Save 15% on your 1st Autoship learn more
Email us
Live Chat
FAQs
Both tail docking and ear cropping are doggie procedures that have taken place for many centuries. There are records of tail docking dating back to Ancient Rome, where part of a pup's tail would be removed because it was believed this helped in the prevention of rabies. Although this reasoning isn't a common selling point for the procedure in today's modern times, there are other reasons some pet owners choose to dock puppy tails. While tail docking and ear cropping are still commonly performed on several breeds, there has been a sort of reckoning on whether or not these procedures are humane or even necessary.
A hotly debated topic in today's dog culture, removing part of the ears or tail is argued as being beneficial by some and simply cruel by others. Perhaps you know which side of the debate in which you stand or maybe you're trying to decide for yourself if one of these procedures is needed for your own pup. Read on to learn more and determine your stance on whether tail docking and ear cropping are necessary, beneficial, purely aesthetic or simply archaic.
What Is Tail Docking?
Tail docking is a procedure where part of the tail is removed to shorten it and is most often performed between the age of three to seven days. There are a couple of different ways in which this can be achieved: utilizing a scalpel or scissors to cut the tail, or placing a rubber ligature around the tail where it's to be shortened. This second method effectively cuts off the flow of blood until the tail falls off in a matter of days.
Some pups with long, thin tails experience "happy tail", where their tails wag so strongly they are prone to hitting them on objects and experiencing injuries, bleeding and possible infection. Docking eliminates a doggie repeatedly experiencing this kind of tail trauma. Some owners also find a docked tail to be aesthetically pleasing and opt for one for cosmetic purposes.
There are certain breeds in which tail docking is most common. Some common breeds in which docking is sought include, but are not limited to:
-
Cane Corsos
-
Jack Russell Terriers
-
Australian Shephards
What Is Ear Cropping?
Ear cropping is a procedure in which part of the external ear flap is removed. Cropping has been found to be most effective when performed on pups between the age of seven and twelve weeks and involves the removal of roughly two-thirds of the ear. The procedure should be performed under general anesthesia and involves cutting the floppy parts of the ear away and then bandaging it after being stitched, so it can heal in a standing-upright position.
Owners of some breeds may opt for ear cropping based on societal norms for what it is believed these dogs should look like. In this case, the procedure is mostly for appearance purposes. If a dog will be shown in competition, ear cropping is a standard for some breeds with various pedigree organizations, including the American Kennel Club.
Just as with tail docking, ear cropping is commonly performed on certain breeds. Some common breeds in which cropping is sought include, but are not limited to:
-
Cane Corsos
-
Doberman Pinschers
-
Boxers
-
American Staffordshire Terriers
What Are the Pros and Cons of Tail Docking?
Proponents of tail docking point to decreased tail injuries and infection in dogs with long, thin tails. Working dogs with docked tails are ensured their tails will not get caught in something or injured due to attack.
Those who argue against docking point to the fact dogs often use their tails for communication, therefore setting them up for the possibility of miscommunicating information to other pups. Like with many procedures, there is the possibility of infection once it's performed. In fact, a poorly performed procedure carries added risk of infection, pain, bleeding and nerve damage. This is why if you opt to have your puppy's tail docked, have the procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian. There are laws in several states requiring it to be performed by a licensed vet if it is to be performed at all.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Ear Cropping?
Pet parents who opt for ear cropping point to the potential for some health benefits, including a decreased occurrence of ear infections and the possibility for better hearing. While it's true dogs with very floppy ears are prone to suffering from ear infections, it can be argued not all dog breeds known for having floppy ears are typically cropped. You can choose to forgo ear cropping and instead pay close attention to ear health to avoid infections inside the ear. Products such as wipes and cleansers help you keep your pup's ears clean and in tip-top shape.
Cropping a puppy's ears runs the risk of infection. Dogs with cropped ears have the potential to suffer from increased pain and bleeding. If a procedure isn't done properly, there is also a low risk of amputation becoming necessary in some severe cases. If you opt to crop your pooch's ears, it should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
In conclusion, unless necessary due to injury or illness, the choice to dock and crop or to opt-out is one of personal preference. Before choosing to have a procedure done on your puppy, take into consideration if your choice is based on health benefits or appearance preferences and if you feel the risks associated with each are worth it in the case of your own pup. With both opponents and proponents, this is unlikely to be a debate that will go away anytime soon.
