Crop her ears?

[Andrew Ehnot]

Hello!

My name is Andrew and my wife and I recently brought up our first Cane Corso to be a member of our family.

Luna's ears have not been cropped, and I'm not entirely sure if I want to have them done. Is there any adverse effects of not having her ears done? Is there a specific reason TO get it done?

Thank you!

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Personally, I didn't...not her ears or her tail, I left her PERFECT as she was, and I have never regretted it. However, my husband regrets not getting her tail done as it's just at the right height to do crotch shots on him. Still, even with that, he loves her tail and he loves her velvety ears.

Additionally, I believe there is some issue about how long you can wait. I believe vets like to do it in the first three months, but I'll leave it to the other members who have chosen this path. Either way, these are great dogs.

As for adverse effects...? Well, some people feel that the dog's experience itchy ears because it isn't done, but I can't say that I would draw this conclusion. Again, other members will weigh in with their many years of experience.

And welcome to our little family.

 

[Vantage]

My pup was just cropped recently. (I'll get you guys pics as soon as I get them ). A responsible breeder will take the care to do it before handing the pup over, which is what my situation is.

I feel it is mostly personal preference, unless you're sending your dog hunting in the woods - in which case there is actually merit to having the ears cropped. Some say they can get "bit" or torn while "rough housing" (although these sound like rather extreme cases). Otherwise it is pretty much aesthetic.

Some people argue it keeps their ears cleaner and less prone to bacteria/infections. I don't really know... because then wouldn't labradors or other hounds be more prone to ear infections with their floppy ears? (I don't know, are they statistically?)

I can tell you I saw a picture of my pup pre-op, and I felt Super Guilty about deciding to do it..he looked so innocent and cute (but I think I'm a rather emotional person haha). I greatly prefer the cropped look and figured it would be easier to maintain hygienically. After talking to my breeder however, I was told my boy was up and about, back to normal within 20 minutes of the procedure... that was reassuring. That and the fact that all the other 5, 6 adults at his kennel were cropped, so I didn't think it would be that bad.
^Do make sure you find a GOOD-EXPERIENCED veterinarian to do the procedure. My breeder went to someone who has an extensive history of cropping Cane Corsi (plural?) ears. The last thing you want is an uneven crop, and a bad crop can cause the dog pain. A good crop should stay standing by itself, and the pups should bounce back from it fairly reasonably.

The tail docking I can understand to a certain extent. They call it "happy tail" and dogs can be injured. (Is this a given, no... Bailey seems to be doing perfectly fine!) But if you've ever been around a large breed dog that is super happy you'll understand... getting hit by their tail is like getting whipped by a thick rope lol. My friends GSD tail hurts!

To those who don't get it done, I have great respect for them. To those who get it done, I have nothing against. I feel it is personal preference, and whatever you choose, be 100% Happy with your decision and don't look back!

Ps. Congratulations on the new family member!