Cropping Boxer ears: The debate over whether to crop a Boxer’s ears is significant, with some people strongly opposing this alteration as it goes against nature, while others agree due to the breed’s tradition spanning centuries. The question comes down to a personal decision, so it’s important to consider the facts over the hype.
Cropping Boxer ears: What Exactly is Cropping?
When a Boxer’s ears are cropped, it’s a form of cosmetic surgery that remains legal in some countries. Typically done when the Boxer puppy is 10 to 12 weeks old, this procedure can be performed on a dog of any age.
During the process, an animal surgeon carefully marks the area of the ear to be cut, then removes the ear flap and stitches it to heal in a way that ensures it stands upright.. This cutting of the ears is done to achieve an upright appearance, though it often causes some pain and discomfort.
After surgery, the ears heal in about 3 weeks, with small paper cones used to protect them. The owner must apply disinfectant twice per day, as prescribed by the veterinarian, and ensure proper aftercare to prevent scarring.
Why Are Boxer’s Ears Cropped?
Boxer dogs with cropped ears are often seen as following the breed standard. Breeders and owners perform the procedure at a young age to avoid issues like long, floppy ears, moisture, ear mites, and yeast infections, especially in countries like the U.S., where cropping remains legal.
The veterinarian performs the procedure, removing part of the ear flap to enhance the Boxer’s appearance. The show crop creates balance with the dog’s facial features, but heavy ears may require a 2nd cropping, with costs ranging from $300 to $600, depending on the dog’s weight.
Historical Reasons for Cropping Dogs’ Ears
To improve their hearing: FALSE.
Historically, breeds like Boxers were cropped for reasons related to hunting, fighting, working, herding, or serving as guardian dogs for livestock. However, cropping their ears does not improve their hearing, despite common misconceptions.
To prevent ear infections: FALSE.
Some believe cropped ears increase airflow and reduce the likelihood of ear infections, but studies show no positive correlation. Instead, factors like genetic, environmental, dietary, and anatomical reasons contribute to dogs experiencing ear infections, not the cropping of ears.
For Intimidation:
In the past, cropped ears were used to protect dogs during hunting, fighting prey like rats, boars, bears, or even during dog fights and battles with wolves and coyotes, preventing injury and bleed. As guardian breeds protecting livestock from pigs, the practice was common at the purchase point, particularly for war, to avoid damage during fights, making the dogs more intimidating.
For Protection:
In the past, guard dogs like Boxers had their ears cropped to enhance their appearance and create an aura of intimidation, making them more reminiscent of wolves. This practice was thought to increase their effectiveness in protection roles.
Is it legal to crop a Boxer’s ears?
At the start, it’s important to know that the legal status of cropping a Boxer’s ears varies greatly across the world. Some countries and provinces have banned this alteration, while others allow it under certain regulations.
| Country/Region | Status | Details |
| Canada | Banned | Both cropping and tail docking is banned in Manitoba, Québec, Nova Scotia, and others. |
| United States | Mixed | Some states allow it, no federal ban. |
| Germany, France | Banned | Strict animal welfare laws prohibit it. |
| Australia | Banned | Not allowed under any circumstances. |
| India, Japan | Banned | Complete ban on ear cropping. |
| Mexico, Argentina | Mixed | Some regulations in place, not fully banned. |
| Sweden, Italy | Banned | Completely prohibited across the country. |
| Russia | Mixed | Certain regions regulate or ban cropping. |
| Hungary, Chile | Banned | Countries have outlawed the practice. |
| South Africa, Turkey | Mixed | Ear cropping is allowed in some regions, but restricted. |
Ultimately, depending on where you are, it’s crucial to check the local laws. Regulations can differ even within provinces and states, so knowing the legal framework is key before proceeding with ear alterations for your Boxer.
The Controversy Surrounding Ear Cropping
The historical practice of cropping Boxer’s ears was based on reasons like improving, hearing and preventing ear infections, but these ideas have been disproved and are no longer valid. Originally, it was common in times of war, particularly with dogs like shepherds, including Malinois, GSDs, and Dutch Shepherds, who have naturally upright ears.
As dog fighting became illegal, cropping for hunting, chasing prey, or preventing injuries during fights decreased. However, certain breeds like rottweilers still undergo this elective procedure for an intimidating look, while hounds with a long history in scent trailing have their ears intact unless portions are removed due to repeat trauma or a reactionary need.
Legal Aspects of Ear Cropping to Consider
Some Key Legal Aspects of Ear Cropping
- An elective cosmetic procedure that remains permitted in some countries, though increasingly restricted.
- Ear Cropping is still allowed in certain areas, but heavily regulated or banned in Germany and many statesof the US and Canada.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes ear cropping due to unnecessary risk.
- Legal battles have been fought to outlaw the practice in some regions.
- American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club still support cropping for registration and showing
- Cropping should only be done by a qualified veterinarian to avoid catastrophic consequences like infection, loss of ear, or death.
Ear cropping, a cosmetic surgery originating in the US, now faces widespread scrutiny due to its painful nature and risks like infection, with the AVMA strongly opposing it. While the some veterinarian supports cropping for shows, it remains illegal or heavily regulated in many places, and performing it at home with scissors is cruel and dangerous, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Going Forward, Things You Should Know About Ear Cropping
Ear cropping typically occurs between 8-12 weeks of age, as puppies can endure anesthesia safely. Waiting later than 12 weeks means the cartilage begins to harden, making it harder for the ears to adopt the desired shape following surgery, which requires bandaging, bracing, and vet visits for incisions and suturing.
Multiple styles of ear cropping exist, so you must know what you want before the scalpel falls. The training, bracing, and bandage changes need to be done weekly, with increased risk of ear infections for the puppy during this time, and there’s no do-over if things don’t go as planned.
Should you Have Your Boxer’s Ears Cropped?
Cropping your Boxer’s ears is a personal decision with no clinically proven benefits like reducing ear infections or ear mites. While some owners prefer the look, the discomfort for a Boxer puppy, even with underdeveloped nerve endings, should make owners carefully think before deciding, as experts stay neutral on this myth of health benefits.
If Ears are Not Standing Correctly
If ears are not symmetrical or erect after cropping, owners often try the taping method, hoping for improvement by positioning the ears with tape at around 1 or 2 months of age. However, despite veterinarian advice, some Boxer puppies may experience pain or discomfort from nerve endings, and the myth that it always works leaves many owners deciding if the dog’s look is worth the process.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, the choice to crop your Boxer’s ears is a personal one that should be made with care, keeping in mind both the potential risks and the ethical considerations. No matter the decision, always prioritize your dog’s health, comfort, and well-being above all else.
FAQS
1. Why do Boxers get their ears cropped?
Boxers’ ears are cropped traditionally for appearance, protection, and historical reasons, often believed to reduce injury or enhance alertness.
2. Should you crop Boxers’ ears?
It’s a personal choice, but it’s important to consider ethical concerns, potential pain, and legal restrictions.
3. What age do you crop Boxer ears?
Boxers’ ears are typically cropped between 8 to 12 weeks of age.
4. Is cropping ears cruel?
Many consider ear cropping cruel due to the pain and discomfort it causes, as well as the fact that it’s often unnecessary.