The Pitbull Ear Cropping Debate: Why It‘s Time to Embrace the Natural Look

BySavanna Read

Ear cropping, the surgical removal of all or part of a dog‘s pinnae or outer ears, has long been associated with the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) and related "bully breeds." An estimated 62% of pitbulls in the U.S. have their ears cropped, often done at a very young age (Rooney & Sargan, 2009). While cropping used to have a horrific practical purpose for dogfighting, it is now almost entirely cosmetic. As veterinary science has advanced and animal welfare laws have changed, the necessity and ethics of cropping are being called into serious question.

A Relic of a Cruel Past

The origins of pitbull ear cropping lie in the inhumane practice of dog fighting. During bloody battles, floppy ears were seen as a liability – a body part that was easy for an opponent to latch onto, rip, and cause serious injury. Ears were cropped short and bound until the wounds healed in an upright, tight position to minimize this risk. Other working breeds like schnauzers had their ears docked to supposedly prevent burrs and foxtails from getting inside while running through brush (American Kennel Club, 2022).

As dogfighting was gradually outlawed and pitbulls transitioned into companion animals, ear cropping stuck around as an aesthetic choice rather than a practical one. The menacing, ready-to-fight look of erect ears was still seen as desirable for guard dogs. For pitbulls, it also served as a visual signifier of "breed type" along with other exaggerated features. When formal breed standards were drawn up, cropped ears were designated as "preferred" or even "required" for the show ring (American Kennel Club, 2022). This put a lot of pressure on owners and breeders to continue cropping if they wanted to be competitive.

However, as more countries have banned cropping in recent decades and the show world has relaxed ear rules, natural ears are finally being recognized as a normal, healthy part of the pitbull appearance. In 2017, the United Kennel Club amended the American Pitbull Terrier standard to allow for uncropped ears, stating "Dogs with natural, uncropped ears should not be penalized" (United Kennel Club, 2017). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has officially opposed ear cropping for cosmetic purposes since 1976, calling it an "unacceptable practice" (AVMA, 2022). With these authoritative voices speaking out and shifting public opinion, the days of routinely cropping pitbull ears will hopefully soon be behind us.

The Cropping Procedure: Not as Simple as it Seems

Far from just a little snip, ear cropping is an invasive surgical procedure with very real risks and complications, especially in young puppies whose ear cartilage is still developing. It involves putting the puppy under general anesthesia, cutting away the pinna with a scalpel or surgical scissors, suturing the edges, and splinting the ears upright with rigid supports while they heal over several weeks (Brdecka et al, 2007). Pain control is essential but not always adequate.

Even when done by a skilled veterinarian using proper sterile technique, cropping has a fairly high complication rate. A 2009 survey of 219 cropped dogs found that 11% experienced problems like swelling, bleeding, infection, scarring, or asymmetrical healing (Rooney & Sargan, 2009). Splints and tape can fall off prematurely, causing a floppy or misshapen result. Aftercare is intensive and many puppies struggle against their bandages. If an amateur attempts a "home crop," the outcomes are even more grim. Shelters see pitbull-type dogs come in with jagged, hacked-off ears that are prone to chronic infections.

The American Animal Hospital Association "strongly opposes the cosmetic cropping of ears" and has stated "This cosmetic procedure can cause unnecessary discomfort and health risks to the canine patient, offers no benefit to the animal, and may create a negative impression of the veterinary profession" (AAHA, 2022). The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association also opposes "the alteration of any animal by surgical or other invasive methods for cosmetic or competitive purposes" (CVMA, 2014). These are mainstream veterinary organizations finally taking an ethical stand against a tradition that has long gone unquestioned.

The Floppy Advantage: Natural Ears are Best for Pitbull Health and Temperament

Pitbull lovers know that one of the most endearing features of the breed is their goofy, expressive ears. When left natural, pitbull ears have an adorable slight flop with a little pocket at the base that gives them a jaunty, inquisitive look. They are velvety soft to the touch and highly mobile, swiveling to catch sounds and perking up when alert. Cropping robs pitbulls of this built-in language and makes them appear more stiff and hard-edged.

There is no scientific evidence that cropping has any health benefits for modern companion pitbulls. The idea that erect ears prevent infections is a myth – if anything, the open ear canal is more exposed to environmental debris. Floppy ears are no harder to keep clean with basic routine hygiene (Thompson et al, 2013). In some cases, cropping can actually lead to narrowing of the ear canal opening and increase the risk of otitis externa (Brdecka et al, 2007).

Temperament-wise, there is concern among some behaviourists that cropping can negatively impact social signaling and interactions between dogs. A 2010 study found that dogs with cropped ears were more likely to be perceived as dominant or aggressive by other dogs, potentially leading to unnecessary conflicts (Fratkin, 2010). While responsible pitbull ownership requires socialization and training regardless of ear type, anything that makes intimidating first impressions should be avoided.

Doing Right by Pitbulls: Final Thoughts from a Dog Lover

As a lifelong dog lover and pitbull advocate, my stance on ear cropping is unequivocal – it is a painful, risky, outmoded practice that needs to be phased out completely. I understand the cultural and historical factors that have made it commonplace for the breed, but "tradition" is never an excuse for animal suffering. If we truly want what is best for our pitbull companions, we will celebrate them in their natural state, floppy ears and all.

It is a myth that cropped ears make pitbulls look "tougher" or more intimidating. In reality, those pointy ears just reinforce dangerous stereotypes about the breed being inherently mean or vicious. The public is much more likely to view a pitbull with cute, friendly natural ears as a well-socialized pet rather than a scary fighting dog. Especially for a breed already struggling with generalized bans and restrictions, sending the right signals is important.

To any pitbull owners considering cropping their puppy‘s ears, I urge you to talk to your vet and really weigh the medical evidence and welfare implications first. Is permanently altering your dog‘s appearance worth the very real risks of anesthesia, infection, scarring, and psychological stress? There are no proven benefits to the dog, only human preferences. If you want your pitbull to "stand out," consider that natural ears are becoming the more unique look these days. They can be just as striking and regal.

Around the globe, more countries are taking a stand and banning cosmetic cropping altogether, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, much of Europe, and parts of Canada (RSPCA, 2015). In the U.S., cropping regulations vary by state – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Washington have all introduced legislation to prohibit or restrict it (AVMA, 2015). As the practice declines among the show and veterinary community, I believe it will only become more taboo for the average dog owner as well.

If you already have a cropped pitbull, this is not a judgement on your choice or your love for your dog. I know that ear cropping is still very normalized for the breed and many well-intentioned owners are simply following convention or breeder recommendations. Moving forward, we can still spread awareness about the benefits of natural ears and put less emphasis on cropped ears being part of the ideal pitbull "look." Some of the top APBT conformation dogs today have uncropped ears.

Pitbulls have suffered so much at the hands of humans using them for cruel and selfish purposes. As the breed evolves into a loving family pet, I believe cosmetic cropping will go the way of dogfighting itself – an ugly relic of the past condemned by animal lovers. Our pitties don‘t need to be tough – they need to be treated with kindness and allowed to be the sweet, goofy, doe-eyed souls they really are. Floppy ears and all.

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