My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Surprisingly, we are still speaking about a practice that seems medieval. As you can see, the health benefits of ear clipping is a touchy subject where there’s always two sides to the story. But, the majority of those who go for ear cropping do so because it is aesthetically pleasing. The shortest out of all the styles, this type of crop lets the ear sit super close to the head. Here’s a breakdown of stances of different organizations and countries on pitbull ear cropping. Cropped Pitbull ears gives them a prick-eared similar to that of a wolf ear. 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. Ear cropping is banned in most parts of Europe as well as Australia. They oppose the practice until it is medically necessary and conducted by a licensed veterinarian. Connecticut, Maine, Illinois, Maryland, and New Hampshire all have strict regulations or completely ban the practice. 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. The process is carried out to keep the ears erect and in the best shape. Pitbulls specifically have many nerve endings in the cartilage. Popular breeds that often have their ears cropped include Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Schnauzers, Great Danes, Boston Terriers, and Pit Bull Terriers. The older the Pitbull, the thicker their ear cartilage gets, so they will experience more pain from the surgery than a puppy. Now, in the US, it's just for cosmetic reasons. Thankfully, this trend is gradually changing, with many mixed-breed or All-American dogs participating in dog shows. From the front, you can see that the ears create a pointed triangle shape. Plus, the dog must be under general anesthesia. Some people think that the ears of the dog will only stand up if they are cropped as the puppy. Even if the puppy is placed under anesthesia, the healing process will place a lot of stress on the animal as well as put them at risk for infections. Welcome to Bubbly Pet! 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. Brussels griffon 6. Prick ears stand up all on their own. I talk about the procedure in-depth, how much it costs, and the pros and cons of this common but unique practice. Prices for Pitbull ear cropping runs between $150 to $800. Yes, people cropped ears for pit fighting, but barely anyone does that. A dog with pointed cut ears and angular lines conjure a tougher, more ferocious appearance compared to a dog with floppy ears, which are often seen as friendlier, even cute. And even if true, the improvement in hearing wouldn’t be any better than a woman pulling her hair back behind her ears. Here’s another Pitbull showcasing the show crop. Ear cropping is a procedure by which a dog's ears are trimmed, or “cropped”, so that they can stand erect rather than flop over. Ear cropping is painful and considered inhumane by many, but it is still very much in practice. 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. If you show your dog, kennel clubs do not require dog’s ears to be cropped. While some would question this as an advantage, many would argue that getting an ear clip is good for your animal’s health. There are four general ear crop styles: the long crop, the battle crop, the show crop, and the short crop. According to those that believe in the practice, having Pitbull ears cropped will prevent ear infections. While floppy and natural ears are beautiful on their own, the cropped ear look goes well with the breed’s angular and blocky face. Schnauzers 8. 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. Breed Standards are one of the primary reasons for this surgery. This gorgeous Pittie sports the show crop style. 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. Photography. 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. Cropping is the removal of part or all of the external flaps of an animal's ear. Lv 6. This sensitivity may never heal in many puppies leading to continuous pain and discomfort through a dog’s life. If the ears are cut too short or too long, there’s a strong possibility it won’t remain upright after it heals. Health and medical benefits are only often a rouse for aesthetics. Up to2/3rd of the ear of some breeds, including Pitbulls’ is cropped off for aesthetic and other misinformed medical purposes. The American Veterinary Medical Association, for instance, strongly opposes such practices. We hope that the more you know about this painful procedure, the more you will see that the risks far outweigh any benefits. That's why I cropped my Doberman's ears. American Bully Dog Puppies Ear Crop After Care. It’s not just the actual procedure but the healing time that causes pain and stress. This surgery is called cosmetic otoplasty. However, I would strongly advise against it. Allan Vega. Rose ears and drop ears don't, but there are also variations like half-prick rose ears and half-prick drop ears. These are the show crop, long crop, battle crop, or short crop. 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. Pitbulls have a lot of nerve endings in their ears, causing their ears to become extremely sensitive to the touch post-surgery. It’s a sound argument, but this reasoning doesn’t sit well with some people, including the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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. Here’s a video explaining all the different ear cropping styles for Pitbulls. It was also believed that cropping could improve hearing in working dogs. 