Many dog breeds have had their ears cropped for cosmetic or health reasons, including those breeds performing specific duties or tasks.
Dog ear cropping is an age-long decision where the visible extended layer of a dog’s ear is cut off. Not very often, but some breeders wrap the cut ear in a fashion that results in the pointed ears once they heal.
Many breeders have had justifiable reasons why they needed to crop the ears of their dogs. But over time, many experts and dog activists have found this act to be cruel and harmful to the dogs’ overall wellbeing.
Although ear cropping in certain dog breeds was necessary, that practice is slowly fading off. With dog shows and other competitions, the forbidding law of ear cropping was established in many places.
Some people still argue that ear cropping of certain dog breeds is essential for health and esthetic reasons. And since there are not many dog breeds with naturally shaped ears, people are willing to crop them artificially.
Some dog lovers advocate ear cropping, including heard farmers who use dogs as guards. For them, cropped ears reduce the risk of the working dog being severely injured.
Other advocates are hunters who believe that fighting or livestock guardian dogs must have their ears cropped. Even though many people have viable reasons, it is nowadays illegal in most countries to perform ear cropping on any breed.
Examples of Dog Ear Cropping Styles
There are few ear cropping styles you can still encounter in certain canines:
Long ear crop ( Tall crop )
Medium ear crop
Short ear crop
Top Dog Breeds with Cropped Ears
Below is our top ten list of dog breeds with cropped ears, including large and small breeds.
Doberman Pinscher
The first on our list of dog breeds with cropped ears is a handsome breed with a German origin starting from the nineteenth century.
The Doberman has an athletic body, a regal look, a sleek coat, and an aristocratic appearance. These dogs also have massive energy, and they are naturally very intelligent. The police and military people mostly adopt them for special assignments and canine duties. Additionally, people use Dobermans in canine sports and as guard dogs.
The Doberman (spelled as Dobermann in some countries) is always on the alert and is one of the most loyal dog breeds. One of the things that precede Dobermans is their fierce reputation and their ability to scare strangers at first glance.
Dobermans are big muscular dogs that generally weigh between 60 to 80 pounds. Overall, they are not the best choice as apartment dogs since they require lots of exercise and activities to excel truly.
Dog breeds with cropped ears: Brussels Griffon
This dog breed with cropped ears has a big personality even though it is small in size. The Brussels Griffons weigh between 5 and 15 pounds.
Popularly called the Bearded Dogs due to their dark-colored muzzle and whiskers, Griffons are much-loved toy dogs. They are also one of the dog breeds with cropped ears that are very easy to train. Even without being an experienced dog owner, you can quickly train them to fit your lifestyle and requirements.
Brussels Griffons have a good sense of alertness, and although they cannot make guard dogs, they can be susceptible to danger. As a result of its small size and sensitive nature, they are a thriving choice for many individuals.
Yet Brussels Griffons do not make great playmates for children due to their tendency to be rough. However, this breed with cropped ears is super loyal and understands the need for companionship. Griffons are an excellent choice for those people struggling with emotional health.
Dog breeds with cropped ears: Beauceron
These dogs have muscular bodies, are naturally rugged, and can be tall, rising to 27.5 inches, giving the Beauceron a more graceful attitude. Their name originates from French, meaning red feet or red stockings.
Beaucerons is a breed with cropped ears that comes in either a dark coat with squirrel red accents or a black, gray tan coat. Their other physical features include a chiseled head and build that exudes a confident, defiant, and fierce look.
Because of how active, intelligent, and alert Beaucerons can be, they are not a good choice for first-time owners; neither are they a great option to have in an apartment or with kids.
Yet with an experienced hand, Beaucerons can be well trained and act as guard dogs, livestock guardians, and hunting dogs. Note that they need a lot of exercises and playing time to keep them happy and healthy.
American PitBull Terrier
This breed is a king among the dog breeds with cropped ears. American Pitbull Terriers are family-friendly; although they are energetic and require a fair amount of exercise and activity, they are also suitable as house pets.
American Pit Bull Terriers’ original breeding purpose was for bull-baiting; but people also used them as farm dogs. Over time Pit Bulls became favourites for families since they are especially good around children.
