It is worth asking ourselves whether the pain and risk of this unnecessary procedure are worth aesthetics that are for our benefit, not the dogs. Dog ear cropping is usually done whenever the pup is 8 to 10 weeks old. If you intend to get your dog’s ears cropped, it’s best to get it while they are between 8 and 12 weeks old. If the ears are cut too short or too long, there’s a strong possibility it won’t remain upright after it heals. Surprisingly, this procedure is not taught in veterinary schools, which means that vets performing this surgery learn about this on the job, increasing the risks associated with carrying out this procedure. Pets Magazine. Throughout the healing process, antibiotics and pain medication is given to the puppy to keep away infection. Some provinces in Canada have banned the practice, while in others, it is still permissible under strict guidelines. Some people think it is a cruel practice, and some don’t. Hygienic Ear: The ears of your Pitbull remain cleaner and healthier. And even if true, the improvement in hearing wouldn’t be any better than a woman pulling her hair back behind her ears. Animals, just like humans, deal with trauma in different ways. 1000 Best Pitbull Names – For Boy & Girl Dogs. 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. Because of this, the risks of the surgery increase. There’s no definitive scientific proof that cropped ears have any health benefits at all. Cropping is the removal of part or all of the external flaps of an animal's ear. According to those that believe in the practice, having Pitbull ears cropped will prevent ear infections. This type of Pitbull ear crop is considered a favorite among Pitbull owners because this ear cut style has one of the best chances of producing erect ears. Miniature pinschers 3. But unfortunately, some still believe it does. It’s your decision whether cropping your Pitbull’s ears are worth it. While floppy and natural ears are beautiful on their own, the cropped ear look goes well with the breed’s angular and blocky face. There needs to be a lot of awareness regarding the pain and risks of ear cropping and to educate pet owners and the general public about the needlessness of this practice for medical purposes. Pitbull Puppies.. Ear cropping is banned in most parts of Europe as well as Australia. However, it is shaped to create an elongated design. Search for "dogs cropped ears" in these categories. Photography. Here’s the second one on a puppy. Below are two examples of battle crops. There are multiple reasons and misinformation that has led to this inhumane practice. This is a popular procedure, performed not just on a Pitbull but also on other dog breeds. It will never be likely to have an infection of its ears caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, or ticks. Are Pitbulls with Cropped Ears Considered More Aggressive? Baby Blue Nose Pitbull Puppies For Sale (Ears Cropped) ! Doberman pinschers 2. The Advantages of Ear Cropping! Rose ears and drop ears don't, but there are also variations like half-prick rose ears and half-prick drop ears. Prices for Pitbull ear cropping runs between $150 to $800. Ears that are cropped too long, or too short, are less likely to stand erect. Ear cropping is a type of cosmetic surgery performed on Pitbull puppies where a part of the ears are cut and shaped so they stand erect. There is no scientific evidence that if you clip a Pitbull’s ears, it helps with their hearing or provides protection against infections. This is also known as Pitbull ear trimming or … According to them, a predisposition to ear infection is determined by breed, not by erect ears. As this is a cosmetic surgery, there is no guarantee on the procedure. Throughout the healing period, the puppy would be required to wear an Elizabethan collar which is uncomfortable. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The answer to this is tricky because some believe ear cropping has health benefits, while others say it’s purely a cosmetic procedure with no health benefits to the animal at all. This type of cut leaves the ears still pointed but it’s not as long as the long crop. It can go higher depending on the veterinarian. Thankfully, this trend is gradually changing, with many mixed-breed or All-American dogs participating in dog shows. I've been working with many breeds of dogs exclusively for over 17 years. This sensitivity may never heal in many puppies leading to continuous pain and discomfort through a dog’s life. It’s a psychological reaction for most of us. