Different types of ear crops

chrisandty · #1 10-10-2009, 12:29 PM

Hi guys!

I had a quick question regarding the different variations of ear cropping available. I'm getting Tyson cropped in three weeks (at 12 weeks of age) and was hoping someone could provide some insight into the different types of crops there are.

I know this is totally a cosmetic surgery and its completely subjective as to the "best" crop but any information would be appreciated! (pictures would be awesome too)

Thanks!

kayboxer · #2 10-10-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm no expert, but there is a "show crop" and a "medium crop". Show crop is a longer crop, can take weeks to months to stand correctly and a lot of time and dedication to get them to look great. It is the crop used in the show ring and many if not most people on BW have for their boxers. Medium crop is what I had done on my Buster as I did not intend to show. Not as long, but still takes weeks to get to stand and still time and dedication. You have to keep them taped and make sure you know how to do it or have a vet do it. I drove Buster an hour each way to the vet once a week for 9 weeks or more. Make sure your vet is knowledgeable about cropping so as not to get a big "bell" at the bottom of the ear. Good luck!

Draymia · #3 10-10-2009, 04:50 PM

Hopefully, you have got a really good recommendation, for a vet, from a knowledgeable person. Doing a good crop is really an art, not just knowing how to do it.

Vets are not taught how to crop in school (never have been), so it takes one that really wants and knows how to do a proper job. You can contact some show breeders near you for a good vet.

As was stated before, you do not want a lot of bell left. No bell gives you a clean look, as it blends to the side of the face. If the vet says the bell is needed to help the ears stand, then this is not the vet you want. You don't want it too short, as that would give your dog a pitbull look.

I would do some searching for nice appealing crops and take some pictures to the vet. Of course, every crop will look a little different, depending on how the dog holds the ears, the placement of the ears and the head.

ehayes21 · #4 10-10-2009, 05:36 PM

I agree 100% with Draymia...please do your research before sending your pup to be cropped...find some reputable breeders in your area that can give you a few referrals and that can also help you with the taping. I would take floppy ears over a bad crop any day. A vet that can do a quality crop are a dime a dozen...As Draymia put it, a good cropper is an artist. Don't settle for less. You need to ask for pictures, references etc...

chrisandty · #5 10-10-2009, 07:15 PM

Thanks for all your input.
I have done quite a bit of research and actually have the best sort of referral, a dog the vet has worked on.
My parents own a dobie and were referred to this vet by their breeder to do the cropping.
I actually went with my dad to get Levi (the doberman) his surgery.
Needless to say I was and still am very pleased with the way his ears turned out (hes now a little over a year and a beast to say the least haha).
Im leaning towards the showcrop but I have no intention of showing Tyson, I just want him to have the quintiscential boxer look.

I wanted to make sure I had some visual idea of what I wanted before I went for a preliminary meeting with the vet. I do know he has numerous pictures of all the ears hes cropped so I'll definitely be able to have something to go on.