Ears - floppy or not?

[ozfamboxer]

I will pick up my gorgeous Laila, my first boxer, in 2 weeks (can't wait!).
I am not sure what to do about her ears, and I keep finding conflicting reports about the subject. Is it absolutely necessary to have her ears cropped, or is it simply a cosmetic thing? The breeders are taking her for shots on Monday, and offered to have her ears done as well. I just hate agreeing to a procedure if she doesn’t need it.
Any advice?
Thanks

 

[Net45582]

Leave them natural if you're not going to show. Cropping is painful AND you need to be prepared for taping and retaping and taping more if you want them to stand successfully. There is absolutely NO advantage to having them cropped.

 

[courtney323]

Is it absolutely necessary to have her ears cropped, or is it simply a cosmetic thing? The breeders are taking her for shots on Monday, and offered to have her ears done as well. I just hate agreeing to a procedure if she doesn’t need it.
Any advice?
Thanks

Of course it's not necessary -- not in the least bit. It is a purely cosmetic procedure, and it's not even necessary to crop the ears in the US if you want to show your Boxer. Floppy ears are perfectly acceptable

 

[ozfamboxer]

Of course it's not necessary -- not in the least bit. It is a purely cosmetic procedure, and it's not even necessary to crop the ears in the US if you want to show your Boxer. Floppy ears are perfectly acceptable

Perfect! I was concerned b/c some would say that cropping was necessary in order to prevent ear infections. But I also saw how awful the pain would be for her. I just didnt want to make her go through it if we didnt have to.

Thanks for your help

 

[gmacleod]

Perfect! I was concerned b/c some would say that cropping was necessary in order to prevent ear infections.

LOL - yes, but that's just a bit of unfounded propaganda. In non-cropping countries, and also amongst anti-croppers in cropping countries, it's said that you shouldn't crop because your dog will end with all the ear infections under the sun. This time it's courtesy of the unnaturally erect ears being bombarded by foreign objects.

Neither side has anything much to base their arguments on. It's just propaganda to fuel whichever side of the cropping/natural debate people happen to be on. And if you're amongst those who really doesn't care either way, then you can just laugh quietly at the same (equally unfounded) argument being used by both sides.

 

[SandyHG55654]

Both of my boys have natural ears and I wouldn't have it any other way! They are so funny when they flopp over it gives the personality! I like the look of the ears done but It also makes them look either fancy as in a show dog or sometimes it gives them a mean look IMO. It's ALOT of work to get them to the right position by taping them and so on. Also unnecissary pain for a puppy isn't worth it to me. Good luck in what ever you choose.

 

[Donna1969]

I LOVE the look of the cropped ear. I think it make them sooo regal looking. But for my personal pups, its floppy all the way. I love that look too. Gives them character when the ears go this way and that way.

I would never have a dogs ears done but I would not turn my nose up to one that has their ears done and I didn't have to put the pup through it myself. when looking at rescues I tended to be more drawn to the "done" ear doggies.

But the floppy ears are just so silky soft and "pet" able..

 

[meb999]

I'm also a big fan of the floppy ears...it gives them the goofy look that goes with their goofy personalities!
There are more and more floppies in the show rings...it's nice to see

 

[Louise501]

I personally think it is cruel to crop and dock, I hope you decide that you'd prefer natural ears! I love the look of their natural ears, they are so soft and velvety!

 

[Lola's mum]

I love the floppy ears and would never have a puppy cropped even if it were legal in the uk.
Personal preference but to me the cropped ears make them look a bit agressive, the floppy look makes them look more softer.