Pit Bull Cropped Ears Vs. Natural: Purpose, Pros, and Cons

Cropping pit bulls ‘ ears is a controversial practice. Some people think it makes the dog look tougher. Others say it is unnecessary and causes the animal unnecessary pain. What’s the story with pit bull cropped ears? What’s the purpose and what are the pros and cons of it? Whether you’re an owner or just someone interested in ethical animal care, this article will give you food for thought.

What Kind of Dog is a Pit Bull?

Pit bull” is not one specific breed, but a general term applied to several similar breeds. These include the American pit bull terrier , American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, and others. Their size differs depending on the breed, but in general, they are medium-sized dogs. They stand 17-21 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 30-70 pounds. There are also miniature versions called “pocket pitbulls” that only reach 16 inches tall. Regardless of size, these breeds all share a muscular frame, wide heads, powerful jaws, and short hair.

Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?

Pit bulls have a history of being bred for dog fighting, a cruel activity that is now illegal. But this history has fed the impression that pit bulls are violent, dangerous animals. Some unresponsible owners like this image and have mistreated and mistrained pit bulls to bring out aggressive tendencies. Such poorly trained animals have been responsible for attacks on humans, including children.

These attacks have often proven fatal and have received a huge amount of media attention. These unfortunate instances further feed the narrative that pit bulls are “bad” dogs. Some localities have put breed-specific restrictions in place on the ownership of such dogs. Proponents of these restrictions feel they are justified. While pit bulls are 6% of the pet dog population in the U.S., they account for 68% of dog attacks. They also have an extremely strong bite strength and tend not to release their bite.

Advocates for pit bulls, however, say that any breed of dog that is improperly trained has the potential for aggression. Thus, in situations where a dog has become dangerous, it is the fault of irresponsible owners, not the inherent qualities of the breed itself. Approximately 4.5 million pit bulls are family pets, and the vast majority are loving companions, even with children. People also train them to be service and therapy animals. While pit bulls are less tolerant of other dogs than some breeds, they are not generally aggressive with people.

Positions on both sides of this issue are heated and controversial. However, one thing we can agree on is that all pet dogs, regardless of breed, need responsible training. They should be safe not only for their owners but for other animals, neighbors, and bystanders as well. And millions of pit bull owners have demonstrated the ability to do just that.

Pros and Cons of Cropping Pit Bulls’ Ears

To crop a pit bull’s ears means to remove part of the dog’s ear flaps. Owners did this in the past to protect the dog’s ears during fights or when hunting. Today those reasons no longer pertain. Some owners think it will help prevent ear infections, but research has not supported this idea. The bottom line is that it is purely a cosmetic procedure to achieve a particular look the owner finds desirable. Most of the time, a veterinarian does the surgery with the dog under anesthesia. But the animal will still be in pain afterward. It will need pain medication and monitoring to make sure it does not remove its bandages or stitches. Owners also need to watch to make sure the dog doesn’t show signs of infection or other complications.

Some states and countries have banned ear cropping because it inflicts unnecessary pain on animals without a valid medical reason. It’s also worth noting that anesthesia itself is a medical risk, as on occasion some animals do not survive it. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the U.K. all oppose ear cropping.

Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Pit Bull

Before adopting a pit bull, put some thought into the following considerations:

1. Research the laws in your area to see what regulations there might be about pit bulls.
2. Locate a responsible, reputable breeder or pit bull rescue who can tell you about the animal’s specific parentage and temperament.
3. Become aware of the health issues that pit bulls are susceptible to, such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies, and consult with a veterinarian about how to prevent these.
4. Talk to a trainer about how to socialize and train your dog. Early socialization is especially important to help your pet be comfortable with other dogs.
5. Make sure you are prepared to give your pit bull enough exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

If you admire this breed, it won’t be a burden to take the time to do your homework to learn not only about the pros and cons of pit bull cropped ears, but everything else you can do to set up you and your dog for years of happiness together.

Up Next:

• 10 Types of Dog Ears
• 18 Common Dog Breeds That Have Adorable Pointy Ears
• White Pit Bulls: Everything You Need to Know About These Rare Dogs

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