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. That's why I cropped my Doberman's ears. This cartilage is lifted a little at the folded flap giving them an inquisitive look. Ear cropping is a type of cosmetic surgery performed on Pitbull puppies where a part of the ears are cut and shaped so they stand erect. If you’re contemplating ear clipping for your Pitbull, make sure to check this article. The surgery starts with the puppy being placed under anesthesia. Try these curated collections. Dogs with their ears cropped are often considered aggressive and dangerous because, for the longest time, it was a sign of a dog that had trained for fighting. There are some popular dog breeds that have their ears cropped as part of their “look.” The breeds include Boxers, Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers, Boston Terriers, Great Danes, and Pit Bull Terriers. It is also sometimes considered more uncomfortable than the surgery itself. Common examples of dogs with cropped ears are Boston Terriers, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Photography Subjects. This cut looks similar to the short crop but even shorter. When the ears are cropped, these nerve endings become more sensitive. American Bully Dog Puppies Ear Crop After Care. Here’s a breakdown of stances of different organizations and countries on pitbull ear cropping. The only person that can answer this is you, the dog owner. Schnauzers 8. The argument against the risk of infection of improved hearing is invalidated. For one, anesthesia is required to ensure your dog doesn’t endure extreme pain during the process. They would also provide any medication the animal might need. But they continue to get a lot of backlash for their support. But according to a report published in FETCH, 80 percent of dogs don’t get ear infections, and more to the point, the shape of the ear is in no way a contributing factor. American Pitbull Terrier 10. Lv 6. 1 decade ago. The AKC official statement on the matter cites it as ‘acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and enhancing good health. There are four general ear crop styles: the long crop, the battle crop, the show crop, and the short crop. During this time, the Pitbull will need to wear an ear rack or tape to help keep the ears upright and erect in place. If you show your dog, kennel clubs do not require dog’s ears to be cropped. Brussels griffon 6. This is a purely cosmetic procedure and in no way necessary for the general welfare of your dog. More and more organizations, vets, pet owners, and laws have taken steps to eliminate this practice,but a lot still needs to be done. The Process – How Are Pitbull Ears Cropped? The RSPCA is warning people not to buy a dog with cropped ears. Cropped ears is a process in which the ears of certain breeds are transformed to look alert and erect. It’s a sound argument, but this reasoning doesn’t sit well with some people, including the American Veterinary Medical Association. Cropping of ear open them for insects and parasites and that invites infection or injuries. This procedure is painful enough that the puppy is kept on painkillers for days. Sometimes, it will take longer. Fortunately, because of the exposure and voicing of concerns against dog cropping, this practice is becoming less and less common. Beauceron 9. Great danes 7. What’s more, there’s a chance the ear will lay flat instead of standing erect on top of the head. The short crop is the chosen cut for most American Bully owners because the ear cut style goes well with the wide head of the breed. So, no, you are not required to have cropped ears on your animal when competing. Some dog owners have lost their animals as a result of this complication. It might help if you talk about the pros and cons with a reliable breeder or with a trusted veterinarian so you understand what is involved. Of course, the shape varies from one pitbull to another. Old dogma deemed ita necessary procedure on some breeds to protect them during fights, improve their hearing, and even prevent infections. As you can see, the health benefits of ear clipping is a touchy subject where there’s always two sides to the story. When done right, the long crop provides a good balance between the dog’s face and the ears. There are a lot of reasons why owners or even breeders would choose to crop their Pitbulls ears. There are four types of Pitbull ear crop styles that owners can choose from. Popular Ear Crop Styles for Bully Breeds Apart from American Bulldogs and Pitbulls, some other breeds that often sport the cropped ear style include Boxers Doberman Pinschers Great Danes and Boston Terriers. Depending on where you live and what the laws are in your area against ear cropping, it is possible to crop Pitbull’s ears yourself. Cane corso 12. Dogfighting is illegal anyway, so any danger during combat is an unnecessary argument. RECOMMENDED READING: Pocket Pitbull: Are These Mini-Sized Pitbulls Right for You? From the front, you can barely see the ears. There are no apparent benefits of cropping a Pitbull’s ears. There’s no age limit to when Pitbull ears should be cropped. 