THE ISSUE
Some breeds of dogs in the United States customarily have their ears reduced with a blade or scissors to modify their shape and, in some cases, allow a naturally drooping ear to stand upright. Cropping is performed when dogs are between 6 and 12 weeks old depending on breed and body condition. In larger breeds, after surgery the ears are positioned with tape, bandages or other devices to encourage an upright position.^1,2,3 Well-controlled studies addressing the animal welfare implications of cropping dogs' ears do not exist. However case studies support certain risks associated with the procedure.

WELFARE CONCERNS—RISKS
General anesthetic—Cropping should always be carried out under full anesthesia, which itself has associated risks.

Postoperative Care—Dogs will experience some discomfort during healing, stretching, re-taping and bandaging, and other manipulations after surgery. Some will need their ears bandaged or taped upright for days to months and they may be isolated from other dogs during this period.

Potential Complications—As for any incision, cropped ears may become infected. Cropped ears may also fail to stand or have a distorted shape or position potentially leading to subsequent operations.^4,5,6

REASONS GIVEN FOR THE PRACTICE
Animal Benefits—It has been suggested that dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from infections of the ear canal. Although the development of some serious infections has been linked to the presence of a heavy hanging ear⁵, there is no evidence that cropping prevents or successfully treats these conditions. It has also been suggested that cropping avoids later ear injury⁸ or improves hearing, but no evidence is available to substantiate these claims either.

Human Benefits—Ear cropping produces an alert expression in dogs used for security or guard work and may contribute to the distinctive appearance of a pedigree breed.⁹

LEGISLATION AND ACCEPTABILITY
The American Kennel Club supports owners who choose to crop: "...ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health."¹⁷ However, dogs with cropped ears may not compete in United Kingdom Kennel Club events.¹⁸

Many veterinary organizations, in addition to the AVMA, oppose cosmetic cropping including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)¹¹ and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Individual veterinarians differ in their perspectives (e.g., letters^8,14,15,16).

Cropping has been deemed unacceptable in the United Kingdom for more than a century¹⁰ and is currently prohibited in Australasia and most European and Scandinavian countries.

SUMMARY
Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure with potential negative outcomes for the animal.

REFERENCES
1. Jensen HE. Ear Trimming. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1950;116:428-31.
2. Leonard HC. Ear Cropping by Triangulation. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1958;133:108-10.
3. Hancock WB. Ear-cropping Technic. Vet Med Small Anim Clin 1968;63:860-865.
4. Vine LL. Corrective ear surgery. Vet Med Small Anim Clin 1974;69:1014-1020.
5. Sauer BW. Correction of faulty ear carriage in the dog with porous polyethylene implants. Vet Med Small Anim Clin. 1976;71:1071-1075.
6. Burns CC. Surgical technique for correcting ear trims. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1951;118:93-5.
7. Harvey C. Ear canal disease in the dog: medical and surgical management. J Am Vet Med Ass 1980;177:136-139.
8. Jacobs FS. Ear trimming in dogs [letter] J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990;196:679-680.
9. Stone RW. More on ear cropping and neutering [letter] J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;216:174.
10. Hobday FTG. Surgical Diseases of the Dog and Cat 1906 Baillière, Tindall and Cox: London
11. AHAA Reference detail. Ear Cropping/Tail Docking Position Statement. Available at: https://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?site=resources&webcode=referenceDetail&postKey=409665b4-0d4e-4b71-b8e8-019fcffa1b4d Accessed December 4, 2007.
12. California State Senate Website. AB 418 Assembly Bill - Bill Analysis Available at: http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/05-06/bill/asm/ab_0401-0450/ab_418_cfa_20050404_112819_asm_comm.html Accessed July 18, 2007.
13. Gumbrell RC. Canine ear cropping. New Zealand Vet J 1984;32:119-119.
14. Longair JA. A plea against ear cropping [letter] Can Vet J 1980;21:280.
15. Humble JA. More comments on letters about JAVMA cover art [letter] J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;221:1382.
16. Connell DL. More comments on letters about JAVMA cover art [letter] J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;221:1382.
17. American Kennel Club. Canine Legislation Position Statements http://www.akc.org/canine_legislation/position_statements.cfm#earcropping Accessed December 5, 2007.
18. The Kennel Club. Competing with docked or cropped dogs in the UK. Available at: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/979. Accessed December 5, 2007.

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Welfare Division. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified.