EAR CROPPING IN DOGS

Ranjeet Singh Munjal
KCI/FCI All Breed Dog Show Judge, Kanpur & New Delhi (INDIA)
Mob - 9336229995
Mail - ranjeetmunjal@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Ear cropping is the surgical removal of part or all of the external flap of a dog's ear. The procedure may also involve bracing, taping or splinting the remaining portion of the ear to encourage it to stand upright. Although ear cropping has a long history and was once associated with perceived practical or working benefits, in modern times it is primarily performed for cosmetic reasons.

Veterinary evidence presented in this article indicates that routine ear cropping provides no established medical or physical advantage to the dog. The procedure can involve pain, surgical complications, infection, bleeding and prolonged aftercare. It may also affect the dog's ability to communicate naturally through ear position and body language.

Ear cropping is performed mainly in certain breeds, including Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, Pit Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Schnauzers and Cane Corsos. While the procedure remains legal in some countries, it is prohibited or restricted in many others because of animal welfare concerns.

Dogs have naturally developed a wide variety of ear sizes and shapes. Despite this natural variation, many dogs are subjected to a surgical procedure known as ear cropping, in which part of the external ear is removed to create a particular appearance.

Ear cropping is generally performed on puppies between approximately six and twelve weeks of age. The procedure involves surgically cutting the outer ear flap and, depending on the technique and desired result, closing the remaining tissue with sutures or surgical glue.

In some cases, the ears are subsequently taped, bandaged or placed on splints to encourage them to remain upright. The recovery period can require considerable care and repeated follow-up.

Historically, ear cropping was associated with dogs used for fighting, guarding and other working purposes. It was believed that removing part of the ear could reduce the possibility of another animal grabbing it. However, those historical reasons do not provide a medical justification for routine cosmetic ear cropping today.

The procedure should only be considered in accordance with applicable laws and veterinary standards. Performing ear cropping without appropriate anesthesia, pain control or veterinary supervision can expose a dog to unnecessary suffering and serious complications.

DISCUSSION

Ear cropping is most commonly associated with particular breeds. These include Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers, Schnauzers and other breeds in which an upright or cropped-ear appearance has historically become associated with the breed.

The appearance of cropped ears differs between breeds. Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes are generally associated with longer, pointed ears, whereas some bully-type breeds may have a much larger portion of the external ear removed.

Historically, cropping was sometimes associated with dogs involved in violent activities such as dogfighting and bear baiting. The purpose was reportedly to reduce the amount of ear tissue that could be grabbed by another animal. In protection dogs, cropped ears were also associated with creating a more intimidating appearance.

Today, however, ear cropping is largely performed to achieve a specific aesthetic appearance.

Some people claim that cropped ears reduce ear infections or prevent injuries. However, the material reviewed for this article does not provide evidence supporting these claims. There is also no established evidence that cropping improves a dog's hearing.

As with other surgical procedures, ear cropping carries risks. These can include pain, bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia or medication and poor wound healing. Puppies may also require prolonged aftercare involving cleaning, dressing changes, taping or splinting.

Another important concern is communication. Dogs use their ears as part of their natural body language. Different ear positions can communicate emotional states such as fear, anxiety, alertness, confidence and playfulness.

Removing part of the ear can therefore reduce the range of natural visual signals available to the dog. This may make communication between dogs and between dogs and humans more difficult to interpret.

The procedure can also take place during an important period of puppy development and socialisation. Pain and traumatic experiences during this stage may have consequences for the puppy's emotional development and interaction with its environment.

RESULTS

The information reviewed indicates that ear cropping is primarily a cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary treatment.

What Is Ear Cropping?

Ear cropping, sometimes described as cosmetic otoplasty, involves removing part or all of the external visible flap of a dog's ear, known as the pinna or auricle.

Is Ear Cropping Necessary?

Routine ear cropping is not medically necessary. The procedure is generally undertaken to achieve a particular appearance or to meet traditional expectations associated with certain breeds.

Which Breeds Commonly Have Cropped Ears?

Breeds commonly associated with ear cropping include:

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• Boxer

• Doberman Pinscher

• Great Dane

• Pit Bull

• Schnauzer

• Mastiff

• Cane Corso

What Are the Risks?

Ear cropping involves the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. These may include:

• Pain and discomfort

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Medication or anesthesia complications

• Poor wound healing

• Prolonged aftercare

• Possible behavioural and communication concerns

Ear Cropping and Aftercare

After surgery, appropriate veterinary follow-up and wound care are important. Depending on the procedure, the ears may need to be cleaned, dressed, taped or splinted for a period of time.

Failure to provide appropriate aftercare may result in infection, poor healing or failure to achieve the desired ear position.