0:06. But despite being a common practice, ear cropping generates a lot of controversies. We hope that the more you know about this painful procedure, the more you will see that the risks far outweigh any benefits. Boxers 4. There is very little evidence to prove this. A Pitbull with cropped ears looks more ferocious and aggressive, leading to a more distorted image of a breed that already has a pretty bad reputation for aggression. Usually, the procedure is done when the puppy is about eight to twelve weeks old, and the ear cartilage is not fully developed. However, there are a handful of states that have strict guidelines against the procedure. It’s extremely painful and stressful for the animal. Red Nose Pitbull – Everything You Could Want to Know! Healthwise, there are claims that clipping Pitbull ears will prevent ear infections and even allow the animal to hear better. EDIT: Clarification, ear cropping was used so guard dogs' ears cannot be easily grabbed onto. This procedure is carried out on puppies between 7 to 12 weeks old, while the cartilage is still soft. It’s important to understand that just because you’re paying a higher price for the surgery doesn’t mean it will turn out better. Like anything, I always advise that you do what is best for your dog. Back then, the Romans would cut off a portion of the dog’s ears to prevent it from being ripped apart during hunting, fighting, or battle. If the animal competes in a show, it gives them a good chance of winning where traditional looks and form are favored. The process is carried out to keep the ears erect and in the best shape. Plus, their ears need to be taped a certain way to ensure the surgery results in erect ears. Ear cropping is normally done on puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old. Obviously this is an illegal and horrible practice that no one should participate in. Cropping pitbull ears is the practice of surgically removing part of his ear to look erect. It takes between 10 and 14 days for the cut ears to heal. If you’re trying to make a decision, I’ve created quick pros and cons comparison to help you assess whether ear cropping is right for you and your animal. Dogs can become more aggressive or reclusive in light of this experience. It’s no different when you’re deciding to get your Pitbull ears cropped. Many pet owners who want to participate in dog shows and contests are forced to get this procedure done to ‘meet standards’ and increase their chances of winning. Pros of Getting My Pitbull’s Ears Cropped Because ear cropping is mostly cosmetic, the biggest argument FOR getting your dog’s ears cropped is for the look. I would suggest doing your own research about the health benefits to determine whether the procedure will be worth it, healthwise, for your animal. Caucasian shepherd dog There are also owners who like the shape of the ears when it’s level with the top of the head instead of flopping on the sides because it makes the dog look more aggressive and ferocious. A good cropped ear from a great veterinarian can cost a lot of money, going upwards of $800. Welcome to Bubbly Pet! Boston terriers 5. Thus, the argument is that by having the ears clipped, proper ventilation to the ears is provided which then keeps bacteria away. This includes the shape, and if the ears will stand. link to Warlock Doberman: Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions, link to Fluffy Corgi: All You Need to Know About the Long-Haired Corgi, Pitbull Colors: 23 Coat Color Variations Explained (With Pictures). Communication is a primary concern of animal activists for putting a stop to this practice. Even so, a slight touch or bump could trigger pain in those nerve endings. This gorgeous Pittie sports the show crop style. The process can only be done by a licensed veterinarian and only if the owner is dedicated to the pet’s post-op with any aftercare that is needed. Some vets may recommend the bandages be placed only after the wounds have healed. For Pitbulls, this aggressive look is one of the reasons why a lot of owners choose to have their ears clipped. Aside from possibly preventing ear infections, another health benefit cited by those who believe in ear cropping is that it helps improve hearing. This unquestioned mindset leads to dog-owners believing that this procedure is necessary for their pet’s interests, instead of their own. Up to2/3rd  of the ear of some breeds, including Pitbulls’ is cropped off for aesthetic and other misinformed medical purposes. This practice is not just popular with Pitbulls but also with several other breeds, including Dobermans, Schnauzers, Great Danes, Cane Corsos, and Boxers, among others. Some will say it’s a personal preference, others might cite health reasons or some people would