Not to get too off-topic, but as far as showing I thought the purpose was to demonstrate quality breeding and training, so a Doberman or any dog's natural ears and tail ought to be left as is imo, if the dog comes from a good line it will show either way -- except in cases as above when docking the tail can prevent it from being a medical issue down the line, I don't see why people do it. We had an Old English Sheepdog bred from Crufts champions (he himself was bloody useless, mind you - bandy legged and a bit dopey haha) and they'd docked his tail before we got him, too. I doubt we'd've taken the decision to have it done given the opportunity though...