We brand our dogs for one reason...to keep the honest people honest.
I have a friend that uses the double horseshoe brand on the left ear "the one Duane is talking about" Anywho, he keeps 30ish hounds on a farm. The only one stolen, back in the day, was a friends bluetick that was branded on the hip in the ticks. Couldn't even see it unless you knew what to look for.
We brand ears, thats what works for us. We also mark our dogs in other spots.
I would just suggest putting a brand in a visible place that stands out....Wherever that spot is for you.
I would be interested in tattooing pups to keep litters straight and date of birth. I think it would keep alot of b.s. straight. Just never been around it.
Thanks for the comments, keep them commin.