say because it’s considered a breed standard. I talk about the procedure in-depth, how much it costs, and the pros and cons of this common but unique practice. Here’s an example of a brown Pitbull with long cropped ears. All prices and ratings on this site may change and those considered valid are displayed on Chewy/Amazon, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GDCon6HGZw, Dog Ear Cropping the pros and cons of Ear Cropping? Puppies are typically between 9 and 12 weeks old when the procedure is … Pitbulls have a lot of nerve endings in their ears, causing their ears to become extremely sensitive to the touch post-surgery. Across the world, several countries have an outright ban against ear cropping. Why would you even want your pitbull's ears cropped? The bit bull ear cropping raises ears and does that job. Pitbull ear cropping involves cutting the floppy part of the ears, called the pinna, with the goal of having the ears stand erect once it heals. Here’s another Pitbull showcasing the show crop. It’s simply safer and more humane to take the animal to a registered veterinarian if you are dedicated to getting its ears cropped. Both these procedures are done in Pitbulls when they puppies. This comes at no extra cost to you. Normally, Pitbull’s ears are loose and floppy which prevents proper air ventilation. In fact, the ears of the dog will stand up regardless of when they are cropped. The older the Pitbull, the thicker their ear cartilage gets, so they will experience more pain from the surgery than a puppy. Fortunately, because of awareness and campaigns, there is a gradual decline in this practice all around the world, but a lot more needs to be done. Truth is, the procedure can be done on the animal at any age. My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially dogs. Read [ Cropping for Scrapbooks (Scrapbooking) [ CROPPING FOR SCRAPBOOKS (SCRAPBOOKING) ] By. We have more than 350 million images as of September 30, 2020. This is a purely cosmetic change to the appearance of the dog, and has no health benefits. This surgical procedure is often done by a veterinarian on Pitbull puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old. It’s been a tradition for many dog owners. Because cropping is usually done on puppies, there’s a possibility the puppy could have adverse reactions to the anesthesia. I would recommend that you take your time researching the procedure and decide whether the pain of the surgery and meticulous healing process is something you would be willing to put your puppy through. For many animal rights activists and certain dog owners, getting clipped ears for your Pitbull is equal to animal cruelty. The fact is that ear infections are common in all sorts of breeds, whether they have cropped ears or not. 0:30 . of 37. The dogfighting that required such painful procedures has long been illegal; still, the practice continues. 1 decade ago. Dogs use their ears to communicate with other dogs and their owners. Another common misconception was that cropping ears could limit the chances of infections in some breeds. Warlock Doberman: Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions. Pocket Pitbull: Are These Mini-Sized Pitbulls Right for You? Those against the ear cropping practice counter that some of the best guard dogs, like the Rottweiler, have floppy ears and can hear just fine without an ear crop. Surprisingly, we are still speaking about a practice that seems medieval. Is Pitbull Ear Cropping Needed to Compete in Shows? Post-surgery, the ears are bandaged and sutured at the edges. Well, we set the standards. In the United States, yes, Pitbull ear cropping is legal. All the misconceptions have been debunked; now, it is just a matter of spreading awareness against this hurtful practice that has led many dog owners to believe that it is necessary for their pet’s interests. Afterward, measurements are taken based on the chosen crop style and the parts to be cut off are marked. It appears to be the working dogs and traditional fighting dogs that usually are expected to have their ears cropped. Pit bull breeders often crop the dogs’ ears when they are puppies to conform with show dog standard but this may be being phased out, and many pitbulls sport their original floppy ears. If you do it yourself, there’s a possibility the procedure could result in unnecessary pain or worse, the wound could develop infections that might put the dog’s life in danger. Owners can opt to have their puppy stay in the hospital for the duration of the healing or bring them home right after the procedure. American Staffordshire Terrier 11. If you’ve had a pitbull for some time, you are probably familiar with the fact that pitbulls often get ear infections. From the front, you can see that the ears create a pointed triangle