Ear Cropping

Why should your Miniature Schnauzer have cropped ears?

This is a personal decision, and some people prefer a natural ear. Christens recommends ear cropping. Miniature schnauzers are not bred for a specific ear. Consequently, most miniature schnauzers in the US have disproportionately huge ears and they either drop like a hound or stick straight up like a donkey. At Christens, we always crop the ears before the puppy goes to his forever home. We will however, leave the ears natural upon request from the new owner.

Doesn't it hurt the puppy? - We love our dogs, and would never hurt them. Ear cropping is a minor procedure performed by a veterinarian. The day after the ear crop, our puppies are running and playing. We have a hard time keeping them quiet while their ears heal.

It's too hard to put in those supports. - Miniature schnauzers don't get a "doberman" ear crop. We leave part of the ear base when we crop ears. That base helps the ear heal quickly and stand up easily. About two weeks after the crop, most puppies need supports placed in their ears. The supports help the ear stand up straight while the cartilage is hardening. Supports are easy to put in and don't bother the puppy. The video below demonstrates how to "put up" the ears Christens style.

Can I have a natural ear? - Most of the time, yes. However, you still need to put in supports so the natural ear looks correct. Most natural ears will need to be glued while the cartilage is hardening so they lay and fold correctly over the head. A natural ear should not stand up straight like a donkey.

Doesn't it cost a lot? - We include the ear crop free of charge. We also help with the aftercare.

Pictures Top to Bottom: Baby Finn, Nyx Puppy 2012, Nyx