| Anyone who owns a canine or just loves a specific breed is entitled to have their own opinion concerning the issue of ear cropping. There is no right or wrong answer with each individual having their own preference. You must go with what is right for you, your canine and your circumstances. Pet owners have their preference for what ever reason and others should respect that decision, though you might not necessarily agree with it.
On a personal note, my preference has always been to crop the ears. It has nothing to do with the standard set by AKC or other kennel clubs or having a canine that is show quality and being groomed for the ring. I am not involved in the show aspect of any breed, nor have I ever been or intend to be involved in the showing of any canines. I respect and commend those breeders who are. If your puppy is a show prospect, make sure you check with your breeder, or kennel club on the requirements for your specific breed. Please note that there may be restrictions if the ears are not cropped. Keep in mind that there are beautiful show quality canines out there that aren't in the ring because their owners have chosen not to be. Having a canine as a "pet only" doesn't mean its pet quality. Don't let people intimidate you by saying the ears shouldn't be done because you aren't going to show. Owners of Show quality as well as pet quality dogs purchased for " pets only" deserve the same consideration when choosing to have the ears cropped for a specific breed. When asked what my opinion is regarding the difference between cropped and uncropped my answer is always the same. If the ears are natural,, the canine looks very “CUTZIE”, if the ears are cropped, the canine looks "VERY CLASSY !", especially boxers and great danes . The darker the coat color, the more I love the ears cropped. It's a look that I think is so distinguished. Owners and admirers have discussions constantly about this issue. The fact is that it is a cosmetic surgery, this also includes the tails being docked and the duclaws being removed a few days after birth. Regardless of the legitimate explanations behind it all, its still cosmetic! There are pros and cons to the procedure itself, so here are just a few helpful hints and information regarding ear cleaning and cropping that might help you make your decision. ***** The skin in the inner ear becomes “hardened” because of its exposure to the elements, and it is a fact that your canine will have less ear infections because the flap of the ear does not trap bacteria or moisture. The skin is exposed to air and thus making it less of a “breeding ground” for all those infections. ***** The "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" saying plays a simple role as well. Owners sometimes forget that their canine requires routine maintenance which also includes the ears. The ears should be cleaned on a regular basis, whatever it might be, daily, weekly, by-weekly as a preventative measure to avoid those nasty painful and foul smelling ear infections. Having the ears cropped, makes it very easy to physically see when the ear needs cleaned and to spot any irregularities. Suggestions for cleaning the ears: It is always the best idea to use a manufactured otic liquid solution for ear cleaning. I professionally always suggest using the very inexpensive disposable make up remover pads. (The square or cylinder shaped disc make of compressed cotton material can be bought at any store usually for $2.00 for 100 pads). Saturate the pad with the otic cleaning solution and physically put the pad which is over your finger in the ear and begin to clean. It is safe to put your finger in as far as it will go. I do not recommend using q-tips. This should be done by a professional only. If you can’t seem to get the ears cleaned, or don’t have the stomach for it or the time, make an appointment with your vet, for a technician to do it. It doesn’t require that you see the doctor, they usually do the procedure very quickly with the help of the technicians in the treatment room.. Don’t use peroxide in the ear if you suspect you might have an ear infection. Though warm baby oil can be a very soothing treatment for a canine with an ear infection, unfortunately besides soothing it temporarily, it also traps massive bacteria under the oil. The use of baby wipes is also an easy and inexpensive choice to keep your canines ears clean. Try to use something other than cotton. This will aid you in keeping fiber fragments from being trapped in the ear. ***** On a professional note, I’ve seen more canines with natural ears come in for treatment with injured ears from fighting or just playing. Natural ears always seem to be one of the easiest things to grab on to when you have two or more dogs in full play mode. Sometimes part of the ear is gone all together, other times it requires stitches. Oh it happens to those with cropped ears as well, but by far the percentage of ear injuries are canines with natural ears. ***** The