Right,

Before anyone bites my head off, the reason I'm posting to ask about this is because I know nothing about it and am simply seeking advice from those more experienced than I am.

Here we go:

1. In case I decide to have it done, can someone please guide me through the process as accurately as possible so when I take her to the vet I'll have an idea if he's doing something wrong - don't forget where I live!

2. How many of you out there think it's inhumane and totally unnecessary?

3. Is it best to have it done as soon as possible i.e while she's still very young?

Thanks in advance for anyone's help

Andy

1. Can you look at someone you know that has it done? References, etc. even in the Indonesia. Fly into Japan maybe?

2. I think it's totally up to you. Why clip one breed but not others? It's either or I feel. I think the APBT should have their tail docked also, it looks much better. If it looked good my GSD I'd have wanted it done. Tails are a major inconvenience to me.

3. Can't tell you about three. You may want to ask someone on a APBT board too.

Don't bother, I wouldn't. I don't think it would be a good idea to do in your neck of the woods. It will be hard to find good help. Botched ear jobs look like crap and can be a pain in the ass if infected.

Hi Andy,

I agree with Robert - I don't see the point to it personally.

I know in the USA ear clipping is common for Gt Danes & Dobies but here in the U.K. we don't do that and I think the dogs look better that way.

When I lived in Ghana, I saw very few dogs with good outcomes of ear crops. Most didn't stand and there was one beautiful, beautiful doberman I came across with his ears cropped -- to perfect Mickey Mouse ears. If do want to crop your dog's ears, the general rules with additional hints:

First, do not use a vet who hasn't had success at cropping ears. Get names of clients AND follow up!

Second, make sure that's a vet who knows how to crop the style for pit bulls -- short crop, not long crop. A vet should use a template for cropping the ears, so that they're even on both sides. Walk away if they don't.

Third, ear cropping is done anywhere from 8 weeks to 16 weeks depending on the style, the size of the ears and the overall health of the dog. I'd say 10-12 weeks would be ideal.

Fourth and most important. Aftercare. The most skilled vet can't help you if you do not stringently tend the wounds so that they heal by first intention and do not get infected. Taping and keeping the ear set is *your* responsibility, not the vet's and that's where most people fail. It's very scrupulous work. You can ask about the aftercare process on a pit bull board.

If you haven't got all those ducks in a row, I strongly advise against putting your dog through the needless pain.

Dei.

I'm with the rest-don't do it. There is the obvious question of finding a good vet in your locale. Also if you come back into "polite society" (Europe, most of the US), with a red nose red pit with cropped ears-you might yourself unwelcome in a lot of places. Most apartment complexes, alot of suburban nieghborhood associations, and entire cities ban pits.
Personally, I like the cropped ear look, but this breed suffers from a real bad PR program. The less identifying "pit" characteristics, the more friends your dog will have.

As a stupid kid I had a Doberman's ears cropped because that was "the look". I'd never do that to a dog again. It was painful for her and it was a long healing process. I felt I had tortured her for fashion which is kind of counter to my personal philosophy.

Just my two cents. I'm with the don't do it group. I too, like the look of Dobe's and even the Beaucerons with cropped ears. However, I reflect to one of my own dogs, a working English Springer Spaniel (the field type). He does not look anything like the show type. And he still has his tail!

When we take our walks, I would be lost without that tail wagging, above the tall grass, in a furious greeting and in the many expressions and signs that can be read with 'tail' posture. (Which is very helpful for our work <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) Being exposed to the other Springers w/o tails (cropped), my little guy seems so much more animated, alive and happy!

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that a dog communicates with all parts of his body, especially his ears. Outside unneccessary pain, cost and possible complications for vanity (sorry, not to offend) I cannot find any positives for this procedure. Hope you leave him with ears! (and tail!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1.Why does a dog need it's tail?
2.Do you think a puppy first born feels the pain with his tail?
3.Do you feel all breeds should not have their ears clipped?

Brad,
1. I have had both dogs with and without tails. I like being able to read the dogs with tails, I think it is easier. However if I bought another Giant I would want it cropped and docked.
2. They feel the pain. Do not kid yourself that they don't. I have held the puppies while they were being docked and having dew claws removed. They scream bloody murder and struggle HARD. Just like male children when they are circumsized. Is it a life altering event?
3. Why would "all breeds" need to be cropped? What point would there be in a GSD or Mal?