Ellen, It's so very complicated and in the end, it all comes down to the judge's preference. While the standard allows for the natural ear, I would imagine it may take time for a judge's particular preference to follow suit. Just as some judges prefer and give priority to certain characteristics and qualities, when it comes down to deciding between 2 boxers who both meet the standard, they will choose the one that fits their sylistic interpretation of what's "ideal". As much as there is a standard to follow closely, it's very subjective in the end.
It's much more challenging to champion a classic just as it's more challenging to champion a natural ear. For now (and I do hope this is temporary) you've doubled the challenge to champion a classic, natural eared boxer in the AKC. As for Goldie, this is part of my agreement with the breeder and after careful consideration we decided we wanted her to have the best opportunity to point. There is a real possibility that she may not do well or perhaps not even enjoy the ring and then the rationale for the crop will have been for naught. However, only time will tell. In the meantime, I do believe there is a nostalgic quality to a classic, cropped, docked boxer.
When and if I ever decide to show another boxer, hopefully I will have more experience having worked with my breeder who will show my girl. By then the judges will have adjusted to the new standards and the ears will no longer hold so much power either way. I probably would choose a prospect that is flashy and easier to champion as well. And I won't crop again not because the experience was terrible but because I will choose not to.
Like I said, I think boxers are beautiful whether they are cropped or natural
Mostly I responded to this thread because I think that sometimes in our zeal to champion one choice over the other, we can be hurtful and make assumptions that are simply not fact.
