Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Introduction
Ear cropping is a procedure performed in dogs at around 7 – 12 weeks of age [ 1 ]. In larger breeds it can be carried out at 6 weeks, and in smaller breeds at 9 weeks of age [ 2 ]. The procedure creates an erect ear through the reshaping of the external pinna. Up to half of the caudal aspect of the pinna can be removed, and the remaining pinna can be then taped or splinted to facilitate healing in the desired shape [ 3 ]. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia, and analgesia may or may not be provided postoperatively [ 3 ]. Ear cropping is regarded by Gaines [ 4 ] as having considerable negative effects on the health, behaviour and welfare of dogs. However, common counterarguments are that ear cropping reduces injuries or damage to the ears in working dogs [ 3 ] and reduces the risk of ear infections [ 1 ].
Figure 1. A boxer dog with long-cropped ears on the left, and another with uncropped ears on the right.
Table 1. Definition of ear-cropping styles [ 11 ].
In the UK, ear cropping is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 [ 5 ], which is in effect in England and Wales, the Animal Welfare Act 2006( Scotland) [ 6 ], and the Welfare of Animals Act( Northern Ireland) 2011 [ 7 ]. However, the RSPCA has received a 621 % increase in reports of ear cropping or ear-cropped dogs between 2015 and 2020 [ 8 ]. While the procedure could be being performed illegally in the UK, the data could also be due to legal loopholes in these pieces of legislation, as it is not illegal to sell or import ear-cropped dogs or to transport a dog abroad to get their ears cropped [ 9 ]. In 2023, the Republic of Ireland established the Ear- Cropping of Dogs Regulations( 2023) [ 10 ], which closed such loopholes, and other nations may soon follow suit.
Style Battle
Short
Show
Long
Description
Shortest ear-cropping style. Most of the ear is removed as it is the lowest cut
Longer than the battle; usually only about two-thirds of the original ear is left
Longer and taller than the first two crop styles. It provides an‘ alert’ look and takes the most time and attention to achieve
Longest style available and leaves three-quarters of the original ear
This article considers the legislation around ear cropping in the UK and elsewhere in the world, as well as the legal and welfare challenges associated with the procedure. It also considers the standpoints of kennel clubs and the veterinary profession in the UK and overseas.
Learning outcomes
Shorter crops tend to be more associated with breeds such as American Staffordshire terriers, cane corsos( Figure 2) and American pit bull terriers( Figure 3, page 20). The longer crops are more associated with great danes, boxers and dobermanns( referred to as doberman pinschers in the USA) [ 11 ]( Figure 4, page 20).
• Understand what ear cropping is and why it is done
• Assess the welfare implications of ear cropping in dogs
• Identify the challenges in enforcement in relation to the illegal practice of ear cropping
Ear cropping
Ear cropping is the physical reshaping of the external pinna to create the desired effect( Figure 1). This desired effect can differ depending on what the breeder or owner wishes.
There are four main types of ear cropping styles. These, from the shortest to the tallest ear length, are named battle, short, show and long( Table 1) [ 11 ].
Figure 2. A cane corso with battle-cropped ears.
Volume 41( 1) • February 2026
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