Cropping styles

soos · #1 07-09-2009, 04:00 PM

I intend to get my puppy Caesar's ears cropped when he's old enough. From the research I've done I've discovered that there are many styles of crops and am having a little trouble deciding which would look best. I know that I don't want the ones that taper into a really thin point, I'd prefer something a little thicker. I would greatly appreciate suggestions to help me decide and any pictures anyone may have. I want to be sure to get something that will look good since he will be stuck with it for quite a while. lol.

Draymia · #2 07-09-2009, 04:38 PM

The most important thing to do your research on is finding a vet that knows what they are doing. IMO 90% of vets that crop do a terrible job. Please find a show person (doesn't have to be a boxer) and ask for an opinion.

What you probably want is a nice show crop, but you want it a little shorter than a typical show crop. In my town of over 250,000 population, there is NOT one vet that can do a nice job.

Please check around and remember that a vet will of course say they can do a good job.

soos · #3 07-09-2009, 04:58 PM

I've already found the vet that is going to do his ears. He's my cousin and works at a Vet Clinic about an hour from where I live. He's showed me the pictures of his past work and that of the other vets in clinic with him. I went through quite a few vets before I even considered him, so don't think I'm just doing it out of our relation. lol. I've picked out a few styles but then I was told by a friend that they were kind of long and might not stand well.

Could you possibly tell me what you think?

Links removed by moderator. READ THE RULES.

ehayes21 · #4 07-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Longer crops can sometimes take longer to stand, but IMHO they look the best.
I would really take finding a good vet to crop VERY serious. You might contact your local boxer club and see if you can get some referrals.

Draymia · #5 07-10-2009, 04:33 PM

The most important thing is to put some nice shaping to the ears and remove the lower "bell". Too many vets feels that the ears will not stand, if the bell/base is removed. Not true and leaving the bell is what makes so many crops very ugly.

I would agree to ask around about if your cousin can do a nice crop. Do ask show people and not pet people.

ThunderRoll · #6 07-15-2009, 06:26 PM

A breeder recommendation is the best way to go. Looking at pictures of crops can be deceiving. If the picture was taken as soon as the tape was removed it will look like the ear is standing perfect and all is good. You also have to think about the aftercare. Proper taping is very important. You said the clinic is about 1 hour away...are you going to drive 2 hours every 10 days to have the ears retaped for as long as they need to be if the vet even will tape them? It looks easy to do yourself but if you are not experienced and don't do it correctly and the ears don't stand you just put your dog through a painful surgery for nothing. I live in Illinois and had breeder recommendations with winning show dogs before I did anything and then I DID drive 2 hours every 10 days for the taping. It's a lot of work! I wish you the best in finding a reputable, very experienced vet.