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. Ear crops are done between the ages of 7-12 weeks when the ear leather is soft, and there is no crease set in the ear. So, no, you are not required to have cropped ears on your animal when competing. For many animal rights activists and certain dog owners, getting clipped ears for your Pitbull is equal to animal cruelty. The only reasonable excuses left are personal dog owner’s choice and for looking at it as a standard for specific breeds. The process of ear cropping is done when the puppy is between the ages of eight and 12 weeks. Communication is a primary concern of animal activists for putting a stop to this practice. Red Nose Pitbull – Everything You Could Want to Know! But unfortunately, some still believe it does. 0:30 . They reasoned that erect ears allow sound waves an unobstructed path to the ear canal, improving hearing directly, allowing Pitbulls to be more aware of predators. Explore. As a veterinarian with 32 years of experience treating hundreds of thousands of dogs during that time, I cannot find medical justification for cropping a dog's pinnas (outer ear). Appealing to humans is more important than functionality. Some Pitbull owners believe cropped ears are necessary for the animal’s health while other owners think it’s a cruel practice that shouldn’t be done at all. 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. Apr 2, 2015 - i wana get my dogs ears cropped and iam not sure witch style..please give me your guy's ideas thanks . Some dog owners have lost their animals as a result of this complication. RECOMMENDED READING: Pocket Pitbull: Are These Mini-Sized Pitbulls Right for You? Throughout the healing period, the puppy would be required to wear an Elizabethan collar which is uncomfortable. For instance, a boxer is not accepted as a boxer if their ears are not cropped. Ahmdlqa07. My mission is to learn everything I can about pets and help other pet owners and lovers in the process. Of course, the shape varies from one pitbull to another. The dogfighting that required such painful procedures has long been illegal; still, the practice continues. Search for "dogs cropped ears" in these categories. The only reason why the surgery is recommended to be performed on a puppy is to prevent trauma and excessive pain. Some vets may recommend the bandages be placed only after the wounds have healed. The surgery takes only 30 to 45 minutes but the healing process will take about 10 to 14 days if there are no complications. Cropping of ear open them for insects and parasites and that invites infection or injuries. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Pets Magazine. Pitbull ear cropping is controversial because many see it as nothing but a cosmetic procedure with no valid benefits to the animal at all. You aren't going to find a reputable vet that will do that, its mutilation and only done by those intending to use their dog in fights. Soon after the surgery, the cropped ears are taped up to hold them in place. The RSPCA is warning people not to buy a dog with cropped ears. These include Australia, most Scandinavian countries, the UK, as well as New Zealand. Ear cropp. However, it is shaped to create an elongated design. There is no scientific evidence that if you clip a Pitbull’s ears, it helps with their hearing or provides protection against infections. If you are determined to push through with the ear clipping, make sure you are aware of what’s at stake as well as the commitment required from you during your animal’s healing process. This procedure is carried out on puppies between 7 to 12 weeks old, while the cartilage is still soft. Are There Health Benefits to Pitbull Clipped Ears? More and more organizations, vets, pet owners, and laws have taken steps to eliminate this practice,but a lot still needs to be done. There’s no age limit to when Pitbull ears should be cropped. 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. This is a popular procedure, performed not just on a Pitbull but also on other dog breeds. Baby Blue Nose Pitbull Puppies For Sale (Ears Cropped) ! With ear cropping, the pinna is removed so that the cartilage can have a more erect appearance. Doberman pinschers 2. Plus, their ears need to be taped a certain way to ensure the surgery results in erect ears. For instance, dogs move their ears slightly forward to signal that they are becoming alert or edgy. The only person that can answer this is you, the dog owner. It’s your decision whether cropping your Pitbull’s ears are worth it. Ear cropping has become a standard for specific breeds; generally, many believe that breeds should look a particular way to meet our expectations. The area is disinfected then wrapped up in bandages. Sometimes, it will take longer. The difference in both these cases is very insignificant. From the front, you can barely see the ears. Aside from possibly preventing ear infections, another health benefit cited by those who believe in ear cropping is that it helps improve hearing. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fUkaC3XHnE). Going through such a painful experience for weeks can be traumatic for many dogs. English. It’s been a tradition for many dog owners. 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. As this is a cosmetic surgery, there is no guarantee on the procedure. Ears were considered easy targets for the dog’s opponent. Thus, the argument is that by having the ears clipped, proper ventilation to the ears is provided which then keeps bacteria away. However, as of now, there’s no scientific proof this is true. They have rosebud shaped ears with an upward curl in, which is called the cartilage. 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. It looks great on a Pitbull. 