View Full Version : To Crop or Not to Crop
GuidoandDiesel
10-18-2005, 07:14 PM
I have a puppy that I bought. I sorta wanna crop his ears. What are pros and cons. what would you do?
Only pro is he looks "ideal" to you. There are a LOT of cons. Please do a search on the forums for "crop" and "cropping" and you will get a lot of threads with the cons of this surgery. There really are no pros other than you think your dog looks better.
My personal opinion, leave the poor mutt the way he was born!
B
Only pro is he looks "ideal" to you. There are a LOT of cons. Please do a search on the forums for "crop" and "cropping" and you will get a lot of threads with the cons of this surgery. There really are no pros other than you think your dog looks better.
My personal opinion, leave the poor mutt the way he was born!
B
I second this. Unless there is something aesthetically very wrong with the ears, leave them.
ghost 1
10-18-2005, 10:18 PM
i wouldn't crop his ears,but this is opinion only, they look better but would you want someone to put you down and cut your ears off just cause it looks better.
215pitts
10-18-2005, 10:21 PM
Leave the ears! THEY LOOK BETTER!
nappydawg
10-18-2005, 10:34 PM
ears add personality. cutting em off is for looks only.
ghost 1
10-18-2005, 10:48 PM
ears add personality. cutting em off is for looks only.
yeah that why they get mean, you cut there ears off and they stay pissed for life,,,,lmao,,,J/K
Well, since you asked, ....
I say leave 'em! They add far more expression, and cropping them serves no purpose other than an owner's wishes for what he/she THINKS looks better on the dog. The last vet I worked with wouldn't even do 'em!!!!!
Nothing can go wrong with 'em, but removing them can have its complications.
missybee16
10-18-2005, 11:54 PM
I prefer them on. I like to rub their ears, puts them to sleep.
El Mexicano
10-18-2005, 11:57 PM
look at my dog i bet she wouldlnt look so retarded if i would have gotten her ears done lol
luv_a_bull_girl
10-19-2005, 01:42 AM
yeah that why they get mean, you cut there ears off and they stay pissed for life,,,,lmao,,,J/Klol u kno im starting to believe thats y my dogs r the way they r...
luv_a_bull_girl
10-19-2005, 02:13 AM
anyways, personally, it's all up to u... initially u make the decision despite what everyone else tells u... there really are no pros to cropping, its more for u then the dog and u've already read the cons... personally, i love the way my dogs ears look with they're crops but that's just me... if u do decide, look into it ALOT first, make sure the doctor will do the operation correctly and know that u'll have to watch ur pup even more closely to make sure it doesnt take off its racks or scratch and pull out its stitching and making sure it doesnt get infected, the racks cant even get wet so bath time will be even harder and then after theyre healed, thats extra cleaning since the ear canal is more exposed... but yeah its all up to u, good luck in ur decision
pulldoginks
10-19-2005, 02:47 AM
I think cropped ears can make a pit bull look mean to someone that does not know the breed i'd leave them but ya i do like the look but i don't crop my dogs
whiteyransom
10-19-2005, 02:53 AM
i didn't crop mine. and won't crop any of my future dogs. i've heard that cropped ears alone can raise an suspicious eye your way from unwanted folks.(some think croppe ears are a sign of fighting..????)
savage
10-19-2005, 03:31 AM
what are his play mates going to suck on if you hack his ears of..?
ghost 1
10-19-2005, 05:59 AM
lol u kno im starting to believe thats y my dogs r the way they r...lol,,, maybe ya never know,,, they may hold a grudge, lmao
ste mississippi
10-19-2005, 07:42 AM
I like crop and not croped but is beter look who they are if they are beutyfull i like if not and stay up i preferer croped.
Big Papa
10-19-2005, 09:18 AM
cropped ear to me is good because i like the look.....but i will only crop if the ear is floppy....which is out of pitbull standards i think???
