Cropping ears and tails in dogs

Сropping - partial or complete surgical removal of the tail or auricle. Despite the previous trend, you can increasingly see dogs in their natural appearance. Those who are planning to get a pet today are wondering: "Is such a procedure necessary at all?". We offer to understand this.

The origin of the tradition of cropping

The earliest information about docking dates back to the V century. BC The Romans modified the ears and tails of dogs, believing that such a reincarnation would prevent rabies. Later, the procedure was performed on dogs of fighting and hunting breeds, because the ears and tail are very vulnerable during the fight. Due to the long-term popularity of docking, people have become accustomed to how dogs actually look. Based on this, breed standards were established.

The tail is shortened for newborn puppies that are one week old, or a little earlier, while the softness of the vertebrae is preserved. The procedure is not performed under anesthesia, because at such an early age it is contraindicated. The ears of two-month-old puppies are cut under stencils under anesthesia, and then they make sure that the ears stand up correctly. In some breeds, the ears can be docked before two months.

Myths about docking

1. Relief reduces the susceptibility to ear diseases.

Falsehood. It is scientifically proven that health does not depend on the shape of the auricle.

2. Rehabilitation is painful.

Rehabilitation is going smoothly. The postoperative cap may be a concern for the puppy. Since tail docking can be done from two days after birth, the animal does not even remember its existence.
It does not. The recovery period is accompanied by painful sensations.

3. The dog will be able to live normally without ears and tail.

This view is wrong. These organs are responsible for communication, and their correction or removal can adversely affect the social life of the pet. The side to which the tail tilts more during wagging reflects the mood of the animal.

Prohibition of docking

Docking is currently banned in the EU, South Africa, America and Australia. At the end of the 20th century, the European Parliament adopted a convention banning cosmetic relief. For example, Dobermans with cropped tails and ears are not allowed to participate in European exhibitions.

Only breeds bred in a country that has not passed the relevant law have not been banned. The full list of breeds can be found on the official website of the International Kennel Club.