What age should a puppy be to have ears cropped and tail done?

Answer 1

Never. Unless it's a health risk for the breed to leave them uncropped, or you are showing the dog and it's mandatory for the breed, then don't do it. Owner pride is not a good enough reason to mutiliate a dog.

Answer 2

Veterinarians that crop and dock DON'T mutilate dogs. It's not illegal in the USA to have this done and so it's a moot point to say how wrong it is.
I'd hope anyone determined to do this would consult with a qualified Veterinarian experienced with docking/cropping according to the breed owned.
On average, a pup has to be healthy, have had shots and is usually around 12 wks old for ear cropping. Beyond 14 wks, depending on what the Vet says, and the ears won't stand right and the job will be botched. So if your dog is older than 14 wks, that is what you risk, even when done by a Vet.
Tail docking is done shortly after birth, within the first few days.
Frankly, I'm afraid that if it were outlawed here (USA) it would lead to MORE backyard butchery and idiots with shears and rubberbands going around killing and maiming their dogs or the dogs survive and look more like a "Pet Cemetary" version of the breed.

Answer 3

You're going to get a lot of opinions for and against these procedures....I'd like to make it clear I am NOT choosing sides on the debate, just answering the question asked...

Docking must be done when the puppy is 2-3 days old, by a vet. I have seen the procedure done and it takes about 30 seconds.

Cropping requires general anesthesia and a greater recovery time. It is a full-fledged surgical procedure. Most vets and breeders who crop prefer to get it done before the puppies are 10 weeks old, before they go to their new homes, so that the breeder can ensure the puppies recieve proper after-care and followup.

And that's all I'm sayin' on this one :X

Answer 4

Tails are done at 2-5 days of age, ears are cropped between 7 and 9 weeks of age.

Answer 5

I understand that you can't enter such a dog in European dog shows. They have to be intact. I've heard that cropping their ears is banned in Britain and has been so for well over a hundred years. Docking tails and cropping ears is largely done for cosmetic reasons anyway. I don't think a dog should be put through such pain just so its tail doesn't act like a whip when it's wagging or its ears should be cropped just so it looks scarier.

Answer 6

Depends on the breed. Most should have it done no later than 4 months so that the ear cartilage can be trained to stand erect. Take into account the Vet's experience, post op care and pain meds, it can be quite a commitment. Sometimes even taking 3 months to a full year to fully stand erect.
Also be prepared for negative comments from people that may not approve of the ear cropping. It is not an issue to be taken lightly, but I also think it's a personal choice.

Answer 7

Yay to Yamking! I hope you copy and post that answer on the health questions boards as well.
As far as ears and tail. It is against the law in Britain and some European countries to do this. It should also be against the law in our country. IMHO the only dog breeds that would benefit from an ear crop are Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels for health reasons, not that I would EVER do it. If tails must be done (why, I can't imagine), they are usually done around 2 -5 days of age. Ears are usually done later, but there are fewer and fewer vets doing them. Make sure that if you insist on doing this to your dog, you at least find someone with vast experience. I have seen terrible hatchet jobs. Please reconsider going for the "natural" look.

Answer 8

Unless you are showing your dog and it is of very high show quality I can think of no good reason to crop or dock. If the dog was show quality the breeder would take care of that and mentor you on how to train the ears and change dressing and all that stuff. However more and more breeders are finishing champions in North America uncropped (Schnauzer, Boxers, Dobermans) and undocked (Rottweilers). It is only a matter of time before it is outlawed completely and many vets are now refusing to offer that service.

Answer 9

You're going to get a lot of rude answers on here, but cropping and docking has been done for hundreds of years, and is perfectly safe if done by a vet.

Tail docking must be done NO LATER than 3 days after birth. It's very painful and dangerous to do it later.

Ears should be done between 8-12 weeks, and most vets will not do them beyond 16 weeks; again, it becomes a painful and serious surgery at this point. It's also almost impossible to train the ears to stand after 16 weeks; the cartilige has hardened into place by then and won't stand up if it hasn't already been cropped and taped.

Answer 10

My guess is that you are not in australia BECAUSE here it is actually banned .....

and as somebody else here wrote you are likely to get a lot of replies telling you that you shouldn't ... my feelings lean that way ,, BUT there are cases where a dog's long tail has a risk of damage that can cause spinal problems ... SO in such cases I support docking .... BUT not JUST for fashion statements ,, I mean what looks more happy than a dog's wagging tail.

Still If it is legal where you are ... Just follow the guidelines .. BUT please think about it.

Answer 11

Let me tell you, the next dog I own will be tailless!

It can be done without anesthesia BEFORE 3 DAYS of age.

After that, wait until they are spayed or neutered. While they're under anesthesia a vet can do ears and tails.

You'll have to call around for vets who will do ears. Not many will do it anymore.