To Crop or Not to Crop...

NOTE: Cropped ears are easier to clean and are less likely to develop ear infections, with proper care.

NOTE: The cost for an ear cropping can range from $150 to $500.   

NOTE: The age your puppy should be at the time of the procedure ranges, and you should consult your veterinarian. I prefer to crop my puppy’s ears at 12 to 14 weeks. They are heavier in body weight and can better withstand the anesthetic.                          

NOTE: If you decide to crop your puppy’s ears...look long and hard for a reputable veterinarian who is surgically skilled in the art of ear cropping.    

NOTE: Individual dogs, like people have different levels of pain tolerance. In general, Boxers are very pain tolerant and most puppies returning home from an ear crop will be eating normally and playing just as they did before surgery within hours of the procedure. Although the ears are decidedly uncomfortable if touched excessively or bumped, this discomfort usually subsides within a few days of surgery. The skill and experience of the surgeon also have an effect on the discomfort level after the procedure.                         

NOTE: Your puppy will be given an intravenous drug, which initiates the anesthesia so that it's airway can be secured with an endotracheal tube. The intravenous drug wears off fast, so your puppy will be placed on maintenance anesthesia with oxygen supplementation. 
                                    

NOTE: Ok...So, now your puppy’s ears are cropped your vet will probably give you antibiotics and some type of discomfort medication for your puppy. Your puppy will have stitches to hold the incision together, 10 to 12 days after the surgery; you will need to bring your puppy back to the vet to have them removed. Then you begin the process of training the ears to stand...taping and re-taping until the desired look is achieved. You should be prepared for repeated visits to your vet. 

Cropped Ear Taping Method

Taping in either of the methods I show is no guarantee the ears will stand. These methods have been very successful for myself. Cropped ears require a lot of time and patience and continual tweaking to get the desired look.  A proper diet, timely medical care, and effective taping program will increase the odds your dogs cropped ears will look fabulous!

Plastic Zip Tie Method Backer Rod Method With which ever posting method you choose, measure the length needed and cut the zip strip or tear the foam about 1/2 -1 inch longer then needed     Sticky side up, roll out a length of tape and  lay zip strip on the tape   Sticky side up again, lay the tape on top of the tape and zip strip. Sticky side out, roll the tape around the post Fold the ends into a blunted point - this is the end that goes into the ear canal. You can also put a bit of cotton ball at the end to protect the ear. Fold the end of the tape over each end of the post.  Two posts all set, side by side For each ear, you will need at least 4 pieces of tape, one shorter piece and one longer, two middle length pieces. Finally...on to the taping! Plastic Zip Tie Method Backer Rod Method Insert the strip or post into the ear. Pull the ear gently but firmly straight up, begin by placing a strip of tape at the top of the ear, be sure that the piece of tape covers the entire tip of ear. This is the backside of the ear, so you can see that the first piece of tape will fully cover the tip of ear. Once the tip is wrapped - take the longer strip of tape and stick it to the rod by the base of the ear. Again pull the ear straight up, and then wrap the tape around the back of the ear. (just below my thumb- to the left of the end of tape - is a pocket in the ear - pockets are common, and relatively easy to fix, you just have to be diligent) Wrap the length of tape around the ear. Showing the wrap around the back of the ear. This ear has what is called a "pocket"- where the ear will fall to the outside of the head, and it looks as if the ear is pushed out. I have placed a spare piece of backer rod into the pocket, and will wrap the "extra flap" of ear skin forward. Once the tip is wrapped - take the longer strip of tape and stick it to the Strip by the base of the ear. Again pull the ear straight up, and then wrap the tape around the back of the ear. Showing the base of the ear fully taped. You can see the extra piece of backer rod poking through the bottom of the ear, and you can see how the ear skin is wrapped around the rod.     Showing the wrap around the back of the ear. If you have no ear pocket (see the backer rod description), you can easily leave the "extra skin flap" of the ear - just to the right of my thumb- where it is - essentially it always lays towards the back of the ear. Take the 2nd and 3rd pieces of tape and wrap in the same direction of the other tapes. (back to front)         Showing the base of the ear fully taped. A fully taped Zip Strip ear. Repeat with the second ear.. Be sure to "squeeze" the taped ear, to ensure good contact. Fully taped ears with backer rod. Be sure to "squeeze" the taped ear, to ensure good contact. Bridging ears   Bridging ears is very common, and does not always need to be done- is is all based on the effect of the type of ears you prefer. I prefer erect straight ears - so I alternate between bridging and not bridging. Begin with a long piece of tape, start on one ear or the other, the front of the ear. Pull both ears upwards be sure they are straight (see above right), "brace" the ears together by taking your long piece of tape to the other ear (see below). You can adjust the ears, once you get them straight take another piece of tape and do the same taping at the back of the ear bridge. Press the two pieces of tape between the ears together to secure them. A finished set of ears!