Cropping the ears of a shepherd dog – how and for which types of shepherd dogs the ears are cropped

The practice of cropping the ears of shepherd dogs is a contentious topic among dog owners and enthusiasts. While some view it as a long-standing custom with roots in particular breeds, others feel it raises moral concerns regarding the welfare of animals. Clarifying the conversation can be achieved by knowing the motivations behind this practice and the shepherd dog breeds that are most frequently impacted.

Ear cropping is becoming less popular these days, in part because more people are aware of the potential hazards associated with the procedure as well as the inherent beauty of a dog’s ears. It’s crucial to take the dog’s comfort and wellbeing into account in addition to aesthetics. Nowadays, a lot of veterinarians and breeders support keeping a dog’s ears on, saying that the real qualities that count are its personality and abilities.

Ultimately, it’s important to conduct in-depth research if you’re thinking about getting your shepherd dog’s ears cropped. Find out about the history of the particular breed, the justifications for cropping, and the local laws governing it. In this manner, you can make a well-informed choice that puts the health and happiness of your dog first.

What breeds of dogs have their ears cropped

At the moment, the following dog breeds’ ears are cropped the most frequently:

• Doberman;
• Pit Bull Terrier;
• Cane Corso;
• Miniature Pinscher;
• Boxer;
• Great Dane;
• Schnauzer;
• Staffordshire Terrier;
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog;
• Caucasian Shepherd.

Crucial: Every breed has a unique way of cutting its ears. The finished ear shape ought to blend in with the dog’s appearance.

Cropping the ears of a shepherd – reasons and indications

There are various reasons why shepherds have their ears cropped. While some are a tribute to fashion, adhering to canine standards, others are motivated by necessity or medical indications.

Indications for medicine:

1. Auricular trauma.
2. Tumors.
3. Ulcerative lesions.
4. Necrosis of ear tissue due to frostbite.
5. Burns.
6. Prevention of otitis.
7. Reducing the likelihood of developing lymphoextravasate of the auricle.

For aesthetic purposes:

1. Giving a frightening appearance.
2. Adherence to the accepted breed standard.
3. In the distant past, the ears of dogs that attacked humans were cropped. This was a kind of mark on the animal.

For practical reasons:

1. Protection of ears from predators. Painful lacerations on the ears disoriented the animal, caused blood loss, contamination and infection.
2. Possibility of ear injuries during teenage games of puppies, attempts to divide territory in adolescence.
3. Protection from ear injuries of dogs that took part in dog fights, hunting for large game and predators.
4. Protection from bites parasites: ticks, mosquitoes.
5. Makes it easier to care for the ears of the Caucasian Shepherd.

Important: Nowadays, cropping is illegal in the majority of European nations unless it is an essential component of medical care. Dogs used for service are an exception. Such a law has not been passed in Russia.

Contraindications to ear cropping

Ear cropping surgery has a number of medical contraindications, just like any other surgical procedure.

Consequently, ear amputation is not done on:

• sick dogs;
• weakened pets;
• animals of the wrong age;
• dogs in the recovery period after surgery and severe long-term illnesses;
• puppies with developmental disabilities.

The doctor’s level of skill and the standing of the clinic where the amputation was done determine how likely it is that there will be postoperative complications. Because this procedure is pricey, you shouldn’t cut corners.

Shepherd dog ear cropping is a custom with historical and aesthetic roots that is frequently done to improve the dog’s appearance and shield its ears while it is at work. With a focus on particular breeds like the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, this article will examine the motivations behind ear cropping as well as the methods and moral issues related to the practice. In the end, being aware of these variables can assist prospective owners in making knowledgeable choices regarding the general health and ear care of their shepherd dogs.

Types of cropping

The method used to perform the auricle trimming procedure varies depending on the breed.

1. Complete trimming (removal) of the auricle – Central Asian and Caucasian Shepherds.
2. Two-third trimming-Canar Dogs, Staffordshire Terriers, Kane-Korso.
3. Removing the third part of the ear – dwarf pinchers, Dobermans.
4. Removing for the entire length – dog.

Important: Shepherd-related breeds, the ear is completely severed at stopping.

All about stopping the ears of the Caucasian Shepherd

Think about the three primary aspects of the Caucasian shepherd ear trimming procedure: the age of the operation, the characteristics of the procedure, and the indications for stopping.

At what age are ears stopping

Within the first week of their lives, Caucasian shepherd puppies completely amputate their auricle. Ideal age range: 1.5–3 days. When a little Caucasian child reaches three days old, their ears start to grow actively and thicken quickly. Up to seven days of age, docking the auricle without anesthesia and sutures is permitted in extraordinary circumstances. If you miss this deadline, there may be significant postoperative complications and the docking procedure will be more painful and involve significant blood loss.