ACHILLES_213
10-19-2005, 11:23 AM
WELL I HAD THAT HARD LONG THINKING BUT I DID DO IT
AND I HAVE TO SAY WHEN I SAW HERE DOWN THE HALL
RUNNING TO ME FROM THE VET OFFICE SHE LOOK SO SAD
MY WIFE STARTED TO CRY CUZ IT LOOKED LIKE IT HURT
SHE HAD DRY BLOOD ON HER HEAD HER EARS TIED TOGETHER BUT IN 10 DAYS SHE LOOKED SO NICE AND MY VET DID IT WITH A LASER TO CUT SO I THOUGHT IT WOULDN'T BE AS BAD . NOW I HAVE A NOTHER CHOICE TO MAKE I HAVE TO SEE IF IAM GOING TO CROP MY NEW PUPP
EARS HIS EARS LOOK LIKE DUMBO EARS BUT I GET MORE COMPLIMENTS WITH HIM THEN MY GIRL SO THE CHOICE IS YOURS HOPE YOU MAKE YOUR CHOCIE WELL AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR PUPP.
GuidoandDiesel
10-19-2005, 11:28 AM
Thank you everyone. I have decided NOT to crop. I couldn't look at Diesel sad because I cute his ears off. He likes them and I would have a hard time keeping him from his playmates for fear that they would hurt his ears (the first days after the surgery). Thank you all for your input
bam-bam's mom
10-19-2005, 11:32 AM
i personally wouldn't crop them, stupid people make stupid assumptions when there croped off. also to me it makes them look meaner, and we already have to many issues with people disliking them....
Luigi
10-19-2005, 11:32 AM
Thank you everyone. I have decided NOT to crop. I couldn't look at Diesel sad because I cute his ears off. He likes them and I would have a hard time keeping him from his playmates for fear that they would hurt his ears (the first days after the surgery). Thank you all for your input
"YAY!!!"
My ears are kinda goofy, and yet I'd be ticked if someone had cropped them when I was little. ; )
Big Papa
10-19-2005, 11:48 AM
well you decision is yours and not ours and what ever dicision ou make shoul dturn out good for you and your friend
Thank you everyone. I have decided NOT to crop. I couldn't look at Diesel sad because I cute his ears off. He likes them and I would have a hard time keeping him from his playmates for fear that they would hurt his ears (the first days after the surgery). Thank you all for your input
Sorry, gutta add my .02 after reading your reply....
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!
sorry, had to get that out! (feel better now!!!)
I'm glad you decided against it!!!!!
Enjoy your baby!:)
look at my dog i bet she wouldlnt look so retarded if i would have gotten her ears done lol
I THINK YOUR DOGS EARS ARE FINE.
the other thing to consider and i may be way off is that dogs move their ears to better be able to locate where a sound is coming from. removing the skin around it will reduce their ability to hear full spectrum try taping your ears to the side of your head you dont hear as well. jst something to think about. id imagine it to be the same in dogs...
Thank you everyone. I have decided NOT to crop. I couldn't look at Diesel sad because I cute his ears off. He likes them and I would have a hard time keeping him from his playmates for fear that they would hurt his ears (the first days after the surgery). Thank you all for your input
Good to hear, rep points for you for making the *right* decision!:D
Regards,
B
Verderben
10-19-2005, 09:21 PM
i prefer the cropped ears and NONE of my dogs have acted like they were in pain at all after the surgery. also I have uncropped dogs and the uncropped dogs have cronic ear infections. the cropped dogs have never had ear infections. im only guessing that it is because air is better able to get in the ear canal rather than a floppy ear that traps moisture in the ears. If your going to have it done do it at least by 12 weeks of age. and make sure you go to a vet who knows what they are doing.
rocksteady
10-19-2005, 09:25 PM
thats not true... cropped ears actually let MORE dirt inside the canal .. and they are just as prone to infections, mites etc
miakoda
10-20-2005, 12:15 AM
There is absolutely no "better" health reasons to have your dogs ears cropped. Cropping does absolutely nothing for you dog's health besides forcing an extra anesthesia risk upon him. The only reason to crop is for the owner's own fashion likes. It's your choice, but don't say that it's healthier.
