Today’s post is going to be quick and simple. The anti-ear cropping argument is misleading, and I think we need to talk about it.
This morning somebody started a post in a Facebook group. It was one of THOSE posts. The “this is a hot topic and the initial take on it is controversial” type of conversation that results in a lot of participation, quickly.
They started the thread with a rant about how ear cropping in dogs is painful, torture, abusive, and wrong. Let’s be honest here though, it’s not that simple.
The Anti-Ear Cropping Argument is Misleading
Ear cropping is a simple surgical procedure that is done under anesthesia, and ideally only by veterinarians who are very experienced with the process. The puppies are up playing within hours as if nothing happened. They don’t care about their missing ear flaps.
Ear cropping is less invasive than a spay or stomach tack.
If you walk around a dog show in the U.S., you’ll see hundreds of cropped dogs. The solid majority of them are among some of the most well-kept and cared for dogs in the Country. They are fed an appropriate diet and kept lean and muscular. Their nails are short. They receive a lot of training and enrichment.
Those dogs who were cropped as puppies for their breed standard are far from abused and as adults, they still don’t care about their ears.
Things That Are More Abusive Than Ear Cropping
This is why the anti-crop argument is misleading. There are many, many things happening in the world of dogs that are infinitely more harmful, abusive, and damaging than ear cropping (which is none of those things to begin with). These are the things affecting dogs and the short lives they share with us.
Let’s list them out.
Pet Obesity
Obesity is an epidemic in pets. They are overfed and under-exercised and left to rot on our couches in the name of ‘love’. Many dog owners celebrate this problem by engaging in the idea that overweight pets are cute or ‘all muscle’.
A dog that is allowed to become sedentary and obese is more likely to suffer from boredom, bladder stones, diabetes, cancer, heart problems, joint pain, joint damage, and complications associated with anesthesia.
But let’s keep talking about ear cropping…
Poor Grooming Habits
From pelted Doodles to eagle talons for nails, poor husbandry is epidemic in pets.
The solid majority of pet owners are neglecting at least one of these things. If we want to cry ‘abuse and torture’, let’s please start with basic care items. Not ear cropping.
They chew up the couch to satisfy these missing needs, and when the owners find the mess the dog is often met with the harsh, abusive training tactics listed above. People pull out their phones and take “funny” videos of their “guilty” dog, who is literally just terrified that their owner has turned into an intimidating monster.
So many others are also shocked when at 9 months of age, their sweet 80 pound puppy is pulling them all over the place and lunging at dogs. How could this happen, their dog had “graduated” puppy class and spent time at the dog park for socialization!?
Dogs are living their lives in our homes, often offered little more than a 15 minute walk each day where they are expected to move by our side on pavement and not sniff, explore, run, dig, or climb.
But let’s keep talking about how ear cropping is “abuse”.
Holistic Woo & Anti-Veterinarian Belief Systems
There is nothing wrong with taking a holistic approach to pet care, if you honor the original intent of the world (to address the whole body, and that means utilizing every tool available for health including science).
However, pet owners who walk down the path of disregarding science, modern medicine, and veterinarians in the name of being ‘holistic’ as it’s been defined by a few predatory influencers, are treading in dangerous, neglectful, and often abusive territory.
It is not ok to let a dog suffer in the name of ‘holistic’ treatments. Essential oils don’t cure everything and may be toxic. Broken bones cannot be healed with mud baths and Reiki. Pumpkin seeds are not going to prevent or cure heartworms.
Veterinarians are not money-hungry shills for “big food & big pharma”. These conspiracies are wild and extremely harmful to our pets.
Unethical Breeders & Unethical Rescues
Among the most harmful practices in the world of dogs, far worst than a simple ear-crop procedure, are the poor ethics of so many breeders and rescues.
Skipping health testing, breeding dogs with poor temperaments and structure, telling owners that the dog will be hypoallergenic and family-friendly because it’s a ‘doodle’, and giving puppy buyers unscientific advice about vaccines and nutrition are abhorrent.
What about the rescues that adopt known-aggressive dogs out to unsuspecting and underprepared owners? Or the ones who buy entire litters of cute puppies at auctions and sell them as ‘rescue dogs’ or ‘meat trade dogs’?
But ear-cropping is torture and abuse, got it.
