Anonymous. Throughout the healing period, the puppy would be required to wear an Elizabethan collar which is uncomfortable. 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. Next. We have more than 350 million images as of September 30, 2020. 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. 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. Some parts of Canada, like British Columbia, also deem the practice as illegal. 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. It’s been a tradition for many dog owners. 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. Instead of helping, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a danger to the animal’s health instead. 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. Ear cropp. 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. If you show your dog, kennel clubs do not require dog’s ears to be cropped. 28:02. 3 3. They would also provide any medication the animal might need. More and more veterinarians are becoming opposed to this practice and refuse to conduct ear cropping surgeries when requested. Cropping is the removal of part or all of the external flaps of an animal's ear. Appealing to humans is more important than functionality. Doberman pinschers 2. Currently, ear cropping is performed in more than 20 dog breeds. Because cropping is usually done on puppies, there’s a possibility the puppy could have adverse reactions to the anesthesia. When ears are cropped, dogs lose their ability to signal their mood and intentions, robbing them of their full capacity to communicate. The practice of ear cropping has been around since Roman times. The ones who do get the most infections are poodles and spaniels, breeds whose ears typically aren't cropped anyway. The droopy ears might prevent sound waves from efficiently reaching the eardrums. Ear cropping has become a standard for specific breeds; generally, many believe that breeds should look a particular way to meet our expectations. Pitbull Puppies.. St Bernard Pitbull mix – Everything You Need to Know! Doing it later would also minimize the chances of keeping the ears erect post-surgery. It was also believed that cropping could improve hearing in working dogs. Old dogma deemed ita necessary procedure on some breeds to protect them during fights, improve their hearing, and even prevent infections. The fact is that ear infections are common in all sorts of breeds, whether they have cropped ears or not. Cropping -- cutting off the floppy part of a dog’s ear -- is usually performed on anesthetized dogs between 6 and 12 weeks old. 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. of 37. Here’s an example of a brown Pitbull with long cropped ears. Prices for Pitbull ear cropping runs between $150 to $800. Some Pitbulls may have firmer ears, while others may have floppier ears. These include Australia, most Scandinavian countries, the UK, as well as New Zealand. 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. 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. 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. It’s extremely painful and stressful for the 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. Beauceron 9. Common examples of dogs with cropped ears are Boston Terriers, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Cropped or cut ears are often considered the breed standard, not just in Pitbulls but also in other breeds. Fortunately, because of the exposure and voicing of concerns against dog cropping, this practice is becoming less and less common. This gorgeous Pittie sports the show crop style. English. This type of cut is the middle-version of the battle crop and show crop. In the United States, yes, Pitbull ear cropping is legal. I've got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years’ experience working in animal shelters and rescues. However, as of now, there’s no scientific proof this is true. This procedure is carried out on puppies between 7 to 12 weeks old, while the cartilage is still soft. For many animal rights activists and certain dog owners, getting clipped ears for your Pitbull is equal to animal cruelty. It’s simply safer and more humane to take the animal to a registered veterinarian if you are dedicated to getting its ears cropped. According to those that believe in the practice, having Pitbull ears cropped will prevent ear infections. The RSPCA is warning people not to buy a dog with cropped ears. A Warlock Doberman is associated with an image of an oversized Doberman and the term is popularly used by backyard breeders. She comes highly recommended by numerous dog owners.Address: 1301 57th St, W Birmingham AL 35228Phone: 205-925-0099Website: No website available It’s up to you to decide whether you should crop your dog’s ears or not. The ears are taped to make them more upright. In part this practice is done to conform to breed standards, and in part to make the dog look more imposing. According to them, a predisposition to ear infection is determined by breed, not by erect ears. Some people think that the ears of the dog will only stand up if they are cropped as the puppy. Ear cropping is normally done on puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old. The only reasonable excuses left are personal dog owner’s choice and for looking at it as a standard for specific breeds. From the front, you can barely see the ears. 