Best American Bully Ear Cropping Styles

The American bully is a unique dog breed along with its growing popularity of ear cropping styles. There are variety of reasons why this practice has been widespread for several years. Some owners consider it one of the best ways to create a fascinating look for their pet. On the other hand, some others hold a mistaken belief that cropping of the ears makes their canine less aggressive.

So if you are an American bully owner and looking for the best American Bully ear cropping styles, then here you will get to know everything including its different styles, process, merits, demerits, aftercare etc.

What is Ear Cropping?

Ear cropping means removing the floppy part of a dog’s ears through surgery. This process used to be very common among dogs in the past but became unpopular in the 20th century. Yet, the fashion of ear cropping has revived in different dog breeds, specifically in the American bullies.

It takes some time to heal from the surgery on the ears, but the pain involved in it is not as long-lasting as some common surgeries in dogs, like spaying or neutering.

Aims of Ear Cropping of America bullies

The procedure of cropping American bullies’ ears is also called “otoplasty”, which is carried out for the following possible reasons :

1) Earlier, it was usually done with working dogs for a specific purpose, as it was believed that cropped ears’ dogs hold the least chance of being bitten in fights and caught in hunting.

2) Secondly, the majority of dog owners crop their dogs’ ears due to aesthetics. They assume that the procedure provides these canines with a more appealing and fascinating look along with a bold character.

3) Thirdly, Otoplasty is also carried out by professionals and supported by different kennel clubs for the purpose of bringing standardization in dogs.

4) Next, the most genuine reason which I think of ear cropping should be is to prevent any medical issues like ear infections in American bullies.

However, it is significant to understand that it is a complicated process which involves great pain and needs some time for recovery.

Some best Ear Cropping styles for American bullies

There are different styles of ear cropping for American bullies which can bring a major change in their appearance. Let’s go through some of the best ear cropping styles and get to know a suitable type for your pet :

(i) Show cropping style

The showcropping style was common or in vogue in bygone days when dog fighting was one of the most popular sports activities. In this style, almost the whole flapping parts of the ears are removed and only a very small part is left out. It also makes their facial features more noticeable.

But, the show cropping style is quite painful and may cause serious infection in their ears. So you need to be alert and clear their wounds regularly.

(ii) Battle cropping style

The battle cropping style of ears also became popular when American bully dogs were used in dog fighting. Due to this, the opponent’s beast isn’t able to grapple during battle. It is the shortest type of cropping in which little or no cartilage in the ears is left uncropped. This type is easy to maintain but is highly prone to ear infections due to severe cuts.

Proper care and prescribed medicines by the vet are to be provided on a regular basis. Cleansing of ears should also be done due to the opening of ear canals.

(iii) Short cropping style

In this style, ears are little longer than the battle cropping style. Only the bottom half of the American bullies is removed and the other half top part is left behind. Hence, it is a great combination of show and battle cropping.

The short crop is relatively easier to take care of as it doesn’t need much cleansing and maintenance. Most of the bully owners recommend this crop mainly because of its being less vulnerable to ear infections and natural appearance too.

(iv) Long cropping style

It is one of the longest cropping styles. In this crop, only ¼ part of the dog’s ears are cut and a major 80% of cartilage is attached. This type is also known as the tall crop.

This type also requires regular cleaning and maintenance as it is more likely to cause infection in the ears. It is the least popular and rarely visible in the American bully breed.

Process of Ear Cropping of American bullies

Understanding the entire process of ear cropping is crucial for all dog owners as well. So that they can fulfill all necessary conditions during and post surgery.

It involves the following series of steps :

Search for a professional

The first and foremost task before the beginning of the process of “Otoplasty” is searching for a professional vet. Don’t take any risks in your hands or any inexperienced person.

Providing an anesthesia dose

The veterinary surgeon initiates the ear cropping by giving “anesthesia” to avoid motion and sufferings during the process.

Operation or surgery of ears

Once the canine gets unconscious due to the effect of anesthesia, the vet makes surgical cuts on its ears giving it a desired cropping style & shape. Then, wounds are stitched properly to give it a new form.

Post-operative care

Carrying out carefully the post-operative care of American bullies is mandatory as their surgical ears are highly prone to infections. Regular cleaning and dressing of ears are required to be done.

Moreover, keep a watch over all symptoms of infections which may include redness, discharge, swelling etc. Ensure that their ears don’t get scratched, which may disturb the healing process of your pet.

Regular visit to a vet

Visit to a vet at regular intervals for the checkup of healing progress and bring necessary changes in care as suggested by your vet.

Appropriate age to crop the ears of American bullies

Generally, Otoplasty is recommended to occur when your American bully puppy is 7 to 16 weeks old. This duration is significant as the cartilage tissues are soft and flexible. Ears surgery at an older age can bring difficulties and complications in providing a desired cropping style to them.

Yet consultation with an experienced vet before surgery may provide you with detailed information about your pet. They may examine the overall health of your canine, ensuring whether they are in a favorable stage to undergo the surgical process and anesthetized.