You Don’t Have to Like Ear Cropping
My Great Danes have intact ears. I’ll probably never choose to crop a puppy. I can respect pro-crop dog owners’ choices and have dogs with intact ears at the same time.
Most Great Danes keep their natural ears. Some don’t, and that’s ok as long as the procedure was done in an informed manner by a highly skilled and experienced veterinarian.
I think it’s important when throwing around words such as “abuse” and “torture” that we are being realistic. If ear cropping is defined by those terms, it is implied that spaying/neutering or any other simple, common surgical procedure is also abuse and torture.
We have SO many other things in the world of dogs to concern ourselves with; I’ll never understand why so much time and effort is wasted on inflammatory, misleading, and incorrect remarks about a procedure most dog owners know little to nothing about.
Ear cropping and taping cropped ears on Great Danes is a lengthy, involved process. If you have found this article, you are either on this journey or about to be, and we’re here to help!
If you want your Great Dane to have erect ears that stand up, you may want to consider this procedure for your puppy!
Editor’s note: while ear cropping in Great Danes is a controversial topic, we take a neutral stance. Whether you choose to crop your puppy or not is your decision. Make it an informed one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcbHmK-Lelq/
All about ear cropping and taping cropped ears on Great Danes
What happens during ear cropping?
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure done on Great Dane puppies when they are 6-12 weeks of age. It requires anesthesia, so puppies must be in good health if they are a candidate for having their ears done.
It may be a bad idea for puppies who come from a pedigree where blood clotting disorders (including Von Willebrand’s disease) are common, or for puppies from backyard breeding, pet store/puppy mill, and rescue type situations.
Make sure you choose a highly experienced cropping veterinarian; you can find the best people for this by reaching out to your local Great Dane affiliate breed club.
Many good cropping veterinarians book weeks in advance and have a preference for working with breeders who bring entire litters to be cropped on the same day, so talk to your breeder as well!
Once sedated, the ear flap is shaved and a portion of the puppy’s ear flaps are trimmed and removed. This is a cosmetic procedure that requires veterinary skill AND an artistic eye!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlnxqLJBMi5/
The trimmed edge of the dogs ears is sutured up and the puppy is often given long-lasting pain medication and an injectable antibiotic. Some veterinarians may also prescribe additional post-op medication.
Following the procedure, your puppy will come home either the same day or the next day with its ears taped upright onto a cone or wrapped over the top of the head.
This depends on your veterinarian; many are now choosing the head-wrap version as it’s more comfortable for the puppy, facilitates healing, and still results in positive outcomes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3n8DIB0fh/
The ear canal will be open and exposed from this point forward. The cut and sutured edge maybe a little crusty or bloody OR neat and clean, depending on your veterinarian and your puppy.
You will need to follow your veterinarian’s advice for keeping this area clean and dry while it heals. The newly trimmed ears may or may not bother your puppy, so it’s important to supervise and monitor behavior.
The final outcome of the crop and the look of your dog then rests in your hands and your ability to maintain posting and taping while your puppy is growing.
With the use of surgical tape, a popsicle stick, zip ties, bandages, foam, and a routine of cleaning and posting, the ears can be made to stand permanently in an upright position. We’ve outlined different methods for taping dog ears below!
This process of having the ears taped and re-taped will be ongoing while your puppy is teething and until the cartilage sets hard to keep the ears in the upright position without support. Read below for our ear cropping and taping tips!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcoK6DhAV4/
For comparison, here is an image of a Great Dane with uncropped ears.
Is Ear cropping painful for dogs?
When performed by an experienced and licensed veterinarian on a healthy and robust puppy, ear cropping is not painful and should not cause distress or discomfort for your Great Dane puppy.
The surgery itself takes 30 minutes or less, assuming that your veterinarian is skilled and experienced!
During the healing process, the ears will have sutures of some kind. These can become itchy and some pups will fuss about them.
In general, however, most young Danes are up, moving, playing, and eating within hours of the procedure and do not care about the cone or sticky bandage on their head!
While it shouldn’t be painful, your puppy or other dogs in the house may be fussed about the sutures. They can be itchy to your puppy or ‘smell funny’ and your other pets may wish to sniff or lick.
It’s important that your puppy be kept safe from that and may need to wear a cone to prevent scratching, too.
We recommend a soft cone, like this one from Amazon. Measure your dog’s neck before ordering!
No, you don’t. Ear cropping is a personal decision.
