Different Ear Cropping Styles for Dogs

Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure commonly used by breeders of Dobermans, pit bulls, boxers, schnauzers and other purebred dogs. The procedure is purely cosmetic and does not change the way the dogs' ears function. Ear cropping styles may vary based on the breed of dog and the purpose of the crop; for instance, whether the dog will participate in shows or is being sold as a pet.

  1. Procedures for All Styles

    • All styles of cropping dog ears follow a similar procedure. Puppies' ears are cropped when they are between 8 and 12 weeks old, and most breeders or veterinarians will refuse to perform the surgery on puppies older than 12 weeks because of the lower chance that the ears will stand upright after surgery. After surgery, sutures are used to heal the cuts, and can be usually removed after 10 days. In order to get the ears to stand upright, breeders or owners must then tape the ears, typically for at least two months, to train the ears not to flop over. Longer cropped ears require a longer taping period, and may also require posting, in which foam or cardboard is taped to the ear to keep it in an upright position.

    Styles by Breed

    • Different breeds of dog receive different degrees of ear cropping, from a very close crop to a longer crop. Dogs that typically have shorter ear crop styles are pit bulls and boxers, as well as small dogs such as Boston terriers, schnauzers and miniature pinschers. Dobermans and Great Danes typically have the longest cropping styles in relation to others. Sometimes longer styles of ear crop, which begin at the second joint of the ear, are referred to as "Doberman style," while a shorter crop down to the first join of the ear is called "Rottweiler style." Long crops typically leave about three-quarters of the ear, while short crops leave two-thirds of the original ear or less.

    Styles by Purpose

    • Breeders may also choose different ear crop styles depending on the purpose of the crop. While all crops are cosmetic, cropping dog ears is considered an art for show dogs. A show dog crop is the longest and narrowest style of ear crop, requiring the most attentive and prolonged taping to remain upright. Purebred dogs sold as pets more often have military (short) or medium crops, which crop more of the ear but require less taping and posting after surgery.

    Choosing Not to Crop

    • Some pet owners, particularly those who adopt their pets as puppies from a shelter, may choose not to crop their dogs' ears, even for breeds that have traditional ear crop styles. Choosing not to crop a puppy's ears is often considered a humane option. Not cropping a dog's ears is considered a drawback only if the dog owner plans to sell the purebred dog, as dogs with cropped ears sell for a higher price than those without.