When someone buys a Doberman from the AKC, are the ears and tail already cropped

AKC doesn't sell dogs.

The AKC doesn't sell dogs. The AKC is a registry, which documents pedigrees. Cropping and docking is done by the breeder's vet, at the choice of the breeder.

Nobody "buys a dog from the AKC". You buy a dog from a breeder who registers their dogs with the AKC. Whether the dog's ears are cropped and the tail is cropped is up to the breeder.

The AKC is a registration organization, not a pet shop. They do not sell dogs.

In the US, most Dobermans from responsible breeders will have the tail docked. This is done at 2-3 days of age to all pups in the litter.

The cropping can be your choice. If the breeder has matched you with a dog before the cropping takes place, they can not do the crop at your request.

My friend who breeds Boxers docks all the tails and leaves the ears uncropped unless you request them to be done by her vet. The decision is up to the buyer.

You don't buy dogs from AKC. AKC is a kennel club, it registers dogs and traces bloodlines and pedigrees. Any dog, AKC or not, will be cropped or docked at the discretion/preference of the breeder. Usually tails are docked in the first 1-3 days after birth, so unless you have arrangements with a breeder prior to the delivery, you'll have no choice on the tail being docked or not. Ears are generally done later, at 8-12 weeks, and are typically the new owner's responsibility.

The AKC is a dog registry. They register and guarantee pedigrees (breeding lines) and they organize and sponsor dog events. They do not sell dogs and they do not set breed conformation guidelines.

Uh, no, because the American Kennel Club does NOT sell dogs, they are a registry.

Some rescue dog's ears and tells are cropped especially in this economy sometimes people cant keep their dogs. I would try a doberman rescue group.