Verderben
10-20-2005, 12:41 AM
There is absolutely no "better" health reasons to have your dogs ears cropped. Cropping does absolutely nothing for you dog's health besides forcing an extra anesthesia risk upon him. The only reason to crop is for the owner's own fashion likes. It's your choice, but don't say that it's healthier.
I never said it is healthier I said what I have observed in MY OWN DOGS. and I groom dogs and the cropped dogs of ALL breeds always have less ear crap than floppy eared dogs. also I have heard of dogs being cropped to try and help with cronic ear problems because it helps more air get into the ear canal to keep it dry in there. my vet has also suggested cropping my girls because of the cronic ear problems. the next step after that is to surgically close the ear canal.
miakoda
10-20-2005, 01:22 AM
Geez, why does everyone want to argue? It's a fact that ear cropping & tail docking is done only for the owner's pleasure. That's it. The dog doesn't decide what he likes. If you like it, you like it. Just leave it be.........
Well, my dogs must be freaks then, because the 3 with cropped ears always have dirty ears. Must just be me though...........
And I've NEVER heard of using a cosmetic procedure to "cure" something. In that case, I need liposuction to "cure" my love for peanut M&Ms.
surfercalavera
10-20-2005, 06:03 AM
yes man leave his ears!! looks so much better
rocksteady
10-20-2005, 07:11 AM
I use to groom dogs, too and honestly, I found no difference between natural and cropped. You have to also remember that the TYPES of dogs that come into the groomers are the types of dogs more prone to ear infections ..ie cockers spaniels... and alot owners who get their dogs groomed do so because they are too lazy to brush the dog out at home or clean ears or learn how to trim some hair..
ghost 1
10-20-2005, 12:59 PM
Geez, why does everyone want to argue? It's a fact that ear cropping & tail docking is done only for the owner's pleasure. That's it. The dog doesn't decide what he likes. If you like it, you like it. Just leave it be.........
Well, my dogs must be freaks then, because the 3 with cropped ears always have dirty ears. Must just be me though...........
And I've NEVER heard of using a cosmetic procedure to "cure" something. In that case, I need liposuction to "cure" my love for peanut M&Ms.
if they wasn't meant to have them they'de been made that way, instead of having flaps over they're ears to help to protect them from the elements,i personally thick cropped ears look better but would NEVER crop a dogs ears off,
but in the case of the M&Ms -- I,m chemically dependant on them, LMAO;) gives me the shakes if i run out, LMAO J/K for those want to argue
MonyDawg
11-17-2005, 03:55 AM
Geez, why does everyone want to argue? It's a fact that ear cropping & tail docking is done only for the owner's pleasure. That's it. The dog doesn't decide what he likes. If you like it, you like it. Just leave it be.........
Well, my dogs must be freaks then, because the 3 with cropped ears always have dirty ears. Must just be me though...........
And I've NEVER heard of using a cosmetic procedure to "cure" something. In that case, I need liposuction to "cure" my love for peanut M&Ms.
lol how do you explain factor of male circumcision.....
miakoda
11-17-2005, 12:06 PM
lol how do you explain factor of male circumcision.....
I won't. This isn't a circumcision board, it's a game-dog board. I'm commenting on the facts about cropping ears...nothing else.
GalDemSuga
11-29-2005, 05:57 PM
I have a 8mth old girl named Jenavie and I'm considering cropping her ears and its purely for cosmetic reasons( she looks ridiculous with them), is it too late to crop em?
Marinepits
11-29-2005, 06:33 PM
I have a 8mth old girl named Jenavie and I'm considering cropping her ears and its purely for cosmetic reasons( she looks ridiculous with them), is it too late to crop em?
My vet won't crop ears if the pup is more than 16 weeks old.
I like Jenavie's ears. Gives her personality. :)
MrsDanos Back
11-29-2005, 06:39 PM
I have a 8mth old girl named Jenavie and I'm considering cropping her ears and its purely for cosmetic reasons( she looks ridiculous with them), is it too late to crop em?
Why does your dog look like it rolled in pollin ( donno if thats how you spell it) from flower it's all yellow??
miakoda
11-29-2005, 11:21 PM
8 mo. is waaaaay to old to have the surgery done. No vets here would even consider a crop above the age of 20 wks (5 mo). Next time, decide before the dog is 14 wks old. And to answer your other question, yes ear cropping is done for cosmetic reasons (& owners ego) only.