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. The droopy ears might prevent sound waves from efficiently reaching the eardrums. Dog Lover's Digest is not a medical resource. It will never be likely to have an infection of its ears caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, or ticks. If you do decide to push through with the ear cropping, it’s your responsibility to look for a reliable and qualified veterinary surgeon that can perform the procedure safely as well as offer good support throughout the healing process. This first one is done on an adult Pitbull. Obviously this is an illegal and horrible practice that no one should participate in. In the end, the ball is in your court. During this time, the Pitbull will need to wear an ear rack or tape to help keep the ears upright and erect in place. It takes between 10 and 14 days for the cut ears to heal. It is not a mandatory practice and even if it’s done – it is a cosmetic surgery performed by a professional vet. It’s extremely painful and stressful for the animal. This cut looks similar to the short crop but even shorter. But, others should find the characteristics of pit bulls in them. She comes highly recommended by numerous dog owners.Address: 1301 57th St, W Birmingham AL 35228Phone: 205-925-0099Website: No website available The practice of ear cropping has been around since Roman times. I've got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years’ experience working in animal shelters and rescues. 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. The AKC official statement on the matter cites it as ‘acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and enhancing good health. Help us improve your search experience.Send feedback. This procedure is painful enough that the puppy is kept on painkillers for days. This blog is dedicated to anything and everything about pets, from their diets and exercise to traveling with pets and playtime! Across the world, several countries have an outright ban against ear cropping. The average price though is around $250. It’s a psychological reaction for most of us. 3,619 dogs cropped ears stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. If nature intended a pitbull to have cropped ears it would have been born like that. Dog ear cropping is usually done whenever the pup is 8 to 10 weeks old. Throughout the healing process, antibiotics and pain medication is given to the puppy to keep away infection. Currently, ear cropping is performed in more than 20 dog breeds. 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. Fortunately, because of the exposure and voicing of concerns against dog cropping, this practice is becoming less and less common. Try these curated collections. Common examples of dogs with cropped ears are Boston Terriers, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially dogs. This is a purely cosmetic change to the appearance of the dog, and has no health benefits. Beauceron 9. According to them, it is “integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health” of the animal. If the animal competes in a show, it gives them a good chance of winning where traditional looks and form are favored. It’s up to you to decide whether you should crop your dog’s ears or not. This is also known as Pitbull ear trimming or … Next. Many states in the US have attempted to ban ear-cropping but have met with strong opposition. EDIT: Clarification, ear cropping was used so guard dogs' ears cannot be easily grabbed onto. Scheduled follow-ups are also arranged to make sure the ear is healing according to the desired shape or crop style chosen by the owner. Cropping pitbull ears is the practice of surgically removing part of his ear to look erect. Normally, Pitbull’s ears are loose and floppy which prevents proper air ventilation. Pitbull's ears come in a few different types cropped is one of them those stand up and are small. 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. The problem with opting for this ear cut style though is it makes the dog more prone to infections. Photography Subjects. Like anything, I always advise that you do what is best for your dog. The long crop is a type of ear cut that leaves a huge portion of the ears intact. American Pitbull Terrier 10. 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. Dogs can become more aggressive or reclusive in light of this experience. Another common misconception was that cropping ears could limit the chances of infections in some breeds. 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. It comes after a celebrity dog breeder avoided jail for cutting puppies' ears to make them look "tougher". This surgical procedure is often done by a veterinarian on Pitbull puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old. RECOMMENDED READING: Pitbull Colors: 23 Coat Color Variations Explained (With Pictures). In this video I show Different ear cropping styles for Pitbulls, American Bully’s, Dobermans and Great Danes. 1000 Best Pitbull Names – For Boy & Girl Dogs. They form a more erect position with a little curl at the top. 28:02. This is a purely cosmetic procedure and in no way necessary for the general welfare of your dog. Art. Because of this, the risks of the surgery increase. Here’s an example of a brown Pitbull with long cropped ears. When a dog’s ears are cropped too long, the cartilage within pinna may be too thin to support the weight of the ear. Odwin Oddball. Anonymous. A good cropped ear from a great veterinarian can cost a lot of money, going upwards of $800. 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. 