Cropping is the removal of part of the external ear, or pinna, and the veterinary procedure is known as cosmetic otoplasty. Ear cropping is believed to have started in ancient Rome. Floppy-eared dogs used for hunting, fighting, or defending flocks from predators were at greater risk of injury from an opposing animal tearing the ear, so ears were cropped to reduce the number of places another dog or animal could grab. Ear cropping in Great Danes began to prevent the ripping and tearing of the ear when confronting wild boar during a hunt.<\/p>\n
Reference –\u00a0www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/p>\n Today, ear cropping is banned in a growing number of countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Wales.<\/p>\n Reference –\u00a0www.animallaw.info<\/a><\/p>\n The American and Canadian Kennel Clubs both permit ear cropping. Out of the 192 breeds recognized today, the AKC currently acknowledges 20 cropped breeds, including the Great Dane. The Great Dane Breed Standard states that there shall be no preference between cropped and natural ears, either being correct.<\/p>\n Reference –\u00a0www.gdca.org<\/a><\/p>\n AKC’s current policy states:<\/p>\n The American Kennel Club recognizes that 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.<\/em> Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.<\/em><\/p>\n Reference –\u00a0www.akc.org<\/a><\/p>\n Current veterinary science provides no medical or physical advantage to ear cropping. In 1999, the American Veterinary Medical Association determined \u201cEar cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress, and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries.\u201d<\/p>\n Reference –\u00a0www.avma.org<\/a><\/p>\n The American Veterinary Medical Association\u2019s current policy states:<\/p>\n The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.<\/em><\/p>\n Reference –\u00a0www.avma.org<\/a><\/p>\n The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) also opposes ear cropping and tail docking in the dog for cosmetic purposes.<\/p>\n