The written breed standard for Great Danes indicates that both natural floppy ears and cropped ears are acceptable. Ear cropping is common with show dogs, but it’s not just a ‘show dog’ thing! Many pet parents choose to crop for different reasons, and that’s ok!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPF1OOehcPL/
For more information on ear cropping for Great Danes that can help you make a decision, read our blog post below! While ear cropping is primarily cosmetic, some working dogs and even pet dogs may benefit from the procedure as prophylactic against future ear problems.
That said, many people will tell you that ear cropping prevents ear infections, however, this is a claim that as of yet doesn’t have much merit outside of anecdotal evidence. The AVMA states that it is a cosmetic procedure.
Other breeds that are traditionally cropped include Schnauzers, Dobermans, Boxers, Miniature Pinschers, and Boston Terriers among others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3pvl6njHa/
Are upright ears prone to infection?
Many dogs with upright ears experience ear infections just the same. German shepherd ears are a great example of this. Their ears stand naturally and don’t require cosmetic alterations, surgery, or posting.
A German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears, and the ears stand up on their own as the puppy is finished teething. They still may get ear infections!
Floppy ears are, however more prone to damage overall. Hematomas are a somewhat common and frustrating problem for dogs with floppy ears. Even a minor injury to the ear flap can result in bloody scabs and lesions that refuse to heal; this can be extremely difficult for dog owners to deal with.
Because a dog’s ears are so vascular, hematomas can be especially bloody and messy.
For those dogs with intact ears that are experiencing scabbing and hematomas, we recommend the NO FLAP EAR WRAP to facilitate healing and avoid surgical intervention.
Many owners choose ear cropping to avoid hematomas in the future, and that’s a very legitimate reason to make this choice!
We maintain that ear cropping is a personal preference and one that receives far too many misguided and uneducated opinions. You should never feel guilty for choosing ear cropping for your puppy.
There are three main phases to ear cropping for Great Danes. Each dog will move through these stages at its own pace: it largely depends on its individual anatomy, the skill of your veterinarian, and your dedication to the process.
Phase 1: Surgery and post-op healing, where your puppy’s ears will have sutures and tape. Your veterinarian will advise you of the aftercare requirements for this stage; anticipate gentle cleaning and the application of a topical antibiotic ointment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYKcCI7J4u4/
Phase 2: Posting. This stage begins once the ears are healed up and the sutures have been removed. This is where you will use posts and bandages to train the ears to stand upright. Breaks from the posts and bandages at this stage should be minimal; as long as the cartilage is still soft, your pup’s ears will need support.
(We are HUGE fans of Vandelft Danes! She is an advocate for ethical breeding, rescue, and training practices, is an incredible preservation breeder, and actively works to educate people about cropping).
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQs80l7pK8Y/
Phase 3: In this stage, once the cartilage is harder and the ears are showing that they are beginning to reliably stand upright. Encourage your dog to hold its ears perked up on the head by whistling, clapping, and playing fun games.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWgfXylpZVL/
When do I start taping my Great Dane’s ears?
Your veterinarian will advise you on this process, but you will typically begin posting and taping your dog’s ears upright once the sutures have been removed. Sutures are typically removed by your veterinarian 10-14 days post-op.
It can take up to two weeks for your dogs’ ears to be healed enough to begin the posting process, but it’s important to not rush this step! Your veterinarian will be an excellent resource here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY7ZBWRJHAh/
The surgical tape used during the procedure may be sticky and your vet may need to use a gentle medical grade adhesive remover to clean up the previously taped ear.
When you begin to tape the ears yourself, you will also find that you run into this sticky bandage problem!
Uni-solve is commonly used when you are working with your pups ears at home. You can find that on Amazon HERE. It will help remove sticky residue from bandages, once you are in the posting phase.
The exact timing of suture removal and beginning the posting phase may depend on how well your puppy has healed, and if you’ve prevented licking and scratching. If your puppy has played in the mud or gotten wet, the ears may not be ready yet.
Keeping the post-op ears clean is key to getting started with posting as soon as possible!
Your veterinarian will show you how to tape ears so that you can become an expert at it yourself.
Most dogs learn to tolerate having their ears taped and consider the process of it as part of their daily or weekly routine.
A little cottage cheese can go a long way towards ensuring that it’s always a good experience!
How long will I have to tape my dog’s ears?
