Below are two examples of battle crops. Now, those are importance of the ear-cropping . Aftercare is all about ongoing monitoring and ensuring that you're following your vet's advice. . Some vets may recommend the bandages be placed only after the wounds have healed. Then, to disperse the solution, gently rub it into the ears. This step is very critical, especially if you just adopted your Miniature Schnauzer puppy. Dog Ear Wax Color Chart: What Different Ear Wax Colors Mean? Animal cruelty is now a federal crime as well. Additionally, changing the appearance of the dog's ears may also affect the dog's body language. Even though the AKC says ear cropping is an acceptable practice and considers it a breed standard in certain breeds, they also say dogs with natural ears have an equal chance of winning a show against dogs with cropped ears. How Much Does It Cost to Crop a Schnauzers Ears? However, the modern veterinary science is clear. Remember that once the anesthesia wears off, your eight to twelve-week-old puppy will be in excruciating pain. 5 Health Benefits and 4 Risks, Review: ValueBull Dog Chews Collagen Sticks & Yak Chews, Giveaway: Walkee Paws Dog Boots ($65+ Value), Hydrocortisone Cream for Dogs: What Is It and How to Use It Safely, Maryland Pet Stores, Dog Parks, Grooming, And More, dog's ears may also affect the dog's body language, My Dog Has Bloody Diarrhea: Causes and Treatment, Anise and Catnip for Dogs: What You Need to Know, Happy Tail Syndrome Can Be Painful for Dogs Heres How to Prevent It, Coughing, Gagging and Choking in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments, Pale Gums in Dogs: What It Means and What to Do, Ringworm in Dogs: Prevention and Treatment, Dog Sitting Tips: Beginners Guide For Pet Sitters. Let us take a closer look at the perspectives on dog ear cropping and see how these apply to the Caucasian Shepherd. Like any practice, the cropping of the ears in dogs started out for practical reasons, for working dogs and dogs which were involved in fights. Its extremely painful and stressful for the animal. But even so, plenty of those dog breeds have been put under anesthesia with little to no problems. In other places around the world, cropping was performed to keep ear infections at bay. Answers for 45+ Types of Crackers, 20+ Sugar Glider Colors and Patterns Explained (With Pictures), 30 Different Types of Huskies (With Pictures). I adopted a Doberman puppy from a couple who couldn't control him and had already cropped/docked his ears/tail, and children's initial reaction to him was fearway beyond respectful caution with any strange dog. Do you want to try cropping dog ears through surgery to give a new and attractive look to your pet? As mentioned in the previous section, cropping the ears of Miniature Schnauzers and other dogs is regulated in some parts of the United States. My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. The Roles, Jobs & History of the Boxer. Long ear crop ( Tall crop ) Medium ear crop. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a wealth of information on their website about the legality and ethics of ear cropping and other elective veterinary surgeries. 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. No matter which country, ear cropping is popular in different breeds that were used by the locals as hunting dogs as well as shepherding dogs. Regardless of whether you think this procedure is morally just and essential, the welfare of your Schnauzer should always come first. No, cropping the ears of Miniature Schnauzers must be performed by a licensed vet. From the front, you can barely see the ears. It can go higher depending on the veterinarian. So, pro-cropping advocates believe it's a winning edge over competitors in dog shows. Despite this, no one can dispute that it is ethical for a dog to undergo a pre-op examination and be anesthetized during the surgery. The floppy outer part of the puppys ears is surgically removed, and the remaining part of the ears is taped to a board while they heal. To give you an idea, check out the different ear cropping styles available for Schnauzer breeds below: Keep in mind that if the vet crops the ear too short or too long, there is a lower chance for it to stand correctly. Whats more, theres a chance the ear will lay flat instead of standing erect on top of the head. The short answer is yes. In fact, they were first developed by a tax collector who at the time, had a dangerous job.. How Much Does it Cost to Crop Pitbull Ears? Healthwise, there are claims that clipping Pitbull ears will prevent ear infections and even allow the animal to hear better. It allows a tiny amount of ear to poke out on the dogs head. 1.You are not required to crop your dog's ears for them to compete in a ring. The practice of cropping dog ears is costly, painful, and time-consuming since it requires tedious owner follow-ups. In the states of Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington, ear cropping is highly regulated, and they only allow a qualified vet to perform the procedure. Using the scissors, carefully snip off the bottom half of the ear. If the bloodwork shows anything abnormal, the proper adjustments will be made with anesthesia. Although it isnt required, many owners still prefer their dogs ears to be cropped to achieve the classic Schnauzer look. Like anything, there are pros and cons to every decision. So they started cropping the ears of the puppies soon after they were born so that they would grow with their ears short and also not have a memory of pain. 