I have done some searching on the net, but I have found nothing definite. I would request of you a reputable source for your answer. All answers without a link (to a reputable source). Will NOT be considered for best answer. Thanks to those who participate.
2006-12-09 04:32:20 · 21 answers · asked by Slappin 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just as with all dogs who would have their ears cropped, there is no reason but for show. I personally believe it is cruel and unnecessary. It is done today in tradition of way-back-when when it was vital to a dogs well being. Tail docking, dew-claw removal, and cropping of ears was meant to prevent injury to the dog during a hunt. Today, there is no true purpose. Or, in dogs bred for entertainment in fighting, long ears and tails would have removed/shortened to prevent them being ripped off. Once again, as this type of fighting is animal cruelty and illegal in the US, it is unnecessary. Keep in mind that in Europe, ear cropping is very much frowned upon. In England, it is banned from shows. While the AKC stilI recognizes dogs with cropped ears, it will not be long before it too stops the practice. I believe that these practices cause pain to a puppy for no reason. There are NO medicially relavent reasons for tail-docking or ear-cropping. However, note the removal of the dewclaw is mainly for the comfort of the dog, as if it is too long, it will cause injury.
Reputiable sources so you can check up on my answers:
http://www.dog.com/information/earcrop.asp
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/dduscroppingdocking.htm
2006-12-09 05:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by clj2791 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The true reasons to do it in today's society are simple. 1) its traditional. Meaning, that if you like the look of a traditional appearance used in the past then go ahead and do it. 2)The reason it was started on breeds taht are labeled "pit bulls" is because of their original purpose as a fighting breed. The ears were cropped so that their opponents could not clinch on to them and end the fight sooner.
The original purpose for cropping and docking tails came around with the Roman Empire. Their animals that were to be used as guard dogs or guard animals had their ears cropped to 3 inches and their tails docked to the 2nd-4th joint of the tail. The reason for this was when the animals were taken into battle, the attackers could not grab on to the dogs ears or tails and use them to injure the animals or hold the animals. Animals that were used for hunting had their tails docked to prevent them from gettin snagged in briars or fences or anythign of the sort.
Many countries today have outlawed cropping and docking because they no longer see a need for the acts. In teh USA, it is still legal because of the traditional sense.
If your question is looking for a specific as to why your dogs ears/tail should be docked/cropped, you won't find that. If you want a historical reason, follow this link. I knew most of this before reading it but it is a nice place to point inquisitive minds to.:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_%28animals%29
On a more personal note, I for one still believe in cropping and docking for some breeds. Some, not all, and it would also depend on the purpose of the dock/crop. I train sentry and protection dogs. I believe that a sentry/protection dogs should not be easily dismayed by having their ears and tails pulled or pinched or grabbed. For my Dobermans, i crop and dock them. For my Rottweilers, i dock them. Shepherds and Malinois I leave alone because of the way their ears are shaped and the activeness of their tails. For all those who disagree with me.... well.... isn't it great to live in america where I can tell you all that "thats your opinion. I have mine."
2006-12-09 17:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by vail2073 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is done because the quarry, whether another dog, vermin, or criminal, can get a hold of the ears to use in the fight/hunt and could tear them as well.
Jo - "Tail docking, dew-claw removal, and cropping of ears was meant to prevent injury to the dog during a hunt. Today, there is no true purpose."
Well, DUH! SOME people still use dogs as they were originally intended. Just because YOU don't doesn't mean others don't! Torn dews and broken tails are messy and painful!
clj - "AKC in fact does not reward dog breed appearance for cropped ears, instead prefers uncropped."
And how many uncropped dogs have YOU finished!!! I would be interested to know as I see very nice uncropped dogs in the ring with big name professional handlers, and they never seem to win, even with the big name at one end of the lead.
I sure wish people would quit answering questions if all they are doing is making a wild guess!!!
2006-12-09 16:13:15 · answer #3 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pit bulls used to be used for fighting(unfortunatley, many still are). There is no reason today to crop the ears, it's purley cosmetic. However, owners of pitbulls used to crop the ears to prevent another dog from grabbing the ears during a fight. Hope this helps.
2006-12-09 23:08:17 · answer #4 · answered by pat k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never had ears done. Ear cropping is just vain. They are painful operations that have no benefit to the animal whatsoever. At the same time, there are people who think exactly the opposite, as is their right. I don't look for the US to outlaw these things any time soon.
Most vets will do it at 9-12 weeks because they are anestetised (sp?) for it, and they need to have the cartilidege soft enough. Talk to your vet, they will beable to help plan a date.
The reason for the limit of age is because of the cartilage(sp) in the ear. when they are younger the cartilage hasn't hardend yet. if they croped after the cartilage hardends then it would hurt the dog more and it has less of a chance of working right.
Jason Homan
2006-12-09 13:21:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is no connection with ear cropping/tail docking and fighting APBT`s. A dog uses his tail for balance and that is one of the many things that is needed to have a good match dog. Probably 95% of the greatest champions were not cropped and all had tails. A few people might have thought it was better to crop and dock but it is all BS. Cropping is for show or just a vain thing for the owner. All my APBT`s over the decades have had what they were born with and there is no sound reason for me to ever change .
2006-12-09 13:38:51 · answer #6 · answered by Fightingpit 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
As I understand it, it goes back to the dog fighting thing. The ears and tail are cropped, so that the other dogs they're fighting can't get a hold on them. Now I believe it's just the accepted look of the pit bull.
2006-12-09 12:40:38 · answer #7 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Soem people think it helps with ear infections while others think it makes the dog look smarter and elegant.
I think, along with tail-docking, that this is not true and that dogs look most beautiful when their ears are natural.
Its not just pit bull's ears that are cropped, the dogs that often have this done include boxers, briards, various terriers, bouvier du flanders, and many, many others.
Cropping is unnessisary and plain cruel.
2006-12-09 12:41:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have done some searching on the net, but I have found nothing definite. But I suspect that your mom bit them off after you fingered her anally.
2006-12-11 16:06:21 · answer #9 · answered by doggafacia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ears are cropped short for fighting purposes, so one dog cannot grab hold of anothers and rip it completely off.
2006-12-09 16:26:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