For a Great Dane puppy that has received a long show crop, you can anticipate needing to use tape or supports of some kind for several months, possibly as long as two years. Taping dog ears also requires skill, and it’s something you will become very good at!
The bandages will start unraveling after a few days, so you will need to make a routine of changing the bandages and tape, and cleaning the ears on a regular basis.
The skill of your veterinarian goes a long way here, too. If a crop was not done carefully so as to leave enough support and balance for the height and natural anatomy of the ears, the ears may fail to stand reliably, even when you tape the ears for months and months.
In that case, you can continue to try or leave the ears floppy (but smaller) and consider it a ‘failed crop’. Some breeders recommend giving dogs gelatin, chicken paws or raw bones with marrow to chew on, which may help them strengthen their ear cartilage!
Additionally, corrective procedures (including further shortening of the ear) may be advised.
A thoughtful hand during the cropping procedure can ensure that the ears are functional and will remain stabilized properly once they are upright, so as above, make sure you are choosing a highly experienced and knowledgable cropping veterinarian!
Shorter crops may stand more reliably than longer crops, but a longer crop is stunning if you are willing to put in the time that it takes to make the ears stand. Every dog is different!
How do I know cropping is a good choice for my puppy’s ears?
It’s not a bad idea to speak with your primary care veterinarian, with your breeder and with your local Great Dane breed club. Depending on your dogs ears and individual conformation, cropping may or may not be a good choice to begin with.
Because all dog’s ears are different, the results will not always be the same. Some dogs ears have more leather, hang lower or sit differently on the head. Choosing a skilled veterinarian and the right ear crop style is key to success.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPOflOlh93x/
Is cropping illegal?
It is illegal in most places to crop ears at home. You should never attempt to DIY ear cropping!
Tail docking and ear cropping are actually illegal in some countries, even when done by a licensed veterinarian. Some breed clubs will not allow dogs with docked tails or cropped ears to be shown!
In the U.S. and Canada, tail docking and ear cropping are still legal and seen often as part of the written breed standards for certain dogs.
Why are dogs taping their ears?
Taping dog ears is necessary after cropping because the tape helps train the ears to stand upright. This is not a natural position for floppy ears, so it’s a necessary step if you want your Great Dane to have erect ears.
Did you know that collie ears are often taped, too, but for a different reason! They are supposed to have a folded ear; if the puppy is born with ears that don’t sit correctly, the ears are taped until cartilage forms so that they sit in the right direction.
The taping and bandaging process can be a positive experience for your dog and is not abuse.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwyftjpSDj/
How long does ear taping last?
Depending on the crop style and length, you can expect to continue taping and posting until your Great Dane puppy dog is 6 months or older. Smaller ears will stand upright faster, but until teething is done and the cartilage is hard it’s important to continue using tape and posting!
A good tape and bandage job can hold up for 4-7 days, at which point you will want to change the tape and posts for cleanliness and form. It’s important that the ear canal, skin, and fur on your puppy are kept healthy and clean.
Some dogs will develop irritation and redness on their skin with the use of certain tape or bandages. We recommend visiting the group Great Dane Lovers of Cropped Ears for advice. Share your photos and see what support they have for you.
For dogs that are sensitive, they recommend 3M Medipore H bandaging.
Be careful with using any glue, tape, or otherwise that were not directly recommended to you by your veterinarian, in this article, or mentioned by other experienced Great Dane puppy owners. There are many types of bandages, tape, and adhesives out there and some are not healthy for your dog’s ears.
All dog ears are different; some dogs will require more ear taping and more time than others. If you aren’t sure if your dog’s ears are ready to stand on their own yet, give them a day break from the tapes. If you see anything start to fall, the time hasn’t come yet.
Resume taping your puppies ears until they are more mature, and test them again later.
Ears stand only with diligent attention to this process. Taping dog ears can feel tedious OR it can be an opportunity for you to bond with your pup each time you do it. Make it a positive thing and the results will pay off!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTZm1wSrt5F/
Is it too late to tape my dog’s ears?
If your puppy is older than 10-12 weeks of age, it is very likely too late to crop them and expect a reliable result. Most vets will not crop a Great Dane puppy once they’ve reached this age, and in general, the preference is to do the procedure between 7-9 weeks.
