Comments on: Does a Dog Need Cropped Ears and a Docked Tail to be a Member of a Breed?

By: Shaaron

Shaaron — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:41:41 +0000

Many years have passed since I showed dogs, but I noticed in watching dog shows that breeders and owners of show kennels are slowly gettin away from cropping and docking. Cropping and docking was done not for purely cosmetic reason, but for the protection of the dogs in the field where they hunted and often tangled with wild animals. It prvented them from being held down by their ears or tails. Well, dogs do not hunt in the wild, much, anymore. There is no real reason for docking and cropping. The practice was outlawed in the UK decades ago and has not hurt breed standards in the show ring.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:06:13 +0000

Yeay! I hear a lot of vets are refusing to do declawing of the kitties now too. :)

By: Puppilicious

Puppilicious — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:37:44 +0000

In my own opinion, it is sadistic and unnecessary for cropping and docking. The dogs are beautiful in their original appearance.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:18:35 +0000

Great post and great breed!! I adopted a 3 year old female Cane Corso from my local shelter in December. She has cropped ears, but if I had gotten her as a puppy I would never have chosen to get the procedure done.

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:05:52 +0000

Hi ….I feel that dogs have alot to say with their ears . None of my APBT’s have ever had their ears done . I have a new APBT she is 3 mo. and she is going to keep her ears .

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:20:47 +0000

This is mutilation in my opinion. Who came up with these ridiculous “rules” for dogs to have their tails removed and ears chopped off. Excellent post! Glad to hear things are moving in the right direction.

By: Jenilynn

Jenilynn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:57:16 +0000

I second Gina.

Thank you for the excellent post, Dr. Barchas!

By: GinaM

GinaM — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:39:35 +0000

WooHoo! Love this post! Two thumbs up!