GalDemSuga
12-01-2005, 08:12 PM
Why does your dog look like it rolled in pollin ( donno if thats how you spell it) from flower it's all yellow??
Its NuStock that she's covered in. She has developed red mange and is currently being treated with Ivermectin (orally) and I still use the NuStock externally.
I've just recieved shipment of drug called RIDD from INDIA (sort of a dip), so I'll be use that in place of the NuStock.
..DrEaMz1200..
12-01-2005, 11:42 PM
Leave the ears..its part of how dogs express themselves!
khun kao
12-02-2005, 01:28 AM
leave them. It's better for his health (flies, ...). Better for the game also, (that's my view point), it seem to be more easy for the opponents to get inside the hear when they are croped.
You are correct khun kao. An unprotected ear is a vulnerable ear. Leave the dogs the way nature intended them. Cropping just makes YOU feel better. Sad to see a dog go through that shit just because an owner thinks it "looks" better. If they were meant to be that way they would be born that way.
B
Bakercloud
12-02-2005, 03:19 AM
I've thought about it. but i always choice not crop um. Two of my close friends wont think of a apbt any other way. I guess it's a personal choice.
A wise man once told me, "you can cut um now, or there gonna get shredded to ribbons later. no matter what, those ears are comin off." ;)
Iverson's Pits
12-02-2005, 03:52 AM
I've never cut any of my females ears, but most of my males have it done. No reason, just seems to have worked out that way. Prolly cuz all my females have really nice, conformatioinally correct ears. But most my males were born with JUMBO floppy ears. Do what you want. It doesn't hurt the dog, only itches and is uncomfortable wearing the cone. Its not "cruel," but to some, it can be athsteticly pleasing, or to others can make them think your dog is viscous. As if the shape of a dogs ears determine their personality. LOL
DryCreek
12-02-2005, 08:22 AM
If only our dogs could talk.....I doubt that one of them would say "I think my ears look silly" or "My ears are to floppy" Cropping is cosmetic surgery, done because the OWNER thinks their dog would look better. Going under the knife is a risk to begin with, with the possibilities of complications. My brother in law had his female spayed and during the "routine" surgery, Spaz had a drastic drop in blood pressure. Luckily all turned out well. Why risk it when it's for ego only. I think it's selfish. JMO
Marinepits
12-02-2005, 08:37 AM
I've never cut any of my females ears, but most of my males have it done. No reason, just seems to have worked out that way. Prolly cuz all my females have really nice, conformatioinally correct ears. But most my males were born with JUMBO floppy ears. Do what you want. It doesn't hurt the dog, only itches and is uncomfortable wearing the cone. Its not "cruel," but to some, it can be athsteticly pleasing, or to others can make them think your dog is viscous. As if the shape of a dogs ears determine their personality. LOL
From a visual standpoint only, is what I meant. Of course it doesn't determine their mental personality. :p
pitbullbitch2k6
12-02-2005, 08:37 AM
i dont agree with cropping dogs ears or docking tails its all for fashion the question i think of whn i think if it is do the puppies feel pain whn getting there tails chopped
ovasily its like cutting a babies finger off ppl say the nerves arnt funchioned at 2 days old but ovasly they are same with cutting ears ovasly they feel it they swell up and have to be bandaged its inhumane i buy a dog because i like the breed i couldnt care if it has a tail or natural ears. i dont like pits with cropped ears i dont like dobermans with cropped ears i dont think its very fair they cant tell us wether they like it or not !!!!!!!!
