Hi Everyone,

First question: Have you ever had your dogs ears cropped?

Next question: I would like opinions on before purchasing my next Dane...As you all see through lots of pictures where ever they might be, internet, books.. you always see the Danes with cropped ears. We have left our current Dane, Brutus, ears natural.

My husband and I debated and have done research. We are leaning waaaay towards no.

Just would like to hear what you all think.

Thanks in advance.

Thankfully ear cropping is illegal in the UK but I watched a program on TV recently which showed a vet in the US cropping the ears of 2 pit bull terriers and I was appalled. I have worked in vets surgeries for almost 24 years and have seen many things but this actually made me feel sick, not because it was too bloody but just because it was so unnessisary and to do this to a baby is unthinkable, I can't understand why anyone who claims to love dogs would wish to subject a 12 week old puppy to an anaesthetic and surgery purely for the look. I think danes have a very expressive face and they use their ears in their expressions. A dane with well set full ears has one of the most noble and attractive heads out of all breeds, I can't understand why anyone would want to change this.

do not get your dogs ears cropped.
there is seriously NO POINT to this.

some dogs have skin problems(because they have too much overlapping skin..that they need to have some surgery) but it sounds like you do not need this.

Thanks for your views. I wonder why ear cropping was even started. Personally, I think the natural ears look perfectly fine on my dog and every dog for that matter.

No, I definitely don't need this for my dog... I wouldn't subject them to that kind of surgery. I just wanted to get some thoughts on this procedure. A particular breeder that my husband was researching has this done before you get the puppy and that is what the debate was all about with me and him.

I've never owned a breed of dog that would have its ears docked, but I'd vote no as well.

Terrible thing to do and quite rightly stated that it is pointless doing it at all. The only reason I could see for someone wanting to do this is for fighting dogs which again is terrible and something I am totally against.

I bet that it hurts really bad so I would not have this done to my dog.

I feel that this is very cruel to animals, and I would NEVER have it done. There is just no point to getting such a procedure done, except for those that want their dogs to look a particular way.......:???:

I have always been against this. I think it is awful! I see no point to have it done, thats the way they were born. I often wonder why dogs tails are done? Any insight on this?

I've always wondered the same thing?? Isn't it the Doberman that they crop their ears AND dock their tail?

I would never do that to my dog.