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. Unfortunately, this could be very painful and discomforting for your Pitbull. It’s a sound argument, but this reasoning doesn’t sit well with some people, including the American Veterinary Medical Association. Pitbull ear clipping is a painful surgery. Of course, the shape varies from one pitbull to another. 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? Brussels griffon 6. Yes, people cropped ears for pit fighting, but barely anyone does that. Almost exclusively performed on dogs, it is an old practice that was once done for perceived health, practical or cosmetic reasons. This type of cut leaves the ears still pointed but it’s not as long as the long crop. It comes after a celebrity dog breeder avoided jail for cutting puppies' ears to make them look "tougher". It’s your decision whether cropping your Pitbull’s ears are worth it. Cropping the ears is just for looks, showing, although I have heard that sometimes cropping is recommend for certain health issues. 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. Because there’s no flap of skin covering the ears, sound travels directly to the eardrums, allowing the animal to hear better. The Advantages of Ear Cropping! 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. On the whole cropped ears are less safe for the dog. This first one is done on an adult Pitbull. There are no apparent benefits of cropping a Pitbull’s ears. 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 blog is dedicated to anything and everything about pets, from their diets and exercise to traveling with pets and playtime! While some would question this as an advantage, many would argue that getting an ear clip is good for your animal’s health. Welcome to the “Pit Bull Ear Club” These are the show crop, long crop, battle crop, or short crop. These archaic reasons have long since been disproven. The American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Clubs permit the practice of ear cropping. Here’s a breakdown of stances of different organizations and countries on pitbull ear cropping. 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. Taking the dog back to see the veterinarian is always recommended as well. From the front, you can see that the ears create a pointed triangle shape. 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. Midfield Animal ClinicEar cropping surgeries are performed by Dr. Alley. This opinion is completely not true. The process of ear cropping is done when the puppy is between the ages of eight and 12 weeks. Odwin Oddball. As this is a cosmetic surgery, there is no guarantee on the procedure. of 37. Read [ Cropping for Scrapbooks (Scrapbooking) [ CROPPING FOR SCRAPBOOKS (SCRAPBOOKING) ] By. American Pitbull Terrier 10. Up to2/3rd  of the ear of some breeds, including Pitbulls’ is cropped off for aesthetic and other misinformed medical purposes. 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). Surprisingly, we are still speaking about a practice that seems medieval. If you’re contemplating ear clipping for your Pitbull, make sure to check this article. 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). 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. 3,619 dogs cropped ears stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. Since it takes weeks and sometimes even months for the ear to fully recover, the ear remains prone to infection. Another similar surgical procedure is tail-docking in Pitbulls. 1000 Best Pitbull Names – For Boy & Girl Dogs. Dogfighting is illegal anyway, so any danger during combat is an unnecessary argument. Now, in the US, it's just for cosmetic reasons. Here’s a video explaining all the different ear cropping styles for Pitbulls. There are four types of Pitbull ear crop styles that owners can choose from. Baby Blue Nose Pitbull Puppies For Sale (Ears Cropped) ! Owners usually pick a style they like ahead of time. 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. One thing common between all dogs is the pinna,the flap on the ear that consists of the cartilage covered with smooth skin. This unquestioned mindset leads to dog-owners believing that this procedure is necessary for their pet’s interests, instead of their own. Pitbulls have drop ears similar to those of Labradors and Greyhound. The older the Pitbull, the thicker their ear cartilage gets, so they will experience more pain from the surgery than a puppy. This procedure is painful enough that the puppy is kept on painkillers for days. 0 2. 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. This is a popular procedure, performed not just on a Pitbull but also on other dog breeds. See dogs cropped ears stock video clips. Health and medical benefits are only often a rouse for aesthetics. For instance, a boxer is not accepted as a boxer if their ears are not cropped. There is very little evidence to prove this. They have rosebud shaped ears with an upward curl in, which is called the cartilage. Don't disregard advice from a vet. During this time, the Pitbull will need to wear an ear rack or tape to help keep the ears upright and erect in place. Pitbulls have a lot of nerve endings in their ears, causing their ears to become extremely sensitive to the touch post-surgery. Both these procedures are done in Pitbulls when they puppies. 