makes a Doberman a better dog.
Natural Doberman ears are soft and folded, hanging close to their face. The cropped, upright ears people associate with the breed? That requires surgery when the puppy is young, then weeks or months of taping and posting to train the ears to stand.
Some people feel strongly that the cropped ears are an essential part of the breed’s traditional appearance. Other dog lovers feel equally strongly that putting a puppy through elective surgery isn’t necessary, and some consider it to be cruel. Both positions exist, and the debate’s ongoing.
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Currently, the American Veterinary Medical Association opposes cosmetic ear cropping. Many countries have banned the practice altogether. However, in the U.S., it’s legal but becoming less common as fewer vets feel comfortable or are willing to perform the elective surgery.
Here’s what matters: whether Maverick’s ears are cropped or natural doesn’t change who he is or his temperament and personality. His loyalty, intelligence, and personality—none of that relates to his ears.
The irony and audacity of getting ethics lectures from someone with a designer dog created specifically for human preferences? Maverick’s head tilt captured that perfectly.
He’s perfect just the way he is: cropped ears and all.
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.