Kinds of Ear Crops on a Pit Bull

According to the Vernon county Wisconsin Humane Society, ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure performed on certain breeds in an effort to meet kennel club breed standards. The pit bull's breed standard includes cropped, or surgically altered erect ears. There are a variety styles in which a pit bull's ears can be altered, but it must not be underestimated that regardless, this is a major surgery performed on a 10 to 14 week old puppy, and complications can sometimes arise.

  1. Battle Crop

    • The battle crop is the shortest option of all, and was instituted when the breed was used predominantly for fighting. With so little of the ear remaining, this lessened the chances that a dog would receive ear or facial injuries while fighting. This crop style leaves the ear canal most susceptible to debris, bugs and infection.

    Short Crop

    • The short crop is only slightly longer than the battle crop. It is a style common among pit bull owners who have their dogs doing activities where longer ear flaps may lead to injuries. Also, the raised look that the ear cartilage takes on is distinctive. This cropping style leaves just over 2/3 of the dog's ear flap remaining, but the type of cut and the way the cartilage heals can leave the ear canal vulnerable.

    Show Crop

    • The show crop style is in between the short and long styles. It is the most commonly requested ear crop -- among those who will be using their dogs in the show ring. It is also used for companion dogs whose owners want them to have the unique look that this style gives. The dog is left with roughly half of its original ear structure, which stands up after healing, to give an appearance of alertness.

    Long Crop

    • The long crop is the longest of the crop styles, and it leaves well over half of the original ear structure. The cartilage stands up into a very well defined line, as with the show crop, but the tips of the ear are longer and more well-defined. Both the show crop and the long crop leave sufficient protection around the ear canal to not leave the dog as susceptible to debris and infection.

    No Crop

    • Some organizations and owners have condemned ear modification as an unnecessary and painful cosmetic pursuit with great potential for surgical complications. It is also becoming hard to find a veterinarian who will perform this procedure, or provide appropriate after care. Due to this, some owners are choosing not to have their pit bull's ears cropped at all. The dog retains their entire ear flap, and the protection it gives, while owners sacrifice the uniqueness of the look.