If you did not start taping and posting ears at that same age (12 weeks or younger), it’s likely too late. Some veterinarians may offer to crop your pup before 16 weeks of age but they are very rare, and the results may not be as reliable. In our opinion, a 4-5 month-old puppy is too old to have its ears cropped.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Caia8hwpFRk/
What is the best kind of tape for Great Dane crops?
We’ve put together our recommendations from Amazon that includes everything you need after your puppy is home from its cropping procedure!
When it comes to taping your puppy’s ears, there is a learning curve. Your vet should give you plenty of advice, but we also recommend visiting the Great Dane Lovers of Cropped Ears group on Facebook.
You can find many of these things at your local pharmacy, too.
Phase One Ear Cropping Care Kit
This is what is recommended for your puppy post-op.
We recommend feeding a highly tested and professionally formulated diet, such as Eukanuba or Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy for Great Dane puppies.
When you get to Phase Two, there are TWO common ways to post and support cropped ears on your dog.
Backer Rod Method
This method makes your dog look like it has antennas!
Some dogs will find a way to pull these off their ears no matter what, so get to know your dog and make sure you choose the method that works best for everybody.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRkP9R6hN3m/
With the backer rod ear taping method, your puppy will have foam rods placed in the ears that you will wrap with a bandage.
To keep the ears more upright on the head overall, you can connect the ears on the top of the head with a piece of duct-tape wrapped foam pipe insulation.
With the backer rod method, it’s extremely important that you keep the ears and bandages clean and dry; wet and dirty bandages can cause irritation and infections.
The sticky side of the bandage can also cause irritation, so if you are seeing any redness or sores it will be a bad idea to continue using that particular product.
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives and with a little trial and error, you will be able to find the right taping method and bandages for your dog.
Click on any link or image below to purchase from Amazon:
Wendy Cox Ear Posting Method with Foam Backer Rods
Zip Tie Method
The other common method is called the Zip Tie method, which uses heavy-duty zip ties or a popsicle stick and adhesives such as Torbot Skin Tac and tape to hold the dog’s ears up without bandages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbARhmCnUkV/
Another benefit of the Zip Tie method for taping dog ears is that it holds the erect ears up in a natural way, unobstructed by thick foam and bandages, and you can really start to see what the final look is. Some people who use this method do so only once the ears have matured a little more.
This method is much less chunky looking and makes it safer for your puppy to play in the water, mud, or snow! However, with this method, you will have to work to get the adhesive off of the ear each time you re post your dog’s ears.
It’s important to train your puppy dog from a young age to be calm and indifferent about this process; make it a positive experience!
We recommend staying calm, working slowly, and using a lot of positive reinforcement.
It is a bad idea to turn this into a frustrating process by using force, fear, or punishment. You want your dog to be receptive to you working with the ears and having the ears taped and inspected on a regular basis.
Your dog will appreciate your calm, thoughtful and friendly indifference to this process; as far as your pup is aware, making the ears stand is an everyday thing and part of the deal!
You can enlist the help of a friend or family member to work with your pup and help hold ears, supplies, and treats. A little break between removing the tape, foam, glue, or adhesives and re-posting the puppy’s ears is always a good choice.
Early on the ears won’t be standing yet, and may flop over when you remove the glue and supports. This is normal and ok, don’t panic and just keep at it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRAfWdsJ36k/
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure done on Great Dane puppies when they are 7-12 weeks of age. A Great Dane with cropped ears is regal and majestic!
The ear cropping procedure in Great Danes also requires aftercare and posting. Posting takes months and is the process by which the cropped ears are trained to stay upright.
If you have ever seen a Great Dane with ears that stand up, you have seen a Great Dane with cropped ears! Read to learn more about ear cropping.
Shown above: a mantle Great Dane puppy with cropped ears that are being posted, image courtesy of Kindlefire Great Danes (used with permission). Notice the taping around the ears. That must be cleaned and changed often, and the puppy must wear them for months.
GREAT DANE WITH CROPPED EARS
Great Danes are born with large floppy ears.
During a cropping procedure, the puppy is sedated and the ears are shaved.
A veterinarian then removes a large portion of the pinna (ear flap), sutures the edge and tapes the ears to a cone or to the puppies head.
Once the ears are fully healed from cropping (up to 2 weeks), the posting process can begin!
Here is a photo of a Great Dane puppy before cropping, and then again after cropping as an adult. Notice how the ears stand up on their own.
GREAT DANE EAR CROPPING INFORMATION
Ear cropping should be performed by a licensed, insured and highly qualified/experienced cropping veterinarian.
