American Bullies carry unique physiques and looks that sets them apart from other Bully breeds. One of these features is their cropped ear, muscles, and big mouths.
The best way to get the cropped ear look is to get ear crop surgery. However, some dog parents are worried about the side effects of this procedure and whether or not this surgery is essential.
Today we will discuss all the different styles of crop ears and reasons to get one.
What is Ear Cropping?
Ear cropping is a cosmetic surgery in which the loose earflaps of the dog’sdog’s ear are removed. The sole purpose of doing ear cropping surgery is for decorative looks.
It was very popular among different breeds but soon got rejected by the populous in the 20th century. However, it is becoming popular in breeds like Pitbull and American Bullies.
Benefits of Ear Cropping
Many people believe ear cropping has different scientific benefits, and some think it is only for show. Here are a few of them outlined below:
Prevent Infections
One of the most common issues that occur with uncropped ears is infections. The long earflaps can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, leading to severe conditions. Ear cropping helps reduce the risk of infection by letting the ears air out.
Improves Hearing
The long ear flaps can block the sound waves, making it difficult for the Bully to hear. Ear cropping improves hearing by removing the earflap and allowing the sound to reach the inner ear more easily.
Prevent Injuries
During play or work, American Bullies can injure uncropped ears easily. The long earflap can get stuck and ripped off, exposing the inner tissues.
Ear crops eliminate the chances of that happening by removing the earflap and giving the ear a chance to heal if it has been damaged already.
Disadvantages of Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is not always beneficial as it has some drawbacks and disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages:
A Surgical Procedure
The main drawback of ear cropping is that it is a surgical procedure. Like any surgical procedure, this procedure carries the risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and inducing fear into your Bully puppy.
Pain
Ear cropping is a painful procedure as the ears are cut off. The procedure is done under anesthesia, but once the effects of anesthesia wear off, your Bully can feel lots of pain.
Aftercare
After the procedure, you need to be extra careful about your Bully. You will have to change the bandages, clean the ears, ensure your dog doesn’tdoesn’t scratch his ears, and give your dog lots of painkillers.
Types of Ear Crops for American Bully
Now that you have read the benefits and side effects of ear cropping and decided to proceed with the procedure, you need to determine what type of ear crop you want for your Bully.
There are four ear cop styles from which you can choose.
Short Crop
The short is the most popular and common ear crop in American Bullies. It is a simple look that leaves the bottom half and removes the floppy, loose upper part of the ear.
Short crop gives the Bully a more natural look and is more likely to prevent ear infections. The short crop is also the easiest to care for, as it needs less cleaning and aftercare than other crop types.
Battle Crop
The battle crop is the shortest among the four ear-cropping styles for American Bullies. It is very popular among Bully fans, but getting this kind of crop makes your Bully’sBully’s ear more prone to infections as it leaves the ear canal almost fully open.
If you decide to go with this style, make sure you clean your Bully’sBully’s ear regularly.
Show Crop
The entire loose flap is removed for the Show Crop, leaving only a little part of cartilage remaining. This crop gives your Bully an aggressive look that is perfect for dog shows.
Long Crop
The long crop is the longest, leaving 80% of the ear. Only a small portion is cut to give the American Bully a fresh and unique look.
The aftercare for this cropping style is extensive, as you need to care constantly and keep your Bully from scratching his ears.
Best Ear Crop for American Bully
When choosing an ear crop for your American Bully, it is important to consider your dog’s needs and personality.
Suppose you need help deciding whether to consult your vet or an experienced groomer. However, the best way to choose is to ask yourself why you want to get an ear crop for your American Bully, and you will have two options.
For Show Purposes
First, if you want to register your Bully in a dog show and want him to look the best, you can opt for the Show crop. Even though keep in mind, it is not an obligation to get an ear crop to register in a dog show.
A show crop is considered the best in terms of looks, making your American Bully tempting and adding a fierce stare.
For Personal Preference
The second option is a short crop. The short crop is the best option if you want your Bully to look good daily. This crop is also my personal favorite.
A short crop will keep ear-free infection build-up and give your dog an amazing look that will help him look unique. Other than these two, you can go for the remaining two, but that will completely depend on you.
The above-given crops are chosen as the best because they look good and protect the Bully’s ears from infection as they are not too short or too long.
Choosing the crop will end up on your preferences, so you have to make sure that the style you are going with is what you want, as there are no do-overs.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Good to Crop Bully Ears?
Well, cropping ears has benefits to a certain level, but they are not that good in a practical manner. Ear crop is merely a cosmetic procedure and yields no medical benefits despite what breeders claim.
Cropped ears are more to infections as they allow debris to enter the inner canal, creating problems for the Bully.
How Long Does It Take for American Bully Ear Cropping to Heal?
The sutures are removed after seven to ten days, but the complete healing can take up to 4 weeks and sometimes eight weeks. During that time, clean the ears, so the Bully doesn’t scratch them.
Can You Crop a One-Year-Old Dog’sdog’s Ears?
Ear cropping should be done when the puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old. After that, the cartilage hardens, and the puppy becomes aware of the surroundings, so it isn’t easy to get success.
A 1-year-old dog is an adult and can tell when something is wrong, so it is best to get ear cropping early.
Do Vets Recommend Ear Cropping?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does advise against ear cropping, and no state has explicitly prohibited it, and the practice is still widespread.
However, it is discouraged by many animal rights groups, as it causes the dogs severe pain. Ear cropping practice is getting rare.
Conclusion
Ear cropping is not mainly done in American Bullies and Pitbull because it is considered inhumane. It is a purely cosmetic procedure to make an American Bully look good.
If you don’t see the need to get an ear-cropping, you can completely avoid it, and your Bully will be great. There is no need to get an ear cropping as the Bully breed is accepted in all dog shows without the need to crop their ears.
