What dog breeds need cropped ears?
The most common breeds that undergo ear cropping are: Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bully breeds, some Mastiff breeds, Kane-corso, Beauceron, Manchester terrier, Schnauzer and others. Many of us are accustomed to the sleek, clean lines of a Doberman or Great Dane with cropped ears; it's part of the desired look.
Ear cropping is an elective surgery currently implemented in approximately 20 dog breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, Schnauzers, and many others. This procedure involves the surgical removal of most or all of the flappy portion of the ear.
RSPCA dog welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines, says: Ear cropping is painful and completely unnecessary. Despite what some breeders will claim, cropping a dog's ears does not benefit them in any way.
Cropping -- cutting off the floppy part of a dog's ear -- is usually performed on anesthetized dogs between 6 and 12 weeks old. The ears are then taped to a hard surface for several weeks while they heal so they stay upright.
If you do decide that ear cropping is for your dog, the procedure can be quite costly. The price typically ranges between $150 to $600. But don't just choose your surgeon based on price alone. It is best to go to a reputable clinic to get your dog's ears cropped.
Cropping your Cane Corso's ears not only prevents injuries, but will also result in a healthier life for your dog by helping to prevent ear infections, repeated trips to the vet and antibiotic treatments for your dog.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that “ear-cropping and tail-docking are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection.
YOU DO NOT TRIM GERMAN SHEPHERD EARS TO MAKE THEM STAND!
German Shepherds ARE born with their ears down. They should have their ears up before they each 4-5 months of age. Some puppies have their ears up by 4 weeks of age.
The Doberman was a guard dog. Having ears stand upright allowed for increased hearing capabilities. This was an important feature for a watchdog. Today, ear cropping in Dobermans is usually done to comply with show standards or simply for the owner's personal preference.
It is still legal in some countries but the Government recently announced that it plans to restrict the importation of dogs with cropped ears and docked tails under the New Animal Welfare Bill.
Is it illegal to buy a dog with cropped ears?
Ear cropping is a painful process where a dog's outer ears are surgically altered or removed altogether to make them look more aggressive. The surgical procedure, which has been illegal in this country since 2006, can hinder their ability to communicate with other dogs and their owners.
How Is Ear Cropping Done? In order for the ears to heal in the desired upright precision after surgery, they must be “posted” to a hard surface and taped until completely healed. Bandages need to be changed weekly, typically. The entire process can last from 4-8 weeks.
The puppy will need to be seen/have it's ears posted every 2-7 days until the ears are standing; for Doberman Pinschers 6-10 weeks is the average time it takes for the ears to start to stand, with some individuals being posted beyond 6 months of age or more.
There's also a risk of the puppy catching an infection during the process. Some people claim there are health benefits to ear cropping, but these are simply not true. Ear cropping does not improve a dog's hearing or prevent ear infections.
Breed Standards
Surprisingly, the breed standard for the American Pitbull Terrier includes pricked, erect ears that are cropped. Many kennel clubs such as United Kennel Club and the British Kennel Club do not support this painful procedure.
Cropping Pitbull Ears. Pitbull ear cropping modifies the natural shape of the Pitbull's ears by removing part of the pinna so that the cartilage stands erect. This surgical procedure is only done on puppies, never on adult dogs. Puppies are typically between 9 and 12 weeks old when the procedure is performed.
How Much Does it Cost to Crop Pitbull Ears? Prices for Pitbull ear cropping runs between $150 to $800. It can go higher depending on the veterinarian. The average price though is around $250.
There are no true health benefits associated with the process of pitbull ear clipping. Owners have claimed that it leads to fewer ear infections and improved hearing, but there is no evidence to support these claims. There are no health benefits and plenty of health risks associated with ear cropping.
Conclusion. Overall, ear cropping is a matter of personal preference for you as the owner. While there are no proven medical benefits for the procedure, many dog owners — especially of pedigree Dobermans — prefer the altered appearances of the breed to the softer, more natural look.
The Doberman was a guard dog. Having ears stand upright allowed for increased hearing capabilities. This was an important feature for a watchdog. Today, ear cropping in Dobermans is usually done to comply with show standards or simply for the owner's personal preference.