Quote Originally Posted by cyber-sibes
Hello again. I know I already posted my support for this to be your decision, but I wanted to add to the "do cropped ears look more intimidating" debate.
I would say YES. When my husky puppy was in obedience classes, another very large breed dog (it was either a mastiff or a pyrenees) kept snarling & snapping & trying to grab her. The trainer explained that some dogs "interpret" perk (upright) ears to be a sign of aggression, so they respond more aggressively to dogs with standing ears. So, at least to another dog, she will look more aggressive. I think that with cropped ears, boxers/dobies look more "alert", you can see those ears swivel and lay back, in my opinion they just convey the dog's stance a little more clearly than flop ears. But, like mentioned, it's her teeth that will be getting the criminal's attention!
I just want to pop in and agree with you. Cropped ears DO make a dog look more intimidating (whether you want to admit it or not) because perked ears show signs of alarm and intent focus. Subliminally, when you see a dog with upright, perked ears and sharp eyefocus, you will think twice before approaching this particular dog. This is one of the reasons why Giselle is intimidated by perk-eared dogs herself. She never approaches GSDs.

Tim, once again, hope your puppy recovers quickly and thanks to you for staying so civil about this.