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This is something that cannot be just dismissed with one sweeping statement.
Take the example of the Dobermann. There is a reason for the tail to be docked and the ears to be cropped. First, the main purpose of a Dobermann is to be a personal bodyguard. So it's bred specifically for that purpose. The tail is docked to prevent someone grabbing its tail. I have not really seen anyone stopping a dog by grabbing its tail but it's possible that at the time the Dobermann was bred, grabbing a dog's tail is a standard way of controlling a dog. The ears are docked to improved its hearing. This is quite obvious. The Dobermann, naturally, has very large and very floppy ears.
As to the pain and suffering caused by docking and cropping, this is a question of choosing the right person to do it. And doing it at the right time. Tails can be docked not long after birth. Ear docking is definitely a much more tricky operation. However, if your life depends on your Dobermann being able to detect even the slightest sound, then it's worth it.
Having said that, I am totally against tail docking and ear cropping for show purposes. Yes, I know that some people pierce their own ears and noses and ears to look different but that's their personal choice. I am very sure that if the dogs were given a choice, they would prefer their tails and ears as nature meant them to be.
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