The best time to crop a dog's ears in between eight and 10 weeks old, however the max age for cropping ears can be up to 12 weeks. The procedure should be carried out on puppies rather than adult dog's because it is less painful and it is generally known as the best time to crop a dog's ears.
What is ear cropping?
The function that you are referring to is the procedure of cutting a dog's ears in order for them to stand up. It is usually done for presentation reasons, so certain dogs look a certain way. For example, the most common dogs that have this procedure done are Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, boxers and Rottweiler. In addition, some argue that carrying out the cropping method will help with hygiene issues. It is not proven but some suggest that having shorter ears will stop excess debris and shorten the risk of infections.
How is ear cropping done?
The procedure of ear cropping consists of firstly putting the puppy under an anesthetic so they cannot feel the operation going on. Once the anesthesia has taken affect the vet will proceed by cutting the dog's ears in order for them to stand up. Once the procedure has been carried out, the ears will be bandaged up accordingly so that the ears remain upright. It is important to keep in mind that the dog may suffer some pain and discomfort for the first few weeks after the operation.
Why is it controversial?
There has been some controversy regarding ear cropping on dogs because some people do not agree with the method. It is frowned upon in some cases and a number of veterinarians do not teach this process in schools.
Vets usually don't agree to cropping dog's ear if he/she is older than 9 weeks. Most of them prefer young puppies, age ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. But some vets prefer little older (up to 12 weeks) Doberman Pinschers puppies for ear cropping.
Do not have this done if your dog is older than 3 months - in fact why do it anyway? Are you planning to show - because the AKC has loosened all the cropping and docking for most breeds. Itis not a necessary procedure, I know the "look" is cool, but it is a very painful procedure and is best done while your pup was still at the breeder - most reputable breeders insist that this is done prior to your bringing the pup home. I got my Giant Schnauzer almost 4 weeks before other parents as I did not want the ears cropped. Think very hard about your decision, cropped ears can get infected and have to stay clean while they are bandaged.
I am on my fourth doberman in my lifetime of 56 years. The others had thier ears cropped. This time around I feel there is really no need if I am not going to show her. Abbylynn doesnt need her ears cropped to prove to anyone how scary or how well she can protect me. She just will!
Dog or puppy? It may be too late though you should probably consider why you want it done. Most of the time it is just cosmetics, is a surgery, and takes a lot of work on your part and sometimes for nothing or so that they can end up looking really silly. I also have to ask, was it a condition of the adoption/purchase? There are many people now that don't want the ears done on their pups, if you have a contract check it. The use of dog sounds like it may be too late though and they would go through a surgery (it's risks) and all it entails for nothing and won't stand. There is a time frame it is done in general but it also depends on the individual dogs ear set and some of them aren't going to stand or stand well surgery or not. If you are showing and it isn't required for your breed or if your not showing at all you may want to reconsider getting the ears cropped if you still can.
With the length of the ear cut and the number of stitches required for that ear length requires them to be done well before 10 weeks or so. Most vets won't do it before 6 weeks due to safety of anesthesia but the earlier the more chance they'll stand, the less taping, the easier they heal, and the less the puppies mess with the stitches or the taping. Unless you're showing the dog though I'm not sure it's worth it for the money and pain. My Cane Corso standard doesn't require ear cuts, but you never win in the ring if you don't have them cut. As a pet though the only point is to make them look scary.
I live in Tampa Fl and am having a really hard time finding a vet that will crop my dogs ears. Hes 6 months old and they told me that the dogs ears may not stand. Also needed to find a place that would do it for a bit cheaper than $500. Thanks for the help
