What do you need to know about the Staffordshire Terrier ear cropping procedure?

Central Asian, Alabai or Asian Shepherds have a majestic and intimidating appearance, largely due to the exterior of the breed. The dogs have a powerful body, a large massive head with short triangular ears and a short thick tail. Currently, the ears and tail of the Alabai are cut only in the countries of the former CIS for aesthetic reasons. Abroad, ear and tail cropping without medical indications is prohibited for humanitarian reasons. The decision about whether to perform the procedure on your dog rests with the pet owner.

Breed traits

Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Activityin the house2.7
on the street4.4
Obediencetraining3.1
strangers3
Dominationin family1.7
over dogs3.4
Defending your territoryfrom people1.9
from dogs3.4
Sociabilityin family4.7
with strangers3.3
with dogs2.7
Concentrationin family1
in front of strangers1.7
with dogs2
Aggressivenessin family1
to strangers1.7
to the dogs3.1
to cats3.6
Family behaviorcalmness3.9
demand for affection4.6
excitability3.1
playfulness4.4
excessive barking1.4
behavioral breakdowns3
Tolerance for childrenup to 4 years3.7
over 4 years old3.9
Institutional usewatchman3.9
bodyguard2.6

This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, French Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Beagle, German Shepherd.

The photographs show what a Staffordshire Bull Terrier looks like:

A little about tail docking


As with ear cropping, breeders are gradually moving away from cropping this part of the body. Moreover, in the period from 1992 to 1996, a study was conducted, the results of which determined that tail docking has a detrimental effect on the development and functioning of the animal’s musculoskeletal system. After all, the tail is the steering wheel, the balancer of the body, which helps to evenly distribute the load between the muscles.

Another study conducted in the early 90s showed that dogs with docked tails are more aggressive than their breed brothers and take longer to get along with new people and fellow breeders. The explanation for this problem is simple: with the help of its tail, the dog expresses emotions and talks. And when there is no tail, it is much more difficult for the dog to express his thoughts. Therefore, the animal becomes nervous and more often resorts to aggression.

However, sometimes docking is justified. For example, dogs of some hunting breeds often break their tails during collisions with wild animals in burrows. It is better for such pets to have their tail docked. Moreover, it is advisable to do this at the age of 3-5 days, until the puppy’s nervous system is developed and he does not feel acute pain.

General characteristics of Staffordshire bull terriers

The breed was developed in England, in the county of Staffordshire. That is why it is called the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The abbreviated name is staffbull or staffy. Now the breed is the mascot of the Royal Staffordshire Regiment and the national pride of the country.

Originally it was a fighting dog, which is associated with its appearance and insensitivity to pain. Subsequently, during breeding, less aggressive individuals were selected. Therefore, now the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a wonderful companion. He has no guard or security qualities. But aggression can only manifest itself with improper upbringing, and even then, not towards a person, but towards other dogs.

The breed is suitable for active people with a patient, strong character and training skills. These dogs need to be constantly trained. Properly raised adult Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smart, obedient, and friendly. This is a devoted friend and protector, although sometimes a little cocky and stubborn.

OptionsCharacteristic
breed nameEnglish Staffordshire Bull Terrier
country of originGreat Britain
time of appearance of the breed19th century
group of breeds according to the ICF classificationterriers, bull terrier section
applicationcompanion
height35-40 cm
weightmales 12-17 kg, females 11-15 kg
life expectancy12-14 years old
aggressivenessaverage, does not appear with proper upbringing
activityhigh, requires physical activity, walking 2-3 hours a day
intelligencesmart, quick-witted and witty
trainingwith the right approach it is easy, but the dog can be stubborn
attitude towards a personfriendly, affectionate, devoted, loves children, cannot stand loneliness
healthgood, many individuals live up to 14 years
careuncomplicated, shedding is not strong, almost does not bark

Photos of English Staffordshire Bull Terriers:

pros

Due to its small size, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be kept even in a small city apartment. This stocky pet loves to be close to its owner and participate in all activities. But most of all, outdoor games and jogging bring him the most pleasure. For active owners, with proper upbringing, Staff Bulls become the best friends.