1 decade ago. It is also sometimes considered more uncomfortable than the surgery itself. Cropping -- cutting off the floppy part of a dog’s ear -- is usually performed on anesthetized dogs between 6 and 12 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. Healthwise, there are claims that clipping Pitbull ears will prevent ear infections and even allow the animal to hear better. My first suggestion to you is to leave its ears as it is and natural. Dogs use their ears to communicate with other dogs and their owners. Animals, just like humans, deal with trauma in different ways. Controversial as it might be, ear cropping is so ingrained in the tradition that Pitbulls and other breeds often look unrecognizable without clipped ears. When done right, the long crop provides a good balance between the dog’s face and the ears. Boxers 4. This opinion is completely not true. When ears are cropped, dogs lose their ability to signal their mood and intentions, robbing them of their full capacity to communicate. But despite being a common practice, ear cropping generates a lot of controversies. These archaic reasons have long since been disproven. Post-surgery, the ears are bandaged and sutured at the edges. The surgery starts with the puppy being placed under anesthesia. This amount should include anesthesia, the procedure itself, aftercare medication, and any follow-up visit. Apr 2, 2015 - i wana get my dogs ears cropped and iam not sure witch style..please give me your guy's ideas thanks. They do this to look more intimidating and reduce risk of injury. Welcome to the “Pit Bull Ear Club” This comes at no extra cost to you. 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. of 37. This includes the shape, and if the ears will stand. 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. Midfield Animal ClinicEar cropping surgeries are performed by Dr. Alley. In part this practice is done to conform to breed standards, and in part to make the dog look more imposing. 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. Ear cropping is normally done on puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. This cartilage is lifted a little at the folded flap giving them an inquisitive look. Miniature pinschers 3. If it’s this risky, then why does anyone do it in the first place? As discussed, it is an extremely unnecessary practice that is painful. If you’re contemplating ear clipping for your Pitbull, make sure to check this article. Instead of helping, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a danger to the animal’s health instead. It’s simply safer and more humane to take the animal to a registered veterinarian if you are dedicated to getting its ears cropped. Some people think it is a cruel practice, and some don’t. 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. The cut enhances the blocky head shape of the breed while giving them a more ferocious look. It allows a tiny amount of ear to poke out on the dog’s head. Others, like the American Humane Association, have mixed feelings. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. Great danes 7. Pitbulls have drop ears similar to those of Labradors and Greyhound. What’s more, there’s a chance the ear will lay flat instead of standing erect on top of the head. Pocket Pitbull: Are These Mini-Sized Pitbulls Right for You? Caucasian shepherd dog Your puppy does not have a wonderfull home. Because there’s no flap of skin covering the ears, sound travels directly to the eardrums, allowing the animal to hear better. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. People that engage in breeding bully pit bulls and raise them to take part in dog fighting get pit bull ear cropping done. 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. Taking the dog back to see the veterinarian is always recommended as well. They would also provide any medication the animal might need. Saved from gopitbull.com. If you bought the puppy before ear cropping, when you take your puppy to the Veterinarian, you should bring a picture of the length and shape of the ear crop you want. As proof, they cite that the German Shepherd is one of those breeds prone to ear infections, and they naturally have erect ears. Almost exclusively performed on dogs, it is an old practice that was once done for perceived health, practical or cosmetic reasons. Old dogma deemed ita necessary procedure on some breeds to protect them during fights, improve their hearing, and even prevent infections. Because cropping is usually done on puppies, there’s a possibility the puppy could have adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Cropped ears is a process in which the ears of certain breeds are transformed to look alert and erect. Both these procedures are done in Pitbulls when they puppies. 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. There could be a lot of arguments in favor of ear cropping for Pitbulls and other breeds and even animals, but it is a practice that’s against nature and should be avoided. Another similar surgical procedure is tail-docking in Pitbulls. This lack of ventilation traps a lot of moisture, resulting in ear infections. 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. 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. Dogfighting is illegal anyway, so any danger during combat is an unnecessary argument. I've been asked a couple of times by curious pet owners and dog enthusiasts about whether long-haired fluffy Corgis really exist. 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. On the whole cropped ears are less safe for the dog. We have more than 350 million images as of September 30, 2020. For Pitbulls, this aggressive look is one of the reasons why a lot of owners choose to have their ears clipped. 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. There’s no definitive scientific proof that cropped ears have any health benefits at all. Why Is Pitbull Ear Cropping Controversial? For me, it's to minimize me from cleaning my dog's ears all the time; when she had floppy ears, the inside was constantly dirty. This almost 40-minute surgery under full anesthesia incurs aweeks-long recovery process. Ears that are cropped too long, or too short, are less likely to stand erect. There are four types of Pitbull ear crop styles that owners can choose from. The ones who do get the most infections are poodles and spaniels, breeds whose ears typically aren't cropped anyway.