Many of us have seen two dogs of the same breed with different ear styles—one with floppy ears and one with upright ears. Some breeds like Dobermans, Great Danes, and Boxers are floppy-eared dogs. So how come you sometimes see a Boxer with erect or downward ears? Owners achieve this look through a procedure known as cropping, and in this article, we’ll dive deeper into the common reasons people crop their dog’s ears.
It’s Historical
People have cropped their dog’s ears for centuries; back in the day, these dogs likely worked to protect their owners or property. Owners also believed that if you cropped a dog’s ears, it would hear better, which has since been proven wrong. This ties into continuing the practice today because ear cropping has become a norm for specific breeds and gives them a look most of us recognize.
Common Breeds With Cropped Ears
You can crop any breeds flop ears, but this procedure is more common in specific breeds, including:
- Boxers
- Dobermans
- Mastiffs
- American Pitbull Terrier
Cropping is more common for these breeds, likely because of past tasks they served for their owners. People may have been worried droopy ears would get in the way.
Dog Shows
Another reason people crop their dog’s ears is that they want the perfect show dog. Although this would be considered cosmetic surgery, there are many reasons owners decide to do this for their dogs. Some owners wish to participate in dog shows with their furry friends because it’s a great way to bond and let everyone know how beautiful their pup is! The American Kennel Club (AKC) has specific guidelines for how each breed should look for the show, and sometimes they require cropped ears.
To Have a Guard Dog
Others crop their dog’s ears because it makes them look more intimidating, which is ideal for a guard dog. Take Dobermans, for example; the breed has three ear cropping styles, and the medium cut often looks the most fearsome.
They Like the Look
Sometimes, the reason behind ear cropping is as simple as a personal preference. Cropping is a historical practice, and some people fall in love with the specific look of a breed without knowing what the natural look is.
In the end, cropping is a personal choice, and you should do what’s best for you and your furry friend.
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