We recommend asking your breeder for recommendations on the most talented ear crop veterinarians for your Great Dane. The best breeders will have puppies cropped before they are sent home.
If you live near Ohio, Dr. Anne Midgarden is highly regarded as one of the best Veterinarians in the Country for Great Dane ear cropping.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GREAT DANES WITH CROPPED EARS?
Shown above: A Great Dane puppy with cropped ears that are not fully standing yet. These ears need a lot more time in posts before the cartilage will be mature enough to help the ears stand on their own.
We have tons of resources for cropping, with more added often! Ear cropping is a permanent procedure that requires skill and owner dedication; we support you either way!
Today’s post is going to be quick and simple. The anti-ear cropping argument is misleading, and I think we need to talk about it. This morning somebody started a post in a Facebook group. It was one of THOSE posts. The “this is a hot topic and the initial take on it is controversial” type… Read more: The Anti-Ear Cropping Argument (& Why It’s Wrong)
Ear cropping and taping cropped ears on Great Danes is a lengthy, involved process. If you have found this article, you are either on this journey or about to be, and we’re here to help! If you want your Great Dane to have erect ears that stand up, you may want to consider this procedure… Read more: Ear Cropping & Taping Cropped Ears on Great Danes
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure done on Great Dane puppies when they are 7-12 weeks of age. A Great Dane with cropped ears is regal and majestic! The ear cropping procedure in Great Danes also requires aftercare and posting. Posting takes months and is the process by which the cropped ears are trained to… Read more: Great Dane with Cropped Ears
Today we are chatting about Great Dane Ear Cropping! Are there any benefits to cropping Great Dane ears? When is ear cropping done on puppies? We will highlight the risks and benefits of Great Dane clipped ears and ear cropping, as well offer as a little bit of history, information on what to expect if… Read more: The 2 Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping
Today we are chatting about Great Dane Ear Cropping! Are there any benefits to cropping Great Dane ears? When is ear cropping done on puppies?
We will highlight the risks and benefits of Great Dane clipped ears and ear cropping, as well offer as a little bit of history, information on what to expect if you choose ear cropping for your Great Dane puppy, and more.
Is Ear Cropping Abusive?
Many anti-crop people consider the procedure of Great Dane ear cropping to be abusive, unnecessaryand painful while pro-crop people tend to gloss over and minimize the procedure, risks and aftercare requirements.
The ‘Great Dane ears cropped vs. not’ debate has gone on for a long time! We hope that this blog post helps bring balance to extreme opinions and helps you make an informed decision regarding Great Dane ear cropping!
Please be kind to others. We welcome comments below but will not approve misleading information, cursing, bullying or inflammatory statements.We take a neutral position on ear cropping, and understand that it is a somewhat heated and controversial topic. I have made every effort to present this blog post with honesty and truth, free of bias.
What is Great Dane Ear Cropping?
Great Dane ear cropping is a surgical procedure performed on young Great Dane puppies (7-10 weeks, typically).
The procedure is done under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. The ears are shaved and the flap is trimmed using a guide, an artistic eye and surgical tools such as scalpel, scissors or laser.
Roughly 40-70% of the ear flap is removed, leaving a much smaller, pointy ear. The cut edge is sutured and bandaged, and the puppy is given a long lasting pain medication and antibiotic.
The puppy is sent home the same day, often with a large cone holding their bandaged ears up.
Here is a fawn Great Dane puppy, before being cropped, and again as an adult with fully healed ears.
With proper after-care (more information below), cropped ears are trained to stand up on their own as we see below. Ears that are not cropped cannot stand as they are too heavy.
BEFORE& AFTER
For comparison, below. An 8 month old male Mantle Great Dane with intact ears.
DOES CROPPING HURT ?
It is important to acknowledge that cropping is a surgical procedure involving anesthesia, cutting, blood, sutures and a healing period.
It is well tolerated, however, by most puppies especially when performed by an experienced veterinarian that offers pain medication and appropriate after-care. Were it not for that, this procedure would be inhumane and painful.
Many breeders and pro-crop Dane owners say that their puppies are all up and playing within 12 hours of the procedure, as if nothing happened at all.
Dogs do not ‘mourn’ this or worry about it, and do not know that there is any difference at all.
Many of the veterinarians that excel at ear cropping are retiring now.