A new owner can perform surgery on a Caucasian Shepherd with undocked ears once the dog is 6–7 months old. However, in this instance, a veterinary clinic will need to perform the surgery while the patient is sedated. Due to the lengthy recuperation period, extreme stress for the pet, significant blood loss, and high trauma, late docking is risky. Avoid delaying this process by amputating the ears at birth.

How to crop the ears of Caucasian Shepherds

Members of this breed have the top portion of their auricles completely clipped. If docking is done within the recommended window of time (1.5–3 days), you can trim your pet at home instead of taking them to the vet. The breeder or veterinarian cutting the Caucasian puppy’s ears follows the puppy’s ear length and thickness instead of following any set pattern.

In the event that the procedure is done later (six to seven months from now), you will need to get your pet ready for this intense, painful procedure. The dog is kept on a starvation diet and is not fed the day before the planned procedure. The animal needs to be brought to the clinic for the procedure, which is done under both local and general anesthesia.

The hair is removed from the ears by shaving them prior to the procedure. The ears are fitted with templates. After carefully cleaning the surgical site with antiseptics, an incision is made from the outer to the inner part of the auricle’s cartilage. The shepherd’s ears are clipped, and then the wound is cleaned and sutured. Usually on the eighth or twelfth day, they are removed once the wound has healed completely.

What is postoperative care

Being operationally successful is only half the fight. Skilled postoperative care is essential for the injured area to continue healing. The owner of the dog bears responsibility for this, as the animal cannot survive without their assistance.

Following surgery, what to do:

1. Put a plastic "Elizabethan collar" on the animal so that the dog does not have the opportunity to scratch the wound.
2. Give the dog painkillers as prescribed by the veterinarian to reduce and relieve pain.
3. On the first day after surgery, which was performed under general anesthesia, reduce the portions of food, give food little by little. This will help to cope with a possible gag reflex.
4. Carry out daily treatment of wounds and sutures with hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, calendula tincture or streptocide in powder form. The optimal treatment should be prescribed by the veterinarian. This should be done carefully with cotton pads or cotton swabs.

Crucial: the dog’s owner needs to keep a close eye on the animal during the healing phase to identify any potential declines in health and seek advice from a veterinarian.

Possible complications after surgery

Whenever the procedure is performed correctly, complications are rare. However, issues could arise if the procedure was carried out by amateurs, in an inadequately sterile environment, or if the owner disregarded the advice of experts regarding the pet’s post-manipulation care.

1. Severe bleeding after amputation in adulthood.
2. Thickenings and scars form at the site of removal.
3. An inflammatory process develops in the wounds.

By selecting a reputable clinic and a professional veterinarian, you can steer clear of these issues. Following the procedure, you must promptly remove the stitches and give the dog ongoing attention.

Cropping the ears of a Central Asian Shepherd

The practice of cropping the ears of Alabai (Central Asian Shepherds) is customarily carried out in the nations where the breed originated (Russia and the CIS) and in those where such modification is not illegal. Dogs without dockets are defined by international breed standards. Both kinds of ears are accepted in the Russian version. The Alabai’s breeder or owner decides whether or not to carry out the procedure. Let’s examine the principal defenses and objections to the procedure.

Arguments put forth by supporters of docking Central Asian Shepherds:

• the operation emphasizes the breed affiliation, dogs with drooping ears look like crossbreeds;
• this surgical manipulation protects service dogs from certain injuries.

Arguments made by those who are against docking

• the operation is a risk to the dog"s health;
• docking has an exclusively aesthetic meaning and does not bring any practical benefit;
• it is a painful and uncomfortable procedure for the pet;
• alabai with cropped ears are more aggressive.

Shepherd Dog Type	Ear Cropping Purpose
German Shepherd	Enhances appearance, traditional in show breeds.
Belgian Malinois	Promotes alertness and reduces risk of injury in working roles.
American Pit Bull Shepherd	Common for aesthetics and breed standards in some regions.

Shepherd dog ear cropping has been a contentious issue for a long time. Some claim it’s due to customs or breed standards, while others think it’s needless and even cruel. Knowing the causes of ear cropping can empower us to choose what’s best for our animal companions.

Ear cropping was frequently done for practical reasons, such as preventing injury during work or improving the dog’s appearance in shows, for breeds like the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. But these days, a lot of dog owners decide to leave their dogs’ ears as is, letting them exhibit the distinctive qualities of their breed unaltered.

It’s crucial to take the dog’s wellbeing into account. Cropping can be painful and dangerous, and many supporters argue that the comfort of the dog should come before appearances. Ear cropping is prohibited in many nations, a sign of the increasing awareness of animal rights and welfare.

The choice to crop a shepherd dog’s ears should ultimately be well considered. It’s critical to balance the risks, potential rewards, and ethical ramifications. Keeping our pets happy, healthy, and true to their nature should always be our top priority.

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