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. It may also feel some discomfort and heaviness on its head. The ears are then taped to a hard surface for several weeks while they heal so they stay upright. Is Pitbull Ear Cropping Needed to Compete in Shows? Ear Cropping Aftercare Ear Cropping Aftercare Once the decision has been made to crop your puppy's ears, an owner should be aware that proper aftercare and taping of the ears following ear cropping is just as important as the quality of the crop for a successful outcome. Both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts require only licensed veterinarians to perform the procedure. Next, its ears will be sterilized to prevent infection. However, for Bostons, it's typically done when it turns 4 or 6 months old. I talk about the procedure in-depth, how much it costs, and the pros and cons of this common but unique practice. The older the Pitbull, the thicker their ear cartilage gets, so they will experience more pain from the surgery than a puppy. Its a balancing act that requires much attention to detail. In other words, opting into a surgery to make them look like Mom and Dad. It's increasingly popular in certain breeds and types of dogs - including cane corsos and American bullies, where part or all of the entire ear flap is commonly removed. Think of ear cropping as a sort of plastic surgery for dogs. Ear cropping is not taught in vet schools. The pointed cropped ears are a trademark of the breed. But no matter what you decide on, they will be excellent and loving dogs. Because of this, it may be hard to find a reputable veterinarian that can safely crop the ears of Miniature Schnauzers. However, if you managed to find one, the procedure will be quite similar to how the ears of Boxers and Pitbulls are cropped. To have an upright ear and a bolder look, many Schnauzer owners want their dogs to have cropped ears. Where in Lawrenceville, Ga. Instead of helping, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a danger to the animals health instead. You should have complete faith in your vet, especially since youre putting your sweet Dobermans life in their hands. Are you concerned about the health of your dog? But no matter what your local laws are, you should always have a licensed vet perform ear cropping. It's cruel and illegal. In addition, Animal rights groups consistently champion for accessible fixing practices and want to keep extra pups off the streets. It would also help if you'd add supplements to their medication to help speed up the recovery process and keep their immune system strong. For one, anesthesia is required to ensure your dog doesnt endure extreme pain during the process. It makes the dog look more alert, but it demands more attention and time. Its no different when youre deciding to get your Pitbull ears cropped. 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. 2.The practice of cropping dog ears is prohibited in several countries, as many advocates believe it is inhumane. In fact, its a rather old procedure that has its roots in agricultural practices. No, their natural ears are not cropped. It can make your fido feel uncomfortable and stressed. Like anything, I always advise that you do what is best for your dog. Aside from possibly preventing ear infections, another health benefit cited by those who believe in ear cropping is that it helps improve hearing. During this time, the Pitbull will need to wear an ear rack or tape to help keep the ears upright and erect in place. Just think of the number of breeds you know that carry the title shepherd. Theres the German shepherd, Australian shepherd, and the list goes on. Are Pitbulls with Cropped Ears Considered More Aggressive? Its important to understand that just because youre paying a higher price for the surgery doesnt mean it will turn out better. But before we dive into such a deep discussion, let's talk about what ear cropping is and why it's done on dogs. The problem with opting for this ear cut style though is it makes the dog more prone to infections. This is the most requested ear cropping for show dogs. In America and Canada it is still practiced and part of the breed standards in some competitions, although the American Veterinary Medical Association encourages the removal of such standards in competitions and advocates against cropping and docking for cosmetic purposes. Some people think that the Schnauzers natural ears look unattractive and less show-material due to their floppy appearance. Their law considers cropping dog ears a violation of the animal's rights. Brad Craig DVM This should absorb any excess cleaning agent as well as stabilizing the ears. You should also discuss with your vet about any breathing or lung issues your Doberman might have. Some Miniature Schnauzer pups start to lose their baby teeth following the said age range. Do Schnauzers Have Naturally Cropped Ears? With over 400 years of tradition in ear cropping, the procedure has been kept alive. dry and clean. Taking the dog back to see the veterinarian is always recommended as well. The shortest out of all the styles, this type of crop lets the ear sit super close to the head. Sometimes, it will take longer. Plus, the dog must be under general anesthesia. Can you imagine the Doberman being awake during the surgery? Scuffles during work can lead to serious injuries, including a torn or cut ear. Others may have unknown lung or heart issues that could become apparent during the actual operation. If youre curious about how to clean freshly clipped ears, heres a quick video showing you how to do it: No, it isnt necessary. This means that any pet owner can technically perform this surgery on an un-anesthetized Doberman. Most people believe that spaying and neutering is an essential surgery for dogs to undergo unless