Types of Ear Crops

History

• Ancient reasons for ear cropping usually relate to field work; ears were cut to avoid snagging on tree limbs during hunts, take away easy targets for attack dogs for fighting dogs or to keep a human from grabbing the ears on protection dogs. While these reasons are often antiquated, these breeds have become well known for the look they possess with upright ears. The tradition continues except for in some countries where ear cropping is now illegal or banned by registering breed clubs if not by law.

Style

• The main difference in types of ear cropping is related to the breed itself. Schnauzers, pit bulls, and Boston terriers have a short triangle-style crop where Boxers, Dobermans and Great Danes have a long, tall ear. Miniature pinschers ears have a medium to long approach.

Length

• Another major distinction between cropping styles is a variance within some of the breeds themselves. These variances usually occur with breeds that have long crops such as the Doberman and Great Dane. In these breeds, pets are usually given a shorter "pet" crop rather than the longer "show" crop to make it easier for the average non-show owner to take care of them and train them to stand up. Although these breeds are sometimes given a short triangle crop by inexperienced veterinarians, that type of crop is undesirable even in the pet market for these breeds. A shorter crop is acceptable and will still maintain the breed characteristics without the extra difficulty of getting the ear to stand up.

Procedure

• The cropped ear is trained to stand up by applying a brace usually made out of cardboard or similar materials to hold the ear in place as it develops. The surgeries are done on puppies because they are at an age where the cartilage in the ear is still forming and can be held in position while developing so it is set to stand upright. The window of time when cropping can be done is small. It must be done when the puppy is old enough to withstand surgery without undue risk and young enough that the cartilage is still pliable. The window is roughly between six and 12 weeks of age. The best time for ear cropping is between eight and 10 weeks of age. The amount of cartilage in the ear is not changed by a normal ear cropping. Only the length of the remaining "leather" or soft tissue that would otherwise hang down is changed. The amount of "leather" left over must also be kept aloft by the cartilage and a long cut may take much longer to stand than a short cut.

Cost

• Ear crop costs vary by breed and type of crop. They usually range between $200 and $600 with the breed of dog (size) and length and type of crop all coming into consideration. Show cropping is often more expensive; many local veterinarians will not attempt them because of the failure rate if left in the hands of an amateur to train up. The cost involved is high, due to the fact that while ear cropping is not a particularly dangerous endeavor, it is still surgery and requires surgical supplies, staff, facilities and anesthesia.