Why are ears cropped?

[Bentley]

I am aware that this might be a controversial subject and am not looking to kick up a fuss. I have no knowledge on the subject and am simply looking to be educated on why certain breeds have their ears cropped.

 

[Gemsmom]

I think the bulk of ear cropping is done to achieve breed standards. It is necessary especially if you want to show a dog that requires a crop as part of breed standard. The natural look is fine if you have no intent to show and some people prefer it. Personally, I prefer the natural look on our APBT. He is a family pet and isn't shown. I think it really depends on what you want to do with the dog and your preferences.

 

[Cody]

For the Corso it is the historical look of the breed.
They have always been a crop docked breed. Back in the day was for various reasons that no longer apply such as hunting, guardian, what not.
Now it is the look of the breed. Ears change the expression of the dog, and unfortunately after so cropping for so long, breeders did not focus on correct ears so they are all over the place. People will tell you less ear infections and what not but I have had both cropped and natural and have never noticed a difference. If a dog is prone to ear infections they will get them.
When I see a nice, true to type Corso that is cropped it will stop me in my tracks. It is a majestic and noble looking dog, striking IMO. With ears I see a good looking dog, but not a Corso. I have a hard time seeing expression past the ears.
It does as well change the outcome in the ring. In North America you have a ring of cropped docked dogs and one with natural ears, the judge won't even look at the one with ears.

 

[Rich103]

For the Corso it is the historical look of the breed.
They have always been a crop docked breed. Back in the day was for various reasons that no longer apply such as hunting, guardian, what not.
Now it is the look of the breed. Ears change the expression of the dog, and unfortunately after so cropping for so long, breeders did not focus on correct ears so they are all over the place. People will tell you less ear infections and what not but I have had both cropped and natural and have never noticed a difference. If a dog is prone to ear infections they will get them.
When I see a nice, true to type Corso that is cropped it will stop me in my tracks. It is a majestic and noble looking dog, striking IMO. With ears I see a good looking dog, but not a Corso. I have a hard time seeing expression past the ears.
It does as well change the outcome in the ring. In North America you have a ring of cropped docked dogs and one with natural ears, the judge won't even look at the one with ears.

Great answer .....dido

 

[Ripsmom]

if one is cropping be sure to get a vet that knows what they're doing with whatever breed you have... some of them are hack jobs...

 

[Cody]

Definitely! And bring in pictures of crops you like. Aurora was done with laser surgery, heals faster and I LOVE her crop. Next will be the same!

 

[Ripsmom]

personally I find the pet cut easier than the show cut....show is longer and more difficult to get to stand BUT I also have a dane so even the pet cut is long compared to other breeds

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I don't think the show crop should be longer and haven't heard a difference between a pet crop and a show crop. I prefer the crop look and love the crop done on both of my girls. They were easy to get standing and we didn't have trouble with them falling when they are teething.

 

[BigMac]

I definitely prefer the cropped ears. That is the corso look I first fell in love with and will most certainly have my corso cropped when I DO get one!

 

[ElJayBee]

It's just personal preference really, unless you want to show. The only breeds I would ever personally crop if i had one myself are CCs, Presas, and Dobermans. And I like crops on some Danes, mainly the fawn ones. I prefer natural ears on all other breeds, especially APBTs. I've seen so many APBTs with cropped ears that would have been beautiful dogs had they not been cropped, IMO. Thankfully, APBTs are not required to be cropped to show... whew!