We’ve heard reports that many current veterinarians will NOT crop ears, but that show breeders often have connections (some of which may or may not be entirely ethical in their cropping practices).
What are the Benefits of Ear Cropping Great Danes?
Ear cropping is primarily aesthetic.
It is noted that as a general rule, show dogs with cropped ears often receive better placement.
Cropping may reduce the chance that a dog will develop a hematoma (a painful blister or sore on the ear flap that bleeds).
Some believe that cropped ears are less susceptible to ear infections, however studies (and the AVMA) do not currently back this theory up.
Cropping was originally performed because it helped prevent working dogs from ear injuries. Working dogs may benefit from being cropped.
Ultimately, ear cropping is a highly personal choice and a decision that, when done by a licensed veterinarian, you should not feel bad about making.
Cropping a puppies ears under anesthesia is not abuse, especially not when you compare it to the fact that millions of dogs are actually starved, neglected and beaten.
Comparing professionally done ear cropping to abuse or torture is inflammatory and misguided.
What are the Risks of Ear Cropping
Anesthesia comes with its own risks. With any surgical procedure, death is a possibility.
Unhealthy puppies and those with blood clotting or heart disorders may be especially at risk; chat with your veterinarian.
Infection & scabs can be somewhat common complications. It is important that the ears are kept clean, dry, properly bandaged and cared for. Healing should be closely monitored.
Some ears never stand properly, even with diligent posting and bandaging.
Because cropping happens during the prime socialization window, it is important that the entire process is as positive as possible.
Antibiotics, pain medication & anesthesia can have negative effects on gut health.
When choosing ear cropping, we recommend making sure your puppy is receiving vitamin C (which can help them process stress and heal) and has had at least 48 hours to settle in at your home before the procedure. Ideally, cropping is handled by the breeder at 7 weeks of age.
Moving to a new home, a change in diet and then surgery can be a lot for a little puppy to handle, so chat with your veterinarian and breeder to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible.
Show Dogs & Great Dane Breeders who Crop Ears
The majority of dogs competing in conformation (dog shows) in the United States are cropped.
Many believe that cropped dogs, in general, score better, however there is a growing movement of breeders showing un-cropped dogs and judges who do not bias towards cropped.
For breeders that do still crop, many actually crop entire litters as part of their process before the puppies go home at 8-10 weeks. They take care of the early healing and guide owners on the posting and taping required to make the ears stand up.
Chat with your breeder! We believe this is one of the healthiest ways to deal with cropping in Great Danes (have the breeder do it).
It is extremely important when choosing to crop your puppy that you choose a veterinarian that has an amazing portfolio and plenty of experience. A good breeder can provide recommendations if they themselves don’t take care of the cropping.
In addition to a portfolio of previous work (that was ideally done on high-performing show dogs from ethical breeders), the veterinarian should be interested in the health and comfort of your puppy.
Because this procedure is largely aesthetic, a crop performed by the wrong hands could mean that your dog looks awkward, unbalanced or crooked. It’s like getting a bad nose job! Permanent.
We’ve seen some really questionable crop jobs in both Danes and Dobermans, and heard of a few sketchy cropping operations.
Don’t give your dog a permanent “bad haircut” or traumatic experience by choosing the wrong veterinarian!
A crop that is done properly is done with care and with the overall final look in mind.
The ears will be symmetrical, cut in a manner that will give them the best chance of successfully standing, will heal beautifully (no jagged edges or scar tissue), and will perfectly balance and show off the shape of the head.
Most importantly, a good veterinarian will make sure that your puppy has a good experience. They will not skimp on pre and post-op care, proper anesthesia protocols, or otherwise.
This is not something you find the cheapest vet for. Get recommendations and ask a lot of questions.
Great Dane Ear Crop Styles
Chat with your breeder and veterinarian about the best style for your puppy.
Show Crop – this is the most beautiful crop, longer and often with a little flare at the tip. This crop is the most difficult in terms of getting the aesthetic correct and getting the ears to reliably stand.
Pet Crop – this is a medium crop, easier to care for and a great choice if you are new to cropping. The ear is cut shorter overall and may not have the same artistic flare or regal look as a show crop.
Short Crop – most of the ear flap is removed and the final cropped ear is short and sturdy. Usually reserved for working dogs.
There is a huge range of styles and looks to choose from, even within these basic categories.
Look online for images and ask to see your veterinarian’s crop portfolio for inspiration. It is also helpful to look at photos of your puppies pedigree, many of them may have been cropped and you can get a better idea of what crops look best within the lineage that your puppy shares.
If your veterinarian doesn’t have a crop portfolio, keep looking. They should be proud to show off their work in this department and it should be something that they regularly do.
Additionally, some puppies should NOT be cropped because they aren’t healthy enough (parvo, blood clotting disorders, poor breeding situations, etc.) or have ears that aren’t built in a way that is conducive to success (may be common with puppies from breeders not focused on appropriate conformation of the Great Dane head).
A good breeder and veterinarian will prioritize educating you on this before choosing profit (from doing the procedure anyways). Be open to their opinion and advice.
Great Dane Puppy Ear Cropping After Care
After the cropping procedure your puppy may be drowsy or loopy, and may decline to eat for a short time while the anesthetic works its way out.
It is imperative that the ears be kept clean and dry. Keeping nails properly maintained can help minimize scratching and damage to the newly (less than 14 days) cropped ears.
Supervise your puppy and discourage other dogs in your home from licking the sutures, as they will likely be exposed during the initial healing period.
At first, the ears may bleed and the puppy may be bothered by the cone and the incisions, so discourage your puppy from fussing with it.
Many people report that they are surprised how bloody and messy their puppies crop is the first days following the procedure. Be aware of this so you aren’t surprised, especially if you are squeamish.
It may depend on the skill of your veterinarian how ‘neat’ and clean the fresh crop incision and bandages actually looks.
Some veterinarians will have you clean the sutures often with a Betadine or similar topical, and will want you to keep a close eye on the formation of scabs and scar tissue that can be problematic for the success and final aesthetic of the crop.
Infections are a notably common complication with Great Dane ear cropping. Know the signs: discharge, redness, heat and swelling in addition to the possibility of a fever, lethargy and occasionally signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea).
A puppy in pain may whine, pace, cry, shake or scratch at the ears. Make sure your vet has prescribed adequate pain medication, and call if you have questions.
This is not the time to bath your puppy or encourage play in water or mud! Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your veterinarian.
The veterinarian will schedule an appointment for suture removal (usually by 14 days, often sooner). Your puppy may need to wear a ‘cone of shame’ if he/she is particularly fussy about the sutures (which may become itchy as they heal!).
Great Dane Ear Posting & Taping
Once the sutures have been removed, you will need to keep the ears clean and dry and maintain a schedule to change bandages and posts. Depending on the bandages you choose, you can expect to change them every 2-7 days on average.
Cropping requires months of diligent after-care, especially if you chose a longer show crop!
The ears will need to be taped and posted until the cartilage has fully set and the ears are standing reliably on their own, usually 5-9 months, occasionally longer.
It is best to stick with the process of posting and not give up too soon. The ears may quickly appear to stand fairly well, but if left without support for too long may quickly fall again.
Do not stop until you are positive teething has been completed and your puppy is holding the ears up.
It is important that the cartilage has had every chance to develop properly, and that the puppy has been encouraged to perk the ears up on top of their head. You can whistle, clap and make silly sounds to encourage this!
Great Dane Cropping Cost
Costs depend largely on your location and may even be further driven by the experience and quality of the veterinary performing the procedure.
Some veterinarians specialize in cropping and will have lots of resources and a portfolio to share with you. This is ideal.
Breeders that have entire litters cropped on the same day will typically receive a bulk discount, and they roll the cost of the crop into the price of the puppy. This is often the simplest and most cost effective way to have a cropped Great Dane puppy.
When you are pursuing crop yourself, expect to pay anywhere from $250-$1200.
There may be additional expenses associated with travel (if you cannot find a good cropping veterinarian locally), posting (the supplies can cost money each month) and complications (infections may require additional medications, veterinary visits and treatment).
With all things related to Great Danes, we believe that knowledge and educated ownership is important. We hope this guide helps you make a truly informed decision about ear cropping! Hello Danes will support you, 100% with whichever you choose.
As above, we believe there are things happening the world of Danes that are infinitely more problematic and abusive (including backyard breeding) than an elective, mostly benign procedure done by a veterinarian with proper pain and infection control. There is nothing wrong with being informed, OR with choosing the procedure as an informed pet owner.
The information contained in this post is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them.
Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website.