How does Cropping affect the communication abilities of American bullies

No doubt, your pet will live a fully healthy and happy life with its cropped ears. Besides, it will also help in preventing serious ear infection. But, cropped ears greatly influence the communication efficiency of American bullies.

Ears position and tail movement of dogs are two important means of communication between different dogs and with human beings as well.

For instance, dropped or pinned ear position exhibit their either happy or fearful mood. Thus, it is crucial to talk to a vet for surgery on your pet’s ears and understand the consequences of it too.

Post cropping care of American bullies

After the cropping procedure or taking away the soft part of their ears, you will need to take proper care of these dogs.

The following tips should be considered while taking care of your pet :

• After the surgery, you need to maintain the cleanliness of their wounds to prevent infections.
• You should avoid getting your dogs’ ears wet as it can also lead to infection.
• You may get your dog an Elizabethan collar or cone so as to prevent scratching or shaking off their head.
• Visit your vet regularly in order to assess their progress and healing process.
• Keep a check for the symptoms of infections like inflammation, swelling or discharge.
• Provide all medications timely to your pet as per the prescription of your vet.

It takes a few weeks for their sutures to be removed and 4 to 8 weeks for wounds to get completely healed.

Searching for a professional vet for ear cropping

As we have already discussed the significance of searching for a professional vet, considering it as the first and foremost step in the ear cropping process. It is a critical procedure which involves high risks of anesthesia difficulty and infections.

The following points should be considered before selecting a vet for the incision process :

• Firstly, ensure that a vet selected for the procedure of cropping is a professional and experienced one. They should have detailed knowledge about the structure of the American bullies’ ears.

• Secondly, the giving of anesthesia doses and surgical process should also be inquired about.

• Lastly, a responsible vet should also schedule the routine checkup of cropped ears of American bullies.

Is cropping legal in your area ?

Some countries prohibit ear cropping and seven American states which regulate ear cropping include New York, Washington, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland & New Hampshire. It should not be practised solely for cosmetic reasons.

You should be aware that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not support Otoplasty for aesthetics as it causes great pain & trouble for dogs. All countries have their own laws, and they may vary from place to place.

So make sure you know about the animal laws of your country or do thorough research into the rules that are applied to your area.

Merits of the Ear cropping

The ear cropping of American bullies has their own advantages & disadvantages. Let’s discuss some major benefits of it :

1) Reduces the risk of ear infections

The most common problem with uncropped or floppy ears is infection. Long ears of American bullies entrap dust and moisture in them which leads to the development of bacterial diseases. Hence, ear cropping reduces the risk of infection as it allows the air to pass through.

2) Improves hearing ability

The long and floppy ears of American bullies also block some sound waves which results in poor hearing. So, the cropping procedure improves the hearing ability of those dogs.

3) Enhances beauty

Another advantage of ear cropping is that it enhances their physical features and appearance. This is the reason most people want their pet’s ears to be cropped.

4) Reduces the risk of injuries

Cropping of American bullies also helps in reducing the risk of injuries during the play or guarding activities.

Demerits of the Ear cropping

Some of the disadvantages that come up with this ear surgery include :

1) Chances of ear infections

Ear cropping involves several incisions or cuts which may have negative consequences of infection, bleeding, inflammation etc.

2) Pain & Discomfort after surgery

As cropping of ears is a surgical procedure, the dog experiences great pain and stress after surgery when the effects of anesthesia disappear.

3) Post-Surgical care

Post-surgery care of your American bully is mandatory. Provide proper medication and clean its wound twice a day so as to avoid chances of further infections. Follow up the scheduled appointments with the vet.

Choosing the right ear cropping style for your American bully

Ear cropping is a permanent and critical process which should be seriously thought of. While choosing a suitable cropping style for your American bully ears, consider its individual needs and abilities.

I would really recommend doing proper research and consulting a vet once before finalizing the particular crop style of your pet.

Final thoughts

If you are an American bully dog owner and have a keen desire to get your pet’s ears cropped, then you should have proper knowledge related to the same. This article contains all the information about the cropping of bullies’ ears. However, it is an individual choice. So, you can adopt any of the cropping styles you find suitable for your American bully.

Regardless of your choice, prioritize the health and well-being of these canines. Hence, always do a thorough research while looking for an experienced vet or an expert. Hope this article will help you with making a comprehensive and informed decision regarding the cropping style of your pet.

FAQ’s

Q1. Should you crop American Bully ears?

Ans. It is an individual choice. So, you can get your bullies’ ears cropped but remember to prioritize the health of your bully.

Q2. Can I get my bully ears cropped at 6 months?

Ans. Generally, the ears of the American bully are appropriate to be cropped at the of 2 to 3 months.

Q3. Is cropping dog ears illegal?

Ans. There is no country who has put an outright ban on cropping ears.

Q4. Is ear cropping painful?

Ans. Yes, as cropping of ears is a surgical procedure, the dog experiences great pain and stress after surgery when the effects of anesthesia disappear.

Q5. How fast do cropped ears heal?

Ans. It takes a few weeks for their sutures to be removed and 4 to 8 weeks for wounds to get completely healed.