Ear Cropping

For dog owners interested in ear cropping, the veterinary options may be limited. However, at Dr. Jamal Toler’s Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery, we believe that there is still value in cropping the ears of certain breeds when done in a safe, responsible manner. Elective surgery should still be regarded as major surgery, and owner compliance with the doctor’s instructions is crucial to ensure their dog recovers fully, but there are reasons to consider both ear crops and tail docks.

Ear crops are performed on puppies between twelve and sixteen weeks old, whose ears lack mature muscle and cartilage. The surgery is done on certain terriers and terrier-derived breeds, including pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, schnauzers, and Doberman pinschers, as well as working dogs such as Perro de Presa Canarios (Canary mastiffs). Cropping into various shapes is a normal part of preparing a number of breeds for shows.

Dr. Toler fully anesthetizes puppies before cropping their ears, and prescribes antibiotics which are to be used regularly during the recovery process. While the ears are healing, they will be sutured and held upright with splints. When the splints and sutures are removed, the dog’s ears will remain permanently upright in an attractive, traditional shape.

Proper aftercare requires attentive owners who constantly monitor their puppy’s ears for signs of infections. But most people interested in cropping are committed lovers of their dogs’ breed, which is why they want to preserve its traditional appearance and function. The American Kennel Club endorses ear cropping as a means of maintaining the purpose for which terriers and related breeds were created, which required excellent hearing and the elimination of weak points which were exploited by burrowing pests such as foxes. To lovers of animals which are often unfairly stereotyped, ear cropping is part of preserving the positive history of the breed and the benevolent intention behind its creation.

Jamal Toler, DVM, runs Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery at 884 South Deshon Road, Lithonia, Georgia, 30058. To schedule an appointment, call 770-482-7816 or visit DeshonAnimal.com and fill out a contact form.