procedure for cropping is an elective surgery that can be done safely under anesthetic by a professional veterinarian of your choosing (WITHOUT THE USE OF ACEPROMAZINE). It can be safely done between the ages of 9 – 12 weeks, though I’ve seen it done very successfully at an earlier age. Once again it is a cosmetic surgery. What exactly is cosmetic surgery?? Just as in humans, it is a procedure that is done by a professional surgically to alter the way your canine physically appears. This includes but is not limited to: duclaw removal, tail docking, skin tags, skin warts, ear cropping and non cancerous growths etc. Now your saying.. Skin tags and ear croppings aren’t the same.. They are done for different reasons!! What is the difference?? You prefer your canine to have a certain look; in your opinion you feel that your dog would be more eye appealing without the tags, without the ears, without the warts. In all instances, it’s easier to groom, clean and maintain. If indeed you are considering or have already made the decision to have your puppies ears cropped, It is very important that you find an experienced vet to do the procedure, one that has been recommended by other owners or by the breeder himself. Touch base with him via phone or appointment prior to surgery so you feel comfortable with the entire procedure and have the opportunity to have any questions or concerned answered. The search is on for that perfect canine puppy, or you have already chosen a specific puppy and are waiting for its arrival to your family. Once you've gotten to that point the time is NOW to make your surgery appointment. Most if not all vets who specialize in this procedure are booked weeks, if not months in advance. So book your surgery NOW, you can always cancel and reschedule. However once you pass the safety zone in time (9-12 weeks of age) it is going to be very hard to find a qualified vet who would even consider doing the procedure. What type of crop should I get? It is your puppy so let the decision be absolutely yours,! You will be with your little canine for a lifetime, so choose wisely but remember that you do have the right to choose the cut you want for your puppy. In every breed you have the ultimate picture of the perfect dog, I’m sure you even have a picture of it in a breed book, calendar or magazine that you are constantly looking at. There are many cuts available for your dog, you are paying for the procedure, cropping is your preference, so have your vet do your favorite cut. Personally, in reference to the boxer breed, I do not prefer the long show cut. I prefer cuts similar to the German cut. (Shorter than the show, wider and no distinctive curve tipping the ear. Again this is my personal preference, and this is how I have my boxers cropped. If by some chance the vet you’ve chosen only crops one way, I would suggest very strongly that you find a more experienced vet who specializes in more than one style of ear crop. If your not sure just how to explain what you want.. Take a picture with you. You simply point to the picture and say..... This is it.!!!!! I’ve seen many a picture in client’s files that accompany them to surgery. If you don’t ask, You won’t get want you want. If the cut you want does not suit the breed in most cases your vet might make an alternative suggestion. I prefer the German cut. I don’t particularly like the long show cut. Show breeders hate the shorter German cut But love the long show cut. Place a picture of each side by side....... what is the difference??? Yeap..... Now you got it.. Personal preference..!!!!!!! That’s what its all about.. !!! ***** You must be committed to a specific procedure for posting, be familiar with the healing process and ready to do what is necessary to ultimately obtain the look of the ear that you desire. You must have the supplies and knowledge BEFORE you have the procedure done. You must be very dedicated and 100 percent sure that you have the time and patience and commitment to follow through totally. ***** There are a number of successful methods available for posting. Go with one that you know has been successful for the type of crop you've chosen. With the shorter cut I prefer the non traditional method using the breathe right nasal strips. The next page will give you information regarding this type of posting technique as well as general care for cropped ears. ***** Ear crop procedures will have stitches, again be informed of the procedures and time table set by your vet for stitch removal. (usually 10-14 days) Contact your breeder or an experience breeder with good references to hold your hand if need be through this entire process. If you think you have a stupid question and are afraid to ask it,. Please keep in mind; that the only question that is stupid is the one you didn’t ask. Because that’s the one that doesn’t have an answer!! |
| CONFLICT WITH CANINE EAR CROPPING ROUTINE CARE OF CANINE EARS |
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