theyll be used by breeders. In dog breeds bred as guardians, ear cropping was often carried out due to the belief that an erect ear was better capable of detecting sounds compared to a floppy ear. Their natural ears are folded forward, which is believed to make them more vulnerable to ear injuries than other breeds with floppy ears. Its important for owners to be vigilant about changing the tape or bandages and keeping the wounds free from infection. Back then, the Romans would cut off a portion of the dogs ears to prevent it from being ripped apart during hunting, fighting, or battle. Sometimes, the procedure may not be successful too. The remaining forty-one states have no regulations on the procedure. Otoplasty, popularly known as ear cropping, is the process of surgically modifying the form of a dog's external ear. Is It Legal to Crop Your Schnauzers Ears? So, its important to inform yourself before you allow your dog to undergo a risky surgery like ear cropping. Ears and tails are easy targets for predators as they try to neutralize a livestock guardian dog and feast on the flock. Similar to other elective surgeries, ear cropping requires pet owners to exercise careful planning. There are plenty of owners out there who feel that ear cropping can be a helpful way to keep their Dobe from ear infections. Cropping cutting off the floppy part of a dog's ear is usually performed on anesthetized dogs between 6 and 12 weeks old. The "doberman ear cropping styles chart" is a list of different types of ear croppings that can be done with the Doberman. These include the history of ear cropping, common reasons for doing it, and the right age for when it should be done. Throughout the healing process, antibiotics and pain medication is given to the puppy to keep away infection. 5. Hence, many owners opt for their dogs ears to be cropped in various styles to become more attractive. How will it affect your fido, and is it practical? Because cropping is usually done on puppies, theres a possibility the puppy could have adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Afterward, their adult teeth will immediately develop, which consume a lot of stored calcium. Pitbull ear clipping is a painful surgery. This is a serious surgery with potential for complications. For example, some Mini Schnauzers may show allergic reactions to the anesthesia used in the procedure. Every breed has its ear shape standard, and the cut will depend on it. Checking your local laws regarding ear cropping is essential to avoid any legal repercussions. Its a procedure performed on few dog breeds, particularly Doberman Pinschers, to mold their floppy ears into a pointed shape. The procedure is most often performed on Doberman puppies at around 8 to 12 weeks of age. If you carefully follow all the instructions of your vet, your dogs ear will easily recover in no time. Because many dogs have long, large, floppy ears that can possibly get caught on branches when dogs run through the woods. And the good news is, according to a Westminster representative, more and more dogs with natural ears are successfully shown in competitions. The Caucasian Mountain Dog falls into the category of working dogs, shepherds, which used to have ear cropping as a standard for their breed but things have changed in our recent times. This may be just temporary, or a sign of illness. Their policy has been in effect since 1999, and AVMA recently reaffirmed it. It's because they thought moisture could be trapped inside a dog's ear canal if the ears are drooping. In some cases, the dog's clipped ears may become infected to where amputation is required. Ear cropping is performed when dogs are puppies because its believed that puppies wont feel as much pain. After surgery, the ears must be posted to a hard surface and taped until entirely healed for them to recover in the desired upright position. The Central Asian Ovtcharka traditionally has both its ears and tail docked; indeed, engravings and drawings dating back to Assyrian times shows dogs similar to today's Central Asian Shepherd with their ears and tails cut. Ive got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years experience working in animal shelters and rescues. Because of the hesitation marks that might be left using scissors, people cropping ears on medium-, large- or giant-sized breeds may choose to use a knife to form a smoother edge. If youve been exploring the possibilities of getting a Caucasian Shepherd as your guard dog, the issue of ear cropping surely came into discussion in your research and investigation regarding the needs of the breed. After about six to eight weeks, clean the dog's ears using the guide below: 3. Its mostly performed on Doberman Pinschers, though Great Danes, Schnauzers and Boxers may have cropped ears too. I hope this information on Doberman ear cropping helps you make a wise decision for your pup. Not to mention, during the first few weeks, your pup will inevitably experience pain in both or one ear. How do vets crop ears? Yes ear cropping was once a practical surgery that helped prevent ear infections, tears, and attacks, but the surgery is almost entirely cosmetic at this point in history. However, I would strongly advise against it. Dog Ear Wax Color Chart: What Different Ear Wax Colors Mean? Ear cropping was also done in hunting, fighting, and guarding dogs to prevent ear injuries when attacked by other animals or dogs. Their blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heartbeat should be monitored to ensure that your pup doesnt slip too far under. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the end, the ball is in your court. Top Dog Breeds with Cropped Ears.