Hi David, good question, and one which is asked frequently by people in countries where cropping is illegal (including where I live
). I'm sure you did not mean to SHOUT your question though - writing in All Caps is considered to be shouting when communicating on the internet.
This is an extract from this site:
http://www.chatelaine.com/experts/vet/earcropping.html
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The traditions of ear cropping and tail docking go back hundreds of years. The aim was to reduce the number of wounds and subsequent infections to ears and tails, which were easy targets in fighting dogs or in flock or guard dogs that had to ward off predators. These reasons are no longer valid in our companion animals.
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Ears are cropped in Boxers and many other breeds of dogs as it did have a practical purpose once and was written in the breed standard. The same with tail docking which is continued in most countries.
In America it is part of the Boxer Standared that the ears should be cropped for the showring. There have been 'natural' eared dogs finish their championship in the USA though and you can read about one of them here:
http://www.boxerunderground.com/apr_bu_99/jerryrice.htm
The Ear Cropping topic always raises controversy and strong feelings when discussed on message boards and mailing lists etc. I will leave this topic open so everyone can have their say. To anyone who wants to reply, please keep your posts cool, calm and collected with no personal attacks or flames. Any post which gets 'personal' will be deleted. If the topic gets out of hand it will be closed. If you provide any info please back it up with facts.
Play nicely
[This message has been edited by Krikkit (edited 08-23-2000).]