What’s the big deal?
Both ear cropping and tail docking are extremely common in the Boxer breed, and potentially for good reason. The issues surrounding these procedures lie in the questions of necessity and humaneness. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding these topics, and I really just wanted to weigh in on what I’ve learned and with my personal take on them. For reference, my dogs have their tails docked, and their natural (uncropped) floppy ears.
Ear Cropping: What and why?
Ear cropping is when either part or all of the flaps of a dog’s ears are removed. It often involves bracing and taping to keep their shape and train them to point upright. It should be done under general anesthesia, and on pups under 12 weeks of age.
Historically, ears were cropped on dogs to prevent injury. Working dogs that protected livestock or hunted other animals would have their ears altered as to not give opposing animals something to tear or grab onto should they fight back. This was also done to prevent injury on dogs used for baiting and pit-fighting.
Present-day, there really isn’t a useful reason for a dog’s ears to be cropped. Today they are cropped simply for show and aesthetic. Some will argue that cropping ears has health benefits (can decrease the risk of ear infections or improve hearing), but most research actually suggests otherwise. The procedure alone may put your dog at risk for infection, and as far as improving hearing… I mean, come on.
Tail Docking: Necessary or not?
Tail docking is the procedure of surgically removing a portion of a dog’s tail. Similarly, this procedure should be done while puppies are still young (less than 10 days old). However, in contrast, tails are often docked without anesthesia.
Historically, tails were docked for the same purpose of preventing injury. Tails were docked in hunting dogs to prevent abrasion in the underbrush or collecting debris and burrs. Tails could also be broken while working in the field, causing pain and spinal injury. A long tail also made dogs susceptible to injury when fighting.
In the modern age, this is another practice that seems to have no relevant purpose other than for show or desired look. Many people argue that there is still a risk of injury for certain breeds (Boxers being one of them). Some dogs (including Boxers) have “happy tail”. This is when they wag repeatedly and so forcefully, that they hit solid objects resulting in trauma.
If there’s little benefit, why crop or dock?
The biggest issue I see is with show dogs and kennel clubs. Although the AKC doesn’t specifically require cropped ears or docked tails in their breed standard, you’ll notice just about 100% of show dogs do in fact have both procedures done. They swear up and down that dogs with unaltered ears and tails are welcome in the ring. However, check out the AKC’s specificities on ears:
Ears –
-The American Kennel Club’s Official Standard of the Boxer
Set at the highest points of the sides of the skull, the ears are customarily cropped, cut rather long
and tapering, and raised when alert. If uncropped, the ears should be of moderate size, thin, lying
flat and close to the cheeks in repose, but falling forward with a definite crease when alert.
And in regards to tails:
The tail is set high, docked, and carried upward. An
-The American Kennel Club’s Official Standard of the Boxer
undocked tail should be severely penalized.
So what I gather from this is that unaltered dogs can compete with the best, but that’s not what the AKC is looking for. “Severe penalization” ultimately pressures owners to have these procedures done if they want to raise a champion, regardless of their stance on the matter. You can read their official statement here.
My opinion:
I personally think that procedures done at such a young age are mere blips in a puppy’s life. I don’t think they’ll remember it, and I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. However, I do think that these procedures should always be done by licensed and experienced veterinarians and be done in a way that causes the least amount of pain and discomfort to your dog.
I think ear cropping is 100% cosmetic, and there is absolutely no benefit unless you have a show dog and are afraid of penalization: I will always have floppy-eared babies, even if they compete.
I believe tail docking MAY prevent injury in some instances but is over-hyped. According to the AVMA, the incidence of tail injury is 0.23%, which is minuscule. Many states and most of Europe/Australia actually have both practices banned, and Boxer owners there have happy and healthy dogs just like us: I may not always have docked dogs, but I’m completely okay with them being that way, especially considering it’s done when they’re merely days old.
At the end of the day, to each their own. Do what’s best for you. Do what’s best for your dog. And always do so with love, proper care, and your dog’s well-being in mind.