These dogs are also popular due to several more advantages:

  • they are friendly, love children, are patient with them, and can become a nanny;
  • do not show aggression even towards strangers;
  • loyal, in a dangerous situation they fearlessly rush to protect the owner and members of his family;
  • unpretentious, do not shed much
  • have a balanced psyche, it is difficult to anger them;
  • They are easy to train, love to perform different tricks, and are suitable for agility and freestyle.

Minuses

But this breed is not suitable for everyone. If raised incorrectly, a Staff Bull can become uncontrollable and aggressive. And these dogs are strong, resilient, and insensitive to pain. Therefore, in many countries they have a reputation as dangerous and vicious dogs. It is even forbidden for inexperienced dog breeders to own this breed.

This is due to the dishonesty of breeders, who often used inbreeding and did not test the puppies for mental stability. Staffbulls were usually bred for guarding and protection; they were specially trained for this, sometimes with cruelty. A dog whose aggression and taste for fighting has been awakened can indeed become dangerous.

Staffbulls have a few more disadvantages:

  • early socialization, competent training and constant attention are necessary;
  • physical training required;
  • can be stubborn, capricious, prone to dominance;
  • cannot be kept outside; in cold weather they freeze quickly, so they need clothing;
  • may come into conflict with other dogs, especially males;
  • They hunt cats, birds and rodents.

The video complements the characteristics of staff bulls:

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier - briefly about the breed

History of the origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier was artificially bred at the end of the 18th century in Great Britain. Bull and dog fights were popular entertainment at that time. Therefore, fighting breeds were valued. The Old English Bulldogs, which became the ancestors of modern Staffbulls, were slow. Staffordshire dog breeders decided to breed dogs that are light, fast and strong.

Bulldogs began to be crossed with English terriers, indispensable in hunting rats. The new breed was given the name Bull and Terrier or Bull Terrier. These dogs were compact, hardy, agile, with a powerful grip and a low pain threshold. The result was an ideal fighting breed, the representatives of which took the best qualities from their ancestors. They were suitable not only for dog fighting, but also for baiting rats.

In the 19th century, breeding work continued by different breeders. As a result, several lines of bull terriers appeared:

  • cradle – small in stature, strong, with strong bones;
  • warlaston - with short limbs;
  • Varsol - more like terriers, with long legs.

At the same time, representatives of the new breed were exported to other countries, and they also came to America. There, breeders received a new variety, which they called the pit bull terrier or pit bull. She was more aggressive and strong, as she was bred for dog fighting. Then the breed received the name American Staffordshire Terrier, Stafford or Amstaff.

In Great Britain, dog fighting was banned by the end of the 19th century. Therefore, breeders selected non-aggressive, docile individuals. These dogs became popular, clubs were created, and exhibitions were held. The first breed standard appeared in 1936, according to which Staffordshire bull terriers had to correspond to the first breed type - the Cradle. Pictures of dogs from that time show that their appearance changed little.

It was only in the 70s of the 20th century that the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier was separated from similar breeds. After all, the difference between them in appearance and character became clearly visible. The Staffbull was softer, friendlier and calmer. But still, along with bull terriers and amstaffs, he is considered dangerous.

Rehabilitation period

It is advisable for the owner to be present at the moment when the dog recovers from anesthesia. This will make it easier for the staff. It happens that dogs do not come to their senses for a long time. If there is measured breathing, it is not advisable to wake the dog. You just need to put the animal in a warm place or cover it with a blanket (it is allowed to use heating pads), because the staff will freeze while recovering from anesthesia.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

Some dogs do not experience any difficulties or malaise after anesthesia; they quickly come to their senses and go to enjoy the well-deserved food. For others, this is more difficult: they may be lethargic for 12–24 hours and refuse food. The owner’s task is to help the pet survive a difficult period. It would be useful to turn the dog from side to side, stroke it, and talk.

Don't be alarmed if the animal is unsteady or hesitant at first - this is normal. It is imperative to make the Staffordshire Terrier drink and eat. There are several tricks that will stimulate your dