Ear-cropping and tail-docking are two commonly accepted practices often considered “breed standard.” However, the process of ear-cropping and tail-docking is not humane, nor is it necessary for health. For tail-docking, tails are chopped off, usually with surgical scissors, when the puppies are newborn. This is because a newborn puppy’s cartilage is still soft. Removing the tail is an amputation. There is no anesthesia given—just a pile of yelping puppies on one side of the table and a pile of puppy tails on the other.
Ear-cropping is done when the puppy is a bit older. Ears bleed easily, and this is cosmetic surgery. Since the ears are floppy to begin with, they need to be “fixed” in place for a period of time in order to remain upright.
It is not normal for the ears to be upright on Dobermans, Pitbulls, Boxers, and Bulldogs. Not only is ear-cropping unnecessary surgery, it falsely gives the impression that the dog is aggressive. Unfortunately, this is frequently why ear-cropping is performed. In the right photo, the Doberman (left) looks far less intimidating than the one on the right.
Ear-cropping and tail-docking are routinely performed by veterinarians, so they cost money. Therefore, “home jobs” are extremely common, especially among pit mixes and bully breeds (Left). Ears can be chopped so short that the dog is left with empty holes on the side of his head.
Dogs have an exquisite sense of hearing. When the ears of a dog are cut off or forced into the shape of a funnel, there is no way for that dog to filter sound. This makes it harder for dogs to concentrate or to remain calm in noisy and chaotic environments (such as screaming babies, dog daycares, busy streets, loud voices, and music). Through my years of doing behavioral work, it has been noticeable to me that dogs with cropped ears are often more “high-strung” or anxious than their floppy-eared counterparts.
Tails on dogs are expressive. Both the ears and the tail convey the dog’s intentions and emotions to other dogs. When a dog’s tail is chopped off or the ears are cut to make the dog look more “aggressive,” it can be challenging for the dog to communicate effectively with other dogs. (Right photo: The Rottweiler, above, has a tail. Below: The Rottweiler’s tail has been removed or “docked.”)
The aggressive appearance of cropped ears and docked tails on dogs can intimidate people who are fearful of dogs or nervous about certain breed types, which only feeds into the negative associations and stereotypes breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Pitbulls have.
Under an order passed by Quebec’s Order of Veterinarians, ear-cropping and tail-docking in Quebec became illegal in 2017. It would be nice to have something similar in the U.S.
If you opt for a dog whose breed is traditionally tail-docked or ear-cropped, adopt one from a rescue or an animal shelter. If you are set on purchasing a dog from a breeder, request that the breeder does not perform either of these procedures on your puppy. Unfortunately, many breeders will refuse to forgo tail-docking or ear-cropping their dogs even when requested to do so by a buyer. Only when people refuse to participate in and support these procedures will unnecessary tail-docking and ear-cropping end.
© 2021 Alana Stevenson.