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. Photography Subjects. Controversial as it might be, ear cropping is so ingrained in the tradition that Pitbulls and other breeds often look unrecognizable without clipped ears. Since dog-fighting is illegal in most parts of the world, it is beyond understanding why the practice is still prevalent in breeds that once took part in hunting animals or fighting. Ears flopping around during a dog fight can be easily bitten and torn off. Pitbull ear cropping is controversial because many see it as nothing but a cosmetic procedure with no valid benefits to the animal at all. Help us improve your search experience.Send feedback. 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. What’s more, there’s a chance the ear will lay flat instead of standing erect on top of the head. The veterinarian will make the cuts needed, double-check it is exact, and once done, the wounds are stitched up to heal. Ear cropping is painful and considered inhumane by many, but it is still very much in practice. There are multiple reasons and misinformation that has led to this inhumane practice. There are other breeds that get there ears cropped such as boxers, great danes, doobee's, other bully breeds, etc. Plus, the dog must be under general anesthesia. But before you make up your mind, you should consider the reason against it: The surgery required for this procedure is not learned in veterinary schools, which means that many vets performing this surgery have learned on the job without the aid of qualified teaching. But they continue to get a lot of backlash for their support. 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. When a dog’s ears are cropped too short, they are more likely to lay flat on the dog’s head. It takes between 10 and 14 days for the cut ears to heal. 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. The process is carried out to keep the ears erect and in the best shape. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GDCon6HGZw), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fUkaC3XHnE, Ear cropping styles for Pitbulls! 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 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. They form a more erect position with a little curl at the top. Puppies are typically between 9 and 12 weeks old when the procedure is … (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fUkaC3XHnE). Plus, their ears need to be taped a certain way to ensure the surgery results in erect ears. The difference in both these cases is very insignificant. Others, like the American Humane Association, have mixed feelings. Warlock Doberman: Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions. Dog Lover's Digest is not a medical resource. The long crop is a type of ear cut that leaves a huge portion of the ears intact. Pocket Pitbull: Are These Mini-Sized Pitbulls Right for You? People that engage in breeding bully pit bulls and raise them to take part in dog fighting get pit bull ear cropping done. Dogs can become more aggressive or reclusive in light of this experience. 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. Across the world, several countries have an outright ban against ear cropping. The argument against the risk of infection of improved hearing is invalidated. Explore. For many, a Pitbull with erect ears enhances the dog’s angular, boxy face. Ahmdlqa07. Ear cropping is banned in most parts of Europe as well as Australia. Breed Standards are one of the primary reasons for this surgery. The only reason why the surgery is recommended to be performed on a puppy is to prevent trauma and excessive pain. Here’s the second one on a puppy. Ironically, cropping a Pitbull’s ears can make him more vulnerable to infections, not less. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The problem with opting for this ear cut style though is it makes the dog more prone to infections. There’s no age limit to when Pitbull ears should be cropped. American Bully Dog Puppies Ear Crop After Care. This surgical procedure is often done by a veterinarian on Pitbull puppies 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. And even if true, the improvement in hearing wouldn’t be any better than a woman pulling her hair back behind her ears. Communication is a primary concern of animal activists for putting a stop to this practice. 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. 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. 1 decade ago. Taping the ears soon after removing a part of it can cause a lot of pain. Following are some common reasons why people clip a Pitbull’s ears: Pitbull ear cropping was common in animals used for hunting or fighting to minimize the risk of injury to the ears during fights. To look more intimidating and reduce risk of injury is recommend for certain health.... And everything about pets and help other pet owners and dog enthusiasts about whether long-haired fluffy really... Bacteria away and 12 weeks other dog breeds with cropped ears, causing their ears need to vigilant. 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