Tail Docking And Ear Cropping In Miniature Pinschers

Tail Docking And Ear Cropping In Miniature Pinschers

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Ancient Romans invented tail docking and ear cropping for dogs, believing the surgery to prevent rabies. Now, of course, we know that rabies is caused by a virus, and immunize our dogs against the disease. In Medieval Europe dogs ears and tails were cut to keep other dogs from grabbing them and to prevent them from injuries when hunting or guarding sheep or cattle.

Miniature pinschers are one breed that frequently has ear cropping and tail docking performed for purely cosmetic purposes. Some owners feel that the procedures give their dogs a more sharp, streamlined look, although the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not require the surgery for shows.

When ear cropping is performed correctly the ears stand erect. When cropping is done incorrectly the ears can wing out, or bend out at the ends. Since the cropping is man-made and is not the fault of the dog, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America does not penalize show dogs with poor ear cropping.

Many people feel that ear cropping and tail docking are unattractive mutilation. Some miniature pinschers ears stand up without being cropped. Dogs without tails can be at a disadvantage in communicating their feelings to humans and other dogs. In 2007 graduate student Stephen Leaver published the results of a study showing that dogs with short or no tails were approached with caution by other dogs, who could not read their social cues. The study went on to suggest that dogs growing up without tails could be difficult to socialize and could grow up to be aggressive.

Some miniature pinscher owners suggest helping natural ears to stand by gluing a piece of stiff paper or cardboard to a puppys ear and allowing it to fall off naturally in about ten days, to train the ears to stand up on their own. Another method is to sprinkle a small amount of powdered calcium onto a puppys food to strengthen its growing cartilage.

The American Veterinary Association does not support ear cropping or tail docking in miniature pinschers or any other breed because they are painful procedures that are of no benefit to the dogs. The association further points out that, as with any kind of surgery, there is the danger that the patient could get a bad reaction to anesthetic, bleed too much, or get an infection. Many veterinarians do not perform ear cropping or tail docking, and the association hopes that owners will stop the practice. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom considers tail docking to be an unjustified mutilation and unethical unless done for therapeutic or acceptable prophylactic reasons.

Ear cropping is banned in some countries, including Australia, England, Austria, South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg and the Scandinavian nations. Tail docking is banned in parts of Australia. There is a movement to stop the practices in the United States as well.

There are actions miniature pinscher owners can take to aid the cause. First, buying a miniature pinscher puppy from a reputable breeder and showing it with natural ears and tail can demonstrate that the surgery is unnecessary. Sending letters to congressional representatives and senators can influence them to legislate against tail docking and ear cropping. The letters should be respectful and point out that the procedures are for cosmetic purposes only and do not benefit the dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is another good place to write, and ask their support in stopping unnecessary surgery. Letters can be sent to the AKC, asking them to stop being neutral on the issue and take a strong stand. If the AKC did not allow miniature pinschers with cropped ears or docked tails to be shown, the practice would soon come to a halt.

About the Author:
Lea Mullins, discusses all about ear cropping and docking tail in a Miniature Pinscher. TrainPetDog.com provides tips on taking care of a puppy.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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