IMPORTANCE OF BEHAVIOUR

Behaviour is an important indicator of an animal's emotional state. Dogs communicate through posture, facial expressions and other body-language signals.

The ears play an important role in this communication. A dog's ear position can change according to its emotional state, including fear, anxiety, alertness, social interaction and play.

When the natural movement of the ears is altered through cropping, some of these signals may become less obvious.

This can potentially make it more difficult for humans and other dogs to accurately interpret the animal's emotional state.

For this reason, the welfare implications of ear cropping should be considered carefully rather than focusing only on the cosmetic appearance of the dog.

ANIMAL WELFARE CONSIDERATIONS

Ear cropping remains controversial because it involves elective surgery without an established routine medical benefit.

Veterinary and animal welfare organisations have raised concerns regarding the pain, surgical risks, aftercare requirements and potential impact on natural communication.

The source material notes opposition to routine ear cropping from organisations including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Responsible dog ownership should focus on the health, comfort, behaviour and overall welfare of the animal.

LEGAL STATUS

The legality of ear cropping varies from country to country.

The practice is illegal in the United Kingdom under animal welfare legislation and is also prohibited or restricted in a number of other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Israel and several European countries.

In other parts of the world, the procedure may still be legally permitted under certain circumstances.

Dog owners should therefore check the applicable local laws and consult a qualified veterinarian before considering any surgical procedure.

CALL TO ACTION

Considering the pain, risks, aftercare requirements and lack of established medical benefit associated with routine cosmetic ear cropping, dog owners should carefully consider whether altering a dog's natural ears is appropriate.

Education is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Understanding the natural anatomy and communication behaviour of dogs can help owners make welfare-focused decisions.

Dog lovers, breeders and members of the public can contribute to better animal welfare by avoiding the normalisation of unnecessary cosmetic procedures and by encouraging responsible veterinary care.

CONCLUSIONS

Ear cropping in dogs is primarily a cosmetic procedure and is not recommended as a routine practice.

The procedure involves surgical removal of part or all of the external ear flap and may require prolonged taping, splinting and aftercare. It can cause pain and carries risks including bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications and poor wound healing.

There is no established medical advantage to routine cosmetic ear cropping. Claims regarding improved hearing, prevention of ear infections or prevention of injuries are not supported by the evidence presented in the source material.

Dogs also use their ears as an important part of their natural body language. Altering the ears may interfere with their ability to communicate emotions and intentions naturally.

Key Reasons Why Ear Cropping Should Not Be Done

No Established Medical Benefit:
Routine ear cropping is primarily cosmetic and does not provide an established health or physical advantage.

Pain and Suffering:
The procedure involves surgery on sensitive ear tissue and can result in pain, trauma, bleeding and infection.

Communication Concerns:
Dogs use their ears to express emotions and communicate with humans and other dogs. Cropping can reduce natural ear movement.

Aftercare Requirements:
The healing process may require cleaning, dressing changes, taping, splinting and repeated veterinary follow-up.

Animal Welfare:
Because routine cosmetic cropping is not medically necessary, its welfare implications should be carefully considered.

Ultimately, responsible dog ownership means placing the health, comfort and welfare of the animal above cosmetic preferences.

REFERENCES

1. Murgai, R.P., Major (1996). Handbook on Dogs. New Delhi, India: New Age International.

2. Mills, Katelyn E.; Robbins, Jesse; von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. (2016). “Tail Docking and Ear Cropping Dogs: Public Awareness and Perceptions.” PLOS ONE, 11(6).

3. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Breed and canine standards reference material.

4. Breber, Paolo (1983). The Maremmano-Abruzzese Shepherd Dog. Firenze: Olimpia.

5. MacDonell, Anne (1907). In the Abruzzi. New York: F.A. Stokes.

6. de la Fontaine, Jean. The Fables of La Fontaine.

7. Curtis, Patricia (2002). City Dog: Choosing and Living Well with a Dog in Town. Lantern Books.

8. Sataloff, Robert Thayer; Sataloff, Joseph (2006). Occupational Hearing Loss. CRC Press.

9. Fogle, Bruce (2000). KISS Guide to Living with a Dog. Dorling Kindersley.

10. Literature Review on the Welfare Implications of Ear Cropping in Dogs. American Veterinary Medical Association.

11. Broughton, Amy L. (2003). Cropping and Docking: A Discussion of the Controversy and the Role of Law in Preventing Unnecessary Cosmetic Surgery on Dogs.

12. American Kennel Club. Canine Legislation Position Statements.

    1. American Veterinary Medical Association. Ear Cropping and Tail Docking of Dogs.