Great Dane Club of America - Breeder Education 2009

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Question #5
Do you think that cropping of Danes should continue? Why or why not? How do you personally feel about cropping your puppies?

Response:
Yes I will continue to crop all my Danes. I feel it makes the Dane look majestic (One of the reasons I first chose Danes as a breed) and helps prevent infections, and other ear injuries. I feel if you have a proper crop and aftercare there is no reason not to do it. Many breeds were cropped in the beginning because of hunting injuries that occurred because of long ears. I feel it has become part of the original heritage of our standard . I admit it is more expensive now and hard to find vets that do great crops, but to me it is worth it. I don't think the American Danes have the best ear sets for uncropped ears either.
Beve Hauer, Hauerdane

Response:
I believe that our right to crop Danes, or any traditionally cropped breed, should not be denied to us. This procedure should not be banned any more than our right to own dogs over 50 pounds or own dogs at all for that matter. As civilization evolves, changes will come gradually and without much fanfare and I believe that cropping will become a tradition lost just as high button shoes are no longer the fashion. While it is the big controversy, 'whether to ban or not ban', more time is wasted on the infighting and petty bickering that we could use to solve much bigger problems.

It could be that I just don't like being told arbitrarily what to do but, what a moot point to fritter away good time when we could all be having a good time and celebrating living well with dogs and friends that we love and enjoy. Let's move on to better, healthier, more beautiful dogs whether they are cropped or uncropped.
Jane Gray, Owlwatch

Response:
I think this is a choice. Danes were cropped for a purpose originally. They no longer hunt and therefore to no NEED to be cropped. However, I think it is up to the breeder or owner as to whether they want to crop their litters,not the government. I like cropped ears, but I am not opposed to uncropped ones. I give my puppy buyers the choice. I like the silhouette of a cropped head, but when the ears are correctly set and the size and lay of the ear are correct, I find that pleasing also. A good head cropped or uncropped is a good head. A poor head, cropped or uncropped is still a poor head. But, again, I state...this is America and it should be our choice...not the local, state or federal government. They have much bigger problems to worry about !!!!
Dale Tarbox, Sandale

Response:
I love the look of a cropped ear. I crop all of my puppies.
Stephanie Gallups

Response:
I think that both natural and cropped ears, when correct, are equally attractive. I think this decision should be left up to the breeder. I have never had a problem with ear cropping as I've been blessed with a very good vet.; I've also worked extensively with my puppy people during the follow-up/taping period.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by breeders in response to questions of general interest reflect their opinions based on their individual experiences within the breed and are not necessarily the opinion of the GDCA. It is imperative that anyone with a Dane puppy that shows signs of illness or injury obtain an immediate examination and diagnosis by a veterinarian.

Recommendations or ideas expressed by the breeders in Breeder's Ed. should be discussed with your veterinarian in detail. It is strongly recommended that a veterinarian experienced with Great Danes and other large breeds be contacted whenever possible.

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