Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the ear is removed. The purpose of the procedure is usually to produce ears that stand erect. Ear cropping is most often performed to comply with standards for various breeds. Several breeds either require ear cropping or accept cropped ears in the show ring. Whether or not to have the ears cropped, however is a personal decision. The breeds most often associated with cropped ears include Schnauzers, Boxers, Great Danes, Doberman Pinchers and miniature Pinchers.
