Do Great Danes with cropped ears look different? The answer to that question is yes—they do look different. Great Dane ear cropping is a veterinary procedure involving the removal of part or all of the pinna, which is the externally visible flap of the ear. Post-surgical care requires a process known as “posting” to help the ears maintain their vertical appearance. There are different cropped ear styles for the great Danes such as show crop and pet crop.
Historical Reasoning for cropping Great Dane Ears
Ancient cultures cropped ears. First observed by Great Danes when they hunted wild boar in Europe. Hunting a boar is difficult and risky. When additional dogs were injured by the sharp fangs and tusks, something had to be done. To avoid harm during boar hunting, part of the ear was removed. This gave rise to the practice of Great Dane ear cropping.
While there are some people who believe that Great Dane ear cropping is cruel and unnecessary, there are others who feel that it is an important part of the breed’s history and tradition. What do you think?
Modern Reasons for cropping Great Dane Ears
In Great Danes and other breeds, the primary reason for ear cropping is cosmetic. Some dog owners feel that cropped ears give their Great Dane a more regal or intimidating appearance. In the United States, Great Danes with cropped ears are often shown in confirmation events.
If you are thinking of having your Great Dane’s ears cropped, it is important to discuss the procedure with your veterinarian. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Age for Great Dane cropped ears
Great Dane ear cropping is typically done when the dog is between 8 and 12 weeks old. The puppy’s ears are cropped and then posted 3–4 times a week until they heal. After the initial healing period, the posts are removed and the ears are left to stand on their own.
Should I go for Great Dane cropped ears?
The decision to crop your Great Dane’s ears is a personal one. There are pros and cons to the procedure that you should consider before making a decision. Some people feel that cropped ears give their dog a more regal or intimidating appearance. Others believe that the practice is cruel and unnecessary.
If you are thinking of having your Great Dane’s ears cropped, it is important to discuss the procedure with your veterinarian. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Reasons a person may choose to crop
-The practice is part of the breed’s history and tradition
-To give their dog a more regal or intimidating appearance
-Because they believe it makes the dog look more alert and gives them better hearing
-To prevent injuries during hunting or other activities
-For cosmetic reasons
Reasons a person may not choose to crop
-The practice is cruel and unnecessary
-It is painful for the dog
-There is a risk of complications from the surgery
-The dog may have difficulty hearing after the procedure
-It is expensive
-The ears may not stand up correctly if they are not cropped and posted properly
Choosing a Vet Who Does Cropping
If you have decided to crop Great Dane’s ears, it is important to find a veterinarian who is experienced in performing the procedure. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not have a position on ear cropping, but they do have guidelines for the procedure.
When looking for a vet to perform the surgery, make sure to ask about their experience and training. You should also inquire about aftercare instructions and what you can expect during the healing process. It is important to remember that ear cropping is a surgical procedure and there are risks involved. Be sure to discuss all of your concerns with your veterinarian before making a decision.
Great Dane cropped ears- Basic Surgery Info
During the surgery, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia. Their ears will be cleaned and any hair that is in the way will be trimmed. A scalpel will be used to make an incision along the edge of the ear. The cartilage will then be shaped and sculpted to form the desired shape. After the surgery is complete, the incisions will be sutured closed and the ears will be posted. The surgery usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Great Dane cropped ears Taping & Post Procedure Care
Your dog will need to stay overnight at the hospital for observation after the surgery. They will go home with a cone or head wrap to prevent them from scratching or rubbing. Their ears will also be taped in place to help them heal in the correct position. You will need to clean and re-tape their ears 3-4 times a week. The posts are usually left in for 6-8 weeks, but this can vary depending on your dog’s individual healing process.
After the posts are removed, the ears may need to be taped in place for an additional 6-8 weeks. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions during the healing process to ensure that your dog’s ears heal properly.
Aftercare Instructions
1. Keep your dog calm and quiet for the first week after surgery. They will need time to rest and heal.
2. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the incisions 3-4 times a day.
3. Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid getting water or dirt in the incisions.
4. Check the incisions regularly for any signs of infection, redness, or swelling.
5. Give your dog its pain medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
6. Follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions for care and post-operative appointments.
You may like to read about Great Dane Life Span and Health Issues
FAQ
1. How do I crop my Great Dane’s ears?
Great Dane cropped ears can be a challenging task, as these dogs have naturally large and floppy ears. The first step to cropping Great Danes’ ears is gathering the right supplies. You will need an experienced vet, along with scissors, glue, gauze bandages, and some non-toxic pain medication. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started!
2. What is the difference between a cropped and an uncropped Great Dane?
Great Danes come in two different styles: cropped and uncropped. Cropped Great Danes have their ears trimmed or cut, while uncropped Great Danes have their ears left to grow naturally. The main difference between these two types of Great Danes is purely cosmetic, as both Great Danes are equally capable of performing the same physical activities and tasks. However, many Great Dane owners choose to crop their dogs’ ears as a way to add more visual interest to the breed’s unique appearance. Ultimately, the decision to crop or not crop a Great Dane’s ears comes down to personal preference and aesthetics. For some owners, having an uncropped Great Dane can make all the difference in bringing out the iconic look of this majestic dog breed.
3. How do I care for my Great Dane’s cropped ears?
Great Dane cropped ears are stylish and elegant, but they also require some special care to ensure they stay healthy. The first step is to avoid exposing the sensitive skin on the inside of your Great Dane’s ears to moisture or dirt. You can do this by using a gentle cleanser and a soft, absorbent towel to clean the inner surfaces of the ears regularly. Additionally, you should protect your Great Dane’s cropped ear from excessive heat or cold by providing them with proper shelter in extreme weather conditions. Finally, be sure to check your Great Dane’s ears regularly for redness or inflammation, as these symptoms could indicate an infection that needs treatment. With consistent care and attention, Great Dane cropped ears are sure to remain beautiful and healthy for many years to come!
4. Are there any risks associated with cropping my Great Dane’s ears?
While cropping Great Dane ears may seem like a simple procedure, there are several potential risks that need to be considered before making any decisions. One major consideration is the risk of infection. Great Danes have long, floppy ears that are prone to collecting dirt and debris, which can lead to potentially serious infections if left untreated. In addition, Great Dane cropped ears may have sutures that fail to heal properly or material that causes an allergic reaction in some dogs. Ultimately, it is important to weigh all of these risks against the potential benefits of cropping Great Dane ears before proceeding with this procedure.
5. How much does it cost to crop my Great Dane’s ears?
When it comes to cropping a Great Dane’s ears, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, this procedure can be quite expensive, typically costing upwards of $500 to $1,000 depending on the professional you choose. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your dog is the right candidate for ear cropping, as some dogs may have underlying health conditions that could make this treatment unsafe or ineffective. If your Great Dane has no pre-existing medical issues, and if you can afford the cost of the procedure, then ear cropping could be a great way to help improve your dog’s physical appearance and overall well-being.
6. How long does the ear cropping procedure take?
Depending on the person performing the surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