Iverson's Pits
12-02-2005, 09:29 AM
Well, i've only chosen to have one of my dogs' ears done, and I liked the results. It looks good on him, and I like it. The other dogs i have are ones that I aquired and already had them done. Most show-fanciers crop do rid the dog of any possible faults associated with the ears. Its a personal choice...much like piercing your baby's ears when she's just a new born. For someone to say its an "ego" thing is beyond me. If you have to ask...i'd advise against it.
pitbullbitch2k6
12-02-2005, 09:55 AM
how is cropping a dogs ears like getting your childs ears percied they cut off half the side of the ear it looks sore yet some dogs are ment to have theres done
like dobemans whn herr loui created the doberman breed in apolda germany in 1890 he needed a unique strong dog 2 help him on his rounds from been mugged. he also worked at the local dog pound so he set about mixing many breeds the rottweiler took the general apperence of the dobeman and coat colour also markings, the manchester terrier smoothed out the rough coat the greyhound ws added for sleekness pointer for trainabilty even the old style shepherd ws added no one will ever know all the breeds he mixed the old style doberman ws heavier built with a stockier head it had a docked tail and cropped ears so if it attacked the person had no oviase part of the ddog to grab.
spanials and hunting dogs such as weimaraners need there tails quarterd as whn running through brush they can easily brake
i dont know in ways it looks ok and in others its not humane!!!!!!!!!!
Iverson's Pits
12-02-2005, 10:04 AM
So you're saying that docking and cropping are inhumane, cruel, painfull, and shouldn't be done....unless its a breed other than the APBT. So you only have compassion for the APBT??? Wow. That's interesting. What's cruel for one is ok for another....ok...im starting to get the hang of it! *rolling my eyes*
how is cropping a dogs ears like getting your childs ears percied they cut off half the side of the ear it looks sore yet some dogs are ment to have theres done
like dobemans whn herr loui created the doberman breed in apolda germany in 1890 he needed a unique strong dog 2 help him on his rounds from been mugged. he also worked at the local dog pound so he set about mixing many breeds the rottweiler took the general apperence of the dobeman and coat colour also markings, the manchester terrier smoothed out the rough coat the greyhound ws added for sleekness pointer for trainabilty even the old style shepherd ws added no one will ever know all the breeds he mixed the old style doberman ws heavier built with a stockier head it had a docked tail and cropped ears so if it attacked the person had no oviase part of the ddog to grab.
spanials and hunting dogs such as weimaraners need there tails quarterd as whn running through brush they can easily brake
i dont know in ways it looks ok and in others its not humane!!!!!!!!!!
pitbullbitch2k6
12-02-2005, 10:09 AM
a didnt say wht is gd for 1 isnt gd for another i think it is neccessery in some breeds its every1 s personal oppioion!!!!!!
Iverson's Pits
12-02-2005, 10:13 AM
That's a whole lot of exclamation marks honey....you upset? :) naw, what i think is wrong, is doing something to your dog (or not doing it) to please someone else, your neighbors, or the general IGNORANT public.
a didnt say wht is gd for 1 isnt gd for another i think it is neccessery in some breeds its every1 s personal oppioion!!!!!!
..DrEaMz1200..
12-02-2005, 03:40 PM
What if you get your dog's ears cropped and they come out looking really bad? There were pictures on the internet of dogs with slightly "off" looking ears(i.e. one looked a bit crooked or uneven, or shorter than the other), some were so short that there was barely any ear left...it looked like 2 big holes on the sides of the dog's head...it looked so sad. How much hearing does it take away when the ears are that short anyway? Ears are there to "reflect" sound into the ear canal...if there were none, would everyone have to turn their head sideways to hear better?
Stickynote
12-02-2005, 03:48 PM
I just can't see myself doing that to a lil puppy for "look" reasons only. I like the ears on for sure!! Adds to theit character. There is a cut off date of when that needs to be done. After that point you can't. Not sure when~ cuz it's not my thing.
Good luck
luv_a_bull_girl
12-02-2005, 05:03 PM
well not to incite feuds and stares of disbelief but i can actually tell my dogs personality with the cropped ears... his eyes have alot to do with it also... i mean they still move when they're cropped, and to me it makes no difference when it comes to personality....
..DrEaMz1200..
12-03-2005, 01:27 AM
I just love the goofy curious looks she gives me with the way her ears flop around...my boyfriend wanted to crop her ears, but decided not to because her ears are so cute, and the risk of having them messed up is too great because we just moved to a new area and don't know of any good vets that crop anyways... :)
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