shape. This type of cut is the middle-version of the battle crop and show crop. Organic Cropping Systems for Vegetable Production: Crop Nutrition and Environmental Effects. When a dog’s ears are cropped too long, the cartilage within pinna may be too thin to support the weight of the ear. My name is John Carter. Doing this surgery after the puppy is more than 12 weeks old proposes more serious threats and a lot more pain and a longer recovery process. Pitbull ear cropping is controversial because many see it as nothing but a cosmetic procedure with no valid benefits to the animal at all. How Much Does it Cost to Crop Pitbull Ears? Unfortunately, yes. The practice of ear cropping has been around since Roman times. It comes after a celebrity dog breeder avoided jail for cutting puppies' ears to make them look "tougher". The droopy ears might prevent sound waves from efficiently reaching the eardrums. If the owners choose to bring the puppy home after surgery, the veterinarian will usually give detailed instructions on what they need to do to care for the surgery site. Another layer that adds to the controversy is that prominent kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) stand by the practice saying it is a part of the tradition. Since it takes weeks and sometimes even months for the ear to fully recover, the ear remains prone to infection. According to them, it is “integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health”  of the animal. These archaic reasons have long since been disproven. It is not a mandatory practice and even if it’s done – it is a cosmetic surgery performed by a professional vet. Cropping -- cutting off the floppy part of a dog’s ear -- is usually performed on anesthetized dogs between 6 and 12 weeks old. Pitbulls with prick ears have NEVER had their ears altered. If nature intended a pitbull to have cropped ears it would have been born like that. However, I would strongly advise against it. Controversial as it might be, ear cropping is so ingrained in the tradition that Pitbulls and other breeds often look unrecognizable without clipped ears. Midfield Animal ClinicEar cropping surgeries are performed by Dr. Alley. Health and medical benefits are only often a rouse for aesthetics. It looks great on a Pitbull. It is interesting how it is expected of some breeds to have their ears cropped and look a certain way but if other breeds, say a beagle, had its ears cropped then a majority of people would think it was cruel and unnecessary. It was also believed that cropping could improve hearing in working dogs. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure that is done purely for cosmetic reasons and your pitbull puppy does not benefit from it in any way. Examples of dog breeds with cropped ears include the following: 1. The problem with opting for this ear cut style though is it makes the dog more prone to infections. It’s up to you to decide whether you should crop your dog’s ears or not. Unfortunately, some people are not aware of the pain and consequences involved in the procedure. A Warlock Doberman is associated with an image of an oversized Doberman and the term is popularly used by backyard breeders. My mission is to learn everything I can about pets and help other pet owners and lovers in the process. This first one is done on an adult Pitbull. Therefore, it is very important to be more informed before you get a Pitbull or if you’re considering the ear cropping surgery for your pet. There are several after-crop-postings from the cup, to Vet Wrap, to foam. The average price though is around $250. But, others should find the characteristics of pit bulls in them. Ear cropp. One thing common between all dogs is the pinna,the flap on the ear that consists of the cartilage covered with smooth skin. The only reason why the surgery is recommended to be performed on a puppy is to prevent trauma and excessive pain. Saved from gopitbull.com. This practice is not just popular with Pitbulls but also with several other breeds, including Dobermans, Schnauzers, Great Danes, Cane Corsos, and Boxers, among others. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Popular breeds that often have their ears cropped include Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Schnauzers, Great Danes, Boston Terriers, and Pit Bull Terriers. Appealing to humans is more important than functionality. I've been asked a couple of times by curious pet owners and dog enthusiasts about whether long-haired fluffy Corgis really exist. But, the majority of those who go for ear cropping do so because it is aesthetically pleasing. It was believed that dogs with floppy ears have higher chances of infections since they retain more moisture and, as a result, were more prone to infection. 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