According to my vet, German Pinscher ear cropping is entirely unnecessary, and I bet my dog would agree. I think he likes his ears the way they are.
We correlate certain dog breeds to a particular “standard” look. However, the “standard” look may not be natural for some dog breeds but is accomplished through an artificial surgical procedure, one of which is ear cropping. In this article, let us discuss everything you need to know about German Pinscher ear cropping.
Ear cropping, most of the time, is an aesthetic procedure done on certain dog breeds, most often on the pinscher family of dogs (Miniature Pinscher, German Pinscher, and the Doberman Pinscher). It is a painful process that has health-related claims.
In this article, let us discuss the German Pinscher Ear Cropping surgery and whether this is the right thing to do.
What Is German Pinscher Ear Cropping?
Ear cropping is elective, mostly done for aesthetic purposes on dogs. It is done by removing a part of a dog’s ear and putting bandages on it to “train” the ears to stand up. It is performed on breeds such as the German Pinscher, Doberman Pinscher, Schnauzers, and more.
Ear cropping usually involves cutting the “floppy” part of the ear. This procedure is performed while the dog is six to twelve weeks old. While the ears are healing, they are taped to a hard surface to stay upright.
What Are The Pros Of Ear Cropping?
There are many pros to ear cropping, according to those who don’t see what a barbaric practice it is. In this article section, let us discuss the pros of ear cropping and possible reasons people may opt to ear crop their dog, especially a German Pinscher.
- Some Showrunners Require Ear Crops For German Pinschers
Considering entering your German Pinscher in dog shows, it might be less nerve-wracking to ear crop it beforehand. You might need to note that ear-cropped German Pinschers are not required all the time compared to relative breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher.
- Battle Advantage
The original intent for ear cropping was for dogs with large floppy ears to have a battle advantage since the ears are a vital zone for biting when fighting other dogs. It has also become convenient, especially for German Pinschers working dogs in rough working and playing conditions.
When the ears are cropped, especially for protection dogs like Doberman Pinschers and German Pinschers, it gives the dog’s enemy less opportunity to grab onto something due to the smaller surface area of the ears. It is why most protection dogs with floppy ears are ear-cropped more than other dog breeds.
- Reduces The Risk Of Ear Infections
Most breeders of pro-ear cropping argue that ear cropping reduces the risk of ear infections due to the better ventilation it provides to the dog’s ears and ear canal. However, this claim has been refuted lately due to a German study examining boxers from England, wherein ear cropping is illegal, and compared to ear cropped dogs only to find out that there is no significant increase in the risk of an ear infection.
Another argument that may not support this point is that not only does it not provide significant protection from an ear infection during the ear cropping process, but your dog (i.e., your German Pinscher) may also have a heightened risk of ear infection due to the bandages and the wounds inflicted during the surgery.
- Aesthetics
If there is one reason that I could pick why most people ear-crop their German Pinschers, it is probably due to aesthetics (personal human ego). Most people prefer ear-cropped dogs because they are the “standard” look, albeit not the natural one. For example, most associations, like the American Kennel Club, set some dog breeds’ ear crops (i.e., Doberman Pinschers) as standards. In my opinion, this is an immature concept to justify a species-wide ego trip of humans over dogs. Madness.
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What Are The Cons Of Ear Cropping?
There are many anti-ear cropping groups. In this section of the article, we will tell you why they do not support ear cropping and why you may also opt to abstain your dog from ear cropping also.
Expensive
When you opt to ear crop your German Pinscher, you must know that ear cropping is a grueling and expensive process for your dog and your pocket! Ear cropping can cost a standard of $250 but can charge you at rates higher than $800! If you find this process not worth it for your pocket and for your German Pinscher to go through, you may need to think twice before ear-cropping your doggo.
Illegal
In most civilized regions, ear cropping is considered mutilation and cruelty. Chopping up a dog’s ears for human aesthetics? You don’t say.
Your Dog Can Die From Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is a painful and traumatic experience for your dogs. Although ear cropping is done under general anesthetics, it may result in an allergic reaction, resulting in swelling and, in certain circumstances, death. Moreover, post infections on ear cropping, such as bacterial infections on the wounds or the bandages, may occur, which can also severely harm your dog or even put them to sleep permanently.
Not only that, but even if the dogs don’t die from ear cropping, they may still treat that process as a traumatic, painful, and horrifying experience. This process, primarily used for aesthetic purposes, only poses a more significant threat to your dogs than good.
Ear Cropping Can Also Result In Bad Looks
When done on inexperienced vets, you may be shocked to know that your dog’s ear will look worse than it originally was. Especially when skimping or opting for non-licensed vets, there is a greater chance for your doggo to die or to result in a failed surgery, which is both a lose-lose situation for your doggo and you.
Post-Ear Cropping Processes Are A Hassle
By assessing the situation yourself, it would be best to consider whether your dog is suitable for an ear crop. Do you have time to change your dog’s bandages two to three times a week? Or are you too busy to take extreme care of him while recovering?
It’s unethical.
Okay, I will get hate comments for this, but hear me out. How would you feel if an alien swooped down and cut your ears up because they didn’t like the look of them? That’s basically what humans do to dogs. I’ve talked to multiple veterinarians – all agree there is no medical need to crop ears unless a dog is badly injured, like in a dog fight, and the ears have become infected. There’s no more reason to cut off a dog’s ears than your own. Think about it; it’s not rocket science. That’s my opinion, but I bet a dog would tell you to leave its ears well enough alone if it could.
Three Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About German Pinschers Ear Cropping
How Often Should You Clean Your Puppy’s Bandages After An Ear Crop?
When having a post-op puppy, it is best to take extra good care of them as their ears are susceptible and prone to infection. Be sure to sanitize them and ensure they have lots of food, as some puppies may not be eating during this process.
Where Is Ear Cropping Illegal?
Most states do not regulate ear cropping in the United States, but some do, like New York and Maryland. In some countries like the UK and Germany, ear cropping is banned. In most provinces in Canada, it is illegal. Given the amount of countries that see it as cruel, you must consider there to be truth behind these fears.
What Do Veterinarians Think Of Ear Cropping?
While some think it is a necessary evil, most vets who care for dogs think ear cropping is a cruel and taxing aesthetic surgery for puppies. All the veterinarians I spoke with agree that it is unnecessary in most circumstances and therefore a form of aesthetic mutilation to appease the ego of the owner.
Where do you stand on the subject? Let me know in the comments below!
