Ear Cropping in Dogs
What Is Ear Cropping in Dogs?
Ear cropping in dogs refers to surgically cutting away the outer ear (pinna) to alter its shape. This is typically done with scissors or a sharp blade. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the tissue may be closed with sutures or surgical glue. In some dogs, the remaining tissue is then positioned with tape and bandages to encourage the appearance of a pointed ear. In others, nearly the entire outer ear is removed.
Cropping is usually performed on puppies who are 6–12 weeks old because it allows for further development of the ear after surgery. It’s also believed that older animals suffer more from the pain of the procedure. While a procedure such as this should only ever be performed by a licensed veterinarian under general anesthesia, it’s not unheard of for unscrupulous breeders to crop ears at home without pain control.
Common Breeds with Cropped Ears
Ear cropping is most commonly performed to achieve a specific appearance and is extremely uncommon in mixed-breed dogs. The breeds that typically exhibit cropped ears include:
Doberman Pinschers
Great Danes
Mastiffs
Pit Bull Terriers
Doberman and Great Dane ears are generally left long and pointed while the “Bully” breeds will frequently have very little of their outer ear left.
Are There Any Benefits to Ear Cropping a Dog?
Historical Context
Historically, ear cropping in some breeds was used to reduce injury in dogs expected to live a violent lifestyle. Dogs used in dogfighting and bear baiting (both now-illegal sports) were cropped to keep the opponent from grabbing onto a long pinna. Dogs who were used for protection had their ears cropped to create a more aggressive appearance.
Medical Myths
While some claim that cropped ears are medically beneficial (such as to avoid ear infections and injuries), there’s no evidence to support this. There is also a myth that cropping a dog’s ears helps with hearing, but the pinna is extremely important for hearing acuity in mammals, so it’s more likely that the reverse is true.
Should I Crop My Dog’s Ears?
Risks and Complications
Anesthetic and post-operative complications from ear cropping—especially when not performed by a veterinarian—are well documented. Normal post-operative pain and/or complications such as infection during the time when a puppy is most impressionable (8–10 weeks of age) can negatively (and permanently) affect how a puppy interacts with their environment and family.
Communication Impairment
Puppies and adult dogs use their ears for communication. Though in-depth studies have not been performed, it is suspected that ear cropping can actually hinder inter-dog and dog-human communication, resulting in fear and anxiety behaviors. This negative result has been documented in a closely related procedure: tail docking.
Veterinary Opposition
Due to the risks and lack of clear medical benefits, veterinary groups including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association actively oppose the practice. Ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom, and the Royal Kennel Club will not allow cropped dogs to be shown in their rings.
FAQs About Ear Cropping in Dogs
Q: What is ear cropping in dogs?A: Ear cropping refers to surgically cutting away the outer ear (pinna) to alter the ear’s shape, usually done on puppies aged 6–12 weeks.
Q: Are there any benefits to ear cropping?A: There are no proven health benefits to ear cropping. It is a purely cosmetic procedure with no medical advantages.
Q: Why was ear cropping historically performed?A: Historically, ear cropping was used to reduce injury in dogs expected to live a violent lifestyle and to create a more aggressive appearance in protection dogs.
Q: What are the risks of ear cropping?A: Risks include anesthetic and post-operative complications, pain, infection, and potential long-term effects on communication and behavior.
Q: Should I crop my dog’s ears?A: Due to the risks and lack of medical benefits, it is not recommended to crop your dog's ears. Many veterinary groups and countries oppose the practice.
Q: Is ear cropping legal?A: Ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom and other countries. In the U.S., the practice is discouraged by major veterinary organizations.
Conclusion
Ear cropping is a purely aesthetic procedure and offers no medical benefit to dogs. The risks associated with ear cropping, including anesthetic complications, post-operative pain, and potential long-term behavioral issues, far outweigh any perceived advantages. Pet parents and breeders are encouraged to prioritize the welfare of dogs and avoid this unnecessary procedure.
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