As well as that, American Pitbull Terriers can make good guard dogs since they have a fierce presence and strong sense of alertness.
American Pit Bull Terriers join the ranks of dog breeds with cropped ears because they were once competition dogs. It means they are natural-born competitors who exhibit boldness and tenacity.
American Pitbull Terriers show courage and competition when needed but can be soft and affectionate when required. They won’t make great apartment dogs, but they can be housebroken. Yet, it is best to adopt a Pit Bull Terrier only when you have a firm knowledge of how best to raise this breed.
Dog breeds with cropped ears: Great Dane
This German dog breed gets the next slot in our list of dog breeds with cropped ears. Great Dane is a gentle, loving, reserved yet, friendly dog.
Also called the “Apollo of dogs”, Great Dane is renowned for its exceedingly tall statue.
So far, the top five dog breeds with cropped ears in our article were mostly fierce breeds that are fighters by nature.
However, this dog is a gentle one that spends more time observing than acting. Great Danes weigh between 100 to 200 pounds.
Breeders originally created Great Danes as hunting dogs; this, nevertheless, cannot be said for the Great Danes of today. They are kept now as house pets and have mostly lost their ferocity for hunting.
Great Danes have a slim but muscular appearance; they can be as tall as 100cm. For new time dog adoptees, this is a good option. They require little activity and will spend their days being friendly and lazing about.
It goes without saying that Great Danes are great for families with children.
Miniature Pinscher
Known as Zwergpinscher or Min Pin, the Miniature Pinscher is a popular dog breed with cropped ears. Naturally, Miniature Pinscher was bred in Germany to hunt vermin, majorly rats, found in homes and stables.
Some people believe Miniature Pinschers came as a result of the breeding the Doberman with other small-sized dogs. But the truth is that although Miniature Pinschers share physical similarities, these dogs have been around much longer than the Doberman.
Science has revealed that the Miniature Pinschers are not mixed but purebred dogs; they are generally popular among families and good with children.
As one of the breeds with cropped ears, Miniature Pinschers have a stately look and self-assurance attitude. That is why the Miniature Pincher has earned the title of ‘King of Toys.’
Miniature Pinschers are full of energy and are fearless dogs always on alert. They adjust well to apartment life and can be great companion dogs. Yet they need lots of physical activity, so this breed might not be the best choice for busy owners.
Dog breeds with cropped ears: Schnauzer
This dog breed has every good quality wrapped up in a small package. Schnauzers are intelligent dogs with a great sense of humor, extroverted, and all-around friendly.
These attributes give Schnauzers a lovable attitude and a trusted personality. Their physical appearance includes a walrus mustache, full fur, and gray and white, black and white, or brown and white coat.
Although a smallish dog in this list of dog breeds with cropped ears, Schnauzers, nevertheless, have a bigger than life personality, are very energetic, and demand ample playtime.
Their fur coat also requires regular grooming and care. The Schnauzers’ grooming routine won’t suit owners with busy schedules or those with less capacity to care for their dog.
Schnauzers make great house dogs and do get along with kids. All in all, this is a beautiful, sensitive, and loyal member of the dog species with cropped ears.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier gained its fame just a hundred years back, in contrast to how long it has been in existence. The breeders initially developed Boston Terriers to fight and hunt. Since, they have been domesticated and made house pets over time.
Nowadays, these dogs with cropped ears are affectionate friends, with a cute tuxedo-like colored coat. This appearance has won the Boston Terrier the title of the ‘American Gentleman.’
As one of the dog breeds with cropped ears, Boston Terriers get along with ease in any home setting or apartment. Boston Terriers can be playful, and at the same time, they require lots of exercises to help them remain lively and healthy.
Giving the Boston Terrier plenty of physical activities will keep them from falling into destructive behaviour. The Boston Terrier was one of the dog breeds with cropped ears that thrived in the fighting ring, making it a fantastic guard dog.
Dog breeds with cropped ears: Boxer
Originally, boxers are one of those dog breeds with cropped ears bred in medium sizes as guard dogs. As of today, you can find Boxers more as companions in homes and families. Despite their loyalty and devotion to their owner, this breed still retained their high energy level. The Boxer requires a lot of activities to remain healthy and happy.
It is important to note that Boxers can be hard to train for first-time dog owners, but they can become well behaved and great assistance dogs in general.
One of the most popular dog breeds with cropped ears, Boxers are also referred to as medium-sized dogs with muscular body, and square-shaped head. Their eyes give up their mischief and curiosity, and you can be sure that Boxers exude a fair amount of intelligence.
Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherds are among the most famous dog breeds with cropped ears. This breed has a beautiful appearance that looks almost like a plush dog.
Caucasian Shepherds are naturally strong, fierce, loyal, independent, and courageous dogs. This breed is a fierce protector of the family, as breeders initially created it for caring for flocks.
Caucasian Shepherds also act as protectors to households against wild predators in the Caucasus mountain region. This dog breed with cropped ears is a family-friendly breed, but it is not the ideal choice for apartment living.
Caucasian Shepherds can be stubborn and might require an experienced hand to appropriately raise and train them. Once trained, Caucasian Shepherds are highly intelligent and can make great helpers.
As well as that, these dogs need lots of space, lots of activities, lots of exercise, and lots of training to become adorable dogs. In other words, Caucasian Shepherds are better adopted by families who will have daily tasks for them.
Additionally, Caucasian Shepherds require lots of grooming and care, and you can be sure to expect an extensive amount of shedding.
Conclusion
Overall, all dog breeds with cropped ears are trusted dogs that are great helpers and companions. Going back to dog-ear cropping tradition, you can expect to see all the dog breeds with cropped ears to be agile and alert.
This means that the dog breeds with cropped ears are better adopted when there is a preplanned task for them. Lack of exercise and daily activities could lead to equal harm to the dog and your property.
Most of these breeds are regularly found in Kernels and rescue centers. It might be worth considering adopting one from the shelter, so you can become a proud owner of one of these beauties.
If you would like to find out more about ear cropping practice, feel free to read our article “Ear Cropping in Dogs”.
Comments
Its been deemed illegal in many countries due to the unnecessary suffering caused to the dogs. not refering to the actual procedure because obviously they with be put under, but afterwards the repocussions of human choice. dogs ears are an integril part of their autonomy, they express behaviour and communication to other dogs. just because a human thinks its ok. does not make it ok.
I understand how it is seen to be a brutal unnatural practice but I think flopped ears have been bred into canines over the years of becoming domesticated. I can’t think of any wild dogs who’s ears are not pointed. Wolves, Australian Dingos, African wild dogs and Foxes. When done at the early puppy stage is when it’s less painful. I don’t see it much different to piercing the nose of a bull, docking a lambs tail, tagging the ear, capping teeth and knackering male breeds of species including human beings who get circumcised. I’m not trying to defend or promote. I just feel that the canines original design was pointed ears. As is many predator mammals.
How come no Cane Corso? I have 3, one being cropped and the other not not, I wish I had gotten the other two cropped. Having multiple corsos well they play rough tending to grab ears. Ears rip and it’s extremely painful for the dog. Not only that but corsos are working dogs many used for all types of work some of those working corsos need to have cropped ears so they avoid injury by being grabbed by them. I do go for the cropped ear in every way at least with this breed.
Hi Francine, thank you for your suggestion, we will add Cane Corso to our list!
Cruel & unjustified to cut off dogs’ ears just because some humans think it is appropriate!
How come no Cane Corso? I have 3, one being cropped and the other not not, I wish I had gotten the other two cropped. Having multiple corsos well they play rough tending to grab ears. Ears rip and it’s extremely painful for the dog. Not only that but corsos are working dogs many used for all types of work some of those working corsos need to have cropped ears so they avoid injury by being grabbed by them. I do go for the cropped ear in every way at least with this breed.
It comes with certain health benefits! Also, some people like me just like the clean look! It’s not bad and that’s your opinion. Everyone has their own opinion and that’s fine!
Yes, everyone has their own opinion, but some opinions are intelligent and deserve respect, even when we don’t agree with them, while other are stupid and therefore deserve mockery not respect.
People whose opinion favours mutilating a dog for cosmetic reasons easily fall into the latter category.