Is there a benefit to cropping a dogs ears?
On One Hand: No Medical BenefitThere is no medical benefit to cropping a dog’s ears. The sole purpose of the surgery is to make the dog’s ears stand erect. Many breeds, such as Boxers and Great Danes, are known for their erect ears, so people opt for the surgery to identify their dog as a purebred. The only benefit is aesthetic.On the Other: Potential DrawbacksEar cropping puts a dog in danger because the animal must be put under anesthesia for the surgery. According to the ASPCA, the surgery can also increase a dog’s risk of infection and blood loss as well. The practice (especially in puppy mills) is often done unprofessionally, but even a legitimate surgery will cause tenderness and pain.Bottom LineDogs do not need to have their ears cropped. It has no medical benefits and is purely cosmetic. Unnecessarily surgery should always be avoided because dogs can easily get infections or react badly to anesthesia. Ear cropping is now illegal in the United Kingdom, Australia, and much of Eur
