Do boxers have to have their ears cropped to show obedience or agility?
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henchook
Boxer Buddy
Allison,
I assume by AKC you mean American Kennel Club.
I wouldn't know about them (you might want to check their website), but my personal opinion is that Boxer (nor any dogs, for that matter) should have their ears cropped, or their tails docked, or any other part of their anatomy, for that matter.
It is my firm belief that such cosmetical surgery is cruel. It's also my personal opinion that boxers with droopy ears look better than cropped (much cuter!). My Yogi's ears are intact, but he his tail is docked, because we found him that way. He's a rescuee that was found in a dumpster, probably left there by a breeder who didn't want potential customers to see that there was a white pup in the litter.
I assume by AKC you mean American Kennel Club.
I wouldn't know about them (you might want to check their website), but my personal opinion is that Boxer (nor any dogs, for that matter) should have their ears cropped, or their tails docked, or any other part of their anatomy, for that matter.
It is my firm belief that such cosmetical surgery is cruel. It's also my personal opinion that boxers with droopy ears look better than cropped (much cuter!). My Yogi's ears are intact, but he his tail is docked, because we found him that way. He's a rescuee that was found in a dumpster, probably left there by a breeder who didn't want potential customers to see that there was a white pup in the litter.
JulieM
Boxer Insane
Henchook, I appreciate your feelings but this was not a question asking for opinions on cropping ears. Normally I would let it go but ears are a very volatile subject and statements like "ear cropping is cruel" tends to get people up in arms very quickly. Many people do not feel ear cropping is cruel, based on the extremely minimal amount of pain the dogs feel (my boy was in *much* more pain when he was neutered!), and feel that it allows the Boxer to retain it's noble bearing (which is decidely not "cute" 
) There are several threads in the forums which debate this issue thoroughly, a search will give you just about every viewpoint out there.
So before this goes any further, let's leave the opinions on ear cropping out of it and address the question asked. No, you do not have to have cropped ears to show in AKC obedience or agility - the breed standard applies only to conformation showing.
) There are several threads in the forums which debate this issue thoroughly, a search will give you just about every viewpoint out there. So before this goes any further, let's leave the opinions on ear cropping out of it and address the question asked. No, you do not have to have cropped ears to show in AKC obedience or agility - the breed standard applies only to conformation showing.
henchook
Boxer Buddy
Julie,
Not to turn this into a flame war, but I just want to reiterate that it's my personal belief that ear cropping is cruel. It is my subjective opinion, based on my personal experience, that dogs who have their ears cropped are in great pain (based on their screams when the anesthesia wears off).
I wouldn't dream of telling you what to do with your dog, not even to have his ears cropped or not. That is your decision, and other than maybe voicing my opinion about it, I wouldnt' dare to interfere.
I can think of much crueler things that people to do dogs. I'm sure you love your puppies.
Where I live it is illegal to crop dogs' ears, or dock their tails (based on an animal rights law passed last year).
Now all we need to do is get people to obey the law, and while we're at it maybe try to pass a no-smoking law, like in CA.
Not to turn this into a flame war, but I just want to reiterate that it's my personal belief that ear cropping is cruel. It is my subjective opinion, based on my personal experience, that dogs who have their ears cropped are in great pain (based on their screams when the anesthesia wears off).
I wouldn't dream of telling you what to do with your dog, not even to have his ears cropped or not. That is your decision, and other than maybe voicing my opinion about it, I wouldnt' dare to interfere.
I can think of much crueler things that people to do dogs. I'm sure you love your puppies.
Where I live it is illegal to crop dogs' ears, or dock their tails (based on an animal rights law passed last year).
Now all we need to do is get people to obey the law, and while we're at it maybe try to pass a no-smoking law, like in CA.
JulieM
Boxer Insane
My point was not that you are not entitled to your opinion. My point was that *this post* is not the place to discuss such matters - if the question had been "should I crop my puppies' ears" then fine, go ahead and post your opinion. The question was related to the requirements for AKC obedience and agility competition, and in no way should have been interpreted to be asking for opinions on ear cropping.
I have a question, though. If it is illegal to crop dogs' ears where you live, how do you know they scream when they come out of anesthesia? (I must point out, none of the dogs that my vet crops do this, so the skill of the vet may have an influence.) Also, how do you know they're screaming from pain and not the anesthesia? When I came out of anesthesia I was crying my head off - but I was in no pain at all.
To reiterate, I appreciate your feelings and you are certainly welcome to your opinion. It just does not belong in this thread. Especially now since the question has been asked, answered, and acknowledged.
I have a question, though. If it is illegal to crop dogs' ears where you live, how do you know they scream when they come out of anesthesia? (I must point out, none of the dogs that my vet crops do this, so the skill of the vet may have an influence.) Also, how do you know they're screaming from pain and not the anesthesia? When I came out of anesthesia I was crying my head off - but I was in no pain at all.
To reiterate, I appreciate your feelings and you are certainly welcome to your opinion. It just does not belong in this thread. Especially now since the question has been asked, answered, and acknowledged.
henchook
Boxer Buddy
The law against cruelty to animals was passed recently. The last time I was at the vet's while a dog was having it's ears cropped was probably over a year ago.
Even so, I've seen pups with docked tails which were obviously born after the law passed. Some people only abide by the law when it suits them (or when it doesn't disagree with their personal opinions).
As for crying while coming out of anesthesia, the dog I heard was clearly not crying it was screaming from pain. It was a Bull Terrier, and they usually have a pretty high tolerance, which leads me to think it was in some real pain.
Even so, I've seen pups with docked tails which were obviously born after the law passed. Some people only abide by the law when it suits them (or when it doesn't disagree with their personal opinions).
As for crying while coming out of anesthesia, the dog I heard was clearly not crying it was screaming from pain. It was a Bull Terrier, and they usually have a pretty high tolerance, which leads me to think it was in some real pain.
JulieM
Boxer Insane
I would not expect a dog to cry coming out of anesthesia, they don't work that way My point was that those kinds of drugs do strange things to your emotions, and for all we know the dog was screaming from fear because of hallucinations or disorientation or whatever. None of use will ever know what kind of pain a dog is really feeling unless we're that dog My experience (and my vet's) has shown that they feel little or no pain, yours has shown differently. Such is the nature of the world, and what keeps things interesting!
My point was that those kinds of drugs do strange things to your emotions, and for all we know the dog was screaming from fear because of hallucinations or disorientation or whatever. None of use will ever know what kind of pain a dog is really feeling unless we're that dog My experience (and my vet's) has shown that they feel little or no pain, yours has shown differently. Such is the nature of the world, and what keeps things interesting!
Leeta's Mom
Boxer Pal
Can a spayed dog participate in Agility?
Kysha
Completely Boxer Crazy
Yes a spayed or nuetered dog can participate in Agility and/or obedience.
I am pretty sure that it's a *rule* that a female dog is not allowed to compete when she is in heat... I know that we are not allowed to practice/practice at our club when the dog is in heat.
I am not sure if it's a *rule* or not.
Someone plesae correct me if I'm wrong - I am still new to the sport too!
I am pretty sure that it's a *rule* that a female dog is not allowed to compete when she is in heat... I know that we are not allowed to practice/practice at our club when the dog is in heat.
I am not sure if it's a *rule* or not.
Someone plesae correct me if I'm wrong - I am still new to the sport too!
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