Ear Cropping

Are you considering having your dog’s ears cropped? Opinions vary greatly on this, with many seeing the procedure as a simple cosmetic procedure, and others deeming it unnecessary. We do offer the procedure here, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. A local Longwood, FL veterinarian offers some insight on this below.

When Did People Start Cropping Dogs’ Ears?

This practice has been around for some time. The Romans were known to crop dogs’ ears. They also docked tails, thinking that it would prevent the spread of rabies. (Needless to say, they were wrong on that count.)

Why Do People Crop Dogs’ Ears?

The reasoning has changed over time. Originally, dogs’ ears may have been cropped for many reasons. These vary a bit, depending on the type of dog and the specific job or duties Fido is meant to do.

As you may know, many of our canine pals were originally hunting dogs. The Brussels Griffon, a small, cuddly dog that was once used to hunt rats, is one of them. These pups often had their ears cropped to protect them from being bitten by their prey. As one can imagine, a rat bite could be a prime opportunity for infections. 

It was also common to crop the ears of hunting dogs to keep them from getting their ears caught and torn on thorns or brambles.

This was also once fairly standard practice for herding dogs, such as the Beauceron. Their ears were often cropped to keep them from getting injured in the process of defending livestock from predators.  (There may also have been a concern about protecting dogs from livestock themselves: many animals, such as horses, can and do bite.) This is also the case with the Central Asian Shepherd.

There are other reasons as well. Guard dogs’ ears were often cropped to make it hard for people to grab them by the ears. There was also a belief that this helped Fido hear better, though studies have not backed that up. 

Another reason was to reduce the risk of ear infection. As you may know, pups with droopy ears are often susceptible to infections.

Today, the most common reason is simple cosmetics.

What Dog Breeds Get Their Ears Cropped?

Twenty of the breeds on the AKC register commonly have their ears cropped. These include the Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, or Great Danes. Pit Bulls also often have cropped ears. 

When Should A Dog’s Ears Be Cropped?

The procedure is best done when Fido is still young. Typically, the surgery is performed when a pup is between 6 and 12 weeks of age. After that, the pup’s ears may already have started to droop. 

Is It Painful For Dogs To Have Their Ears Cropped?

In the old days, before we had anesthesia, cropping would have been fairly unpleasant for Fido. However, today the procedure is usually done under full anesthesia. Your canine pal will have pain medication to get him through the healing process. 

How Long Does It Take A Dog To Heal From Ear Cropping? 

This will vary a bit, depending on the pup’s size, age, and health, as well as the type of cropping done. Small pooches usually heal more quickly than big dogs. (This may be because there’s just not much to their ears, though the jury is still out on that.) Some pups may take as much as two months to completely heal. However, the ‘hump’ of healing usually takes about 7-10 days. Once Fido gets his stitches out, it gets a lot easier! 

However, even after that, you’ll need to be sure to properly tape and post your pet’s ears until they are standing up on their own. How long that will take depends on the crop style and Fido’s ear size and type. Ask your Longwood, FL veterinarian for more information. 

How Do I Care For My Dog As He Is Recovering From Ear Cropping?

Your Longwood, FL veterinarian will give you specific after-care instructions. This will include directions on things like administering pain meds, as well as anything you need to do as far as cleaning your pup’s ears or changing bandages. It’s important to follow these very carefully. 

As mentioned above, Fido will have pain medication. However, his ears will start to itch as they are healing, so he may naturally try to scratch or rub them. You’ll need to take steps to prevent this, as this could rip the stitches or cause an infection. 

As your pet is healing, you’ll also need to keep a close eye out for signs of infection, such as pus, bleeding, foul odors, fever, vomiting, and discoloration. Contact your Longwood, FL vet immediately if you notice any of these things. 

Are There Different Types Of Ear Cropping Styles?

Absolutely! There are several. 

Military/Pet Crop

This style gives Fido pretty short ears that are more wide than tall. It does not usually take very long to stand. 

Medium Crop

The medium crop is a little longer and has a little less of a base.

Show Crop

This is the longest ear crop available for Dobermans. It is a little narrower than the other two crops.

There are also a few crops that are commonly used on Miniature Pinschers. 

Tall Crop

This leaves much of the ear intact, giving Fido’s face an elongated appearance.

Short Crop

Short crops take more of the ear, leaving Fido with a wide base. These often heal more quickly than other styles, as it does not typically take very long for the ear to stand.

If you are considering getting your pet’s ears cropped, talk to your vet about the various options. You’ll want to factor in the final look, as well as healing time and any other pros or cons. 

Is Ear Cropping Cruel? 

As you may have read, there is a lot of controversy about ear cropping. The practice is even banned in some places. The thing to remember is that there can be benefits, particularly for guarding, herding, and hunting dogs. 

What it really comes down to is the care given during and after surgery. While it’s probably safe to say that operation day won’t be the best day your pet ever has, this is also true of spay/neuter surgery. With proper pain management, Fido may only feel mild discomfort. 

Also, keep in mind that dogs don’t think the way we do. They won’t be upset at the loss of their ears or the change in aesthetics. 

That said it’s also important to understand that sometimes people crop the ears of fighting dogs. This has led many people to conflate the two, while they are in fact quite separate. Dog fighting is abhorrent, and is not something we would ever condone. 

It’s just important to realize that many people like the look of cropped ears. Keep in mind that, if someone wants to go through the expense and care of seeing Fido through this procedure, that means they likely value their pooch, and plan to keep him and take good care of him. There’s a lot to be said for that! 

Is Ear Cropping Safe? 

Done properly, ear cropping is quite safe. That said, it’s crucial that you go to a good veterinarian. Never ever go to someone who isn’t licensed and experienced. Of course, as with any surgery, there is some risk of infection or complication. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about ear cropping? Are you considering having this procedure done? Contact us, your local Longwood, FL pet hospital, today!