Ear cropping is a common cosmetic procedure for canines.

It involves the removal of up to 2/3 of the dog's ear flap, and is usually performed on puppies 7 to 12 weeks of age. This procedure is common in breeds such as Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Great Danes, as well as several other breeds. No veterinary science suggests any medical advantage to "cosmetic otoplasty" in dogs, and for that reason the staff at Padonia Veterinary Hospital does not support nor perform this procedure. We consider it an unnecessary surgery, as it presents no benefit for the dog and causes he or she needless pain. We do not feel it is an ethical practice.

To learn more about the cruelty of ear cropping, please refer to the following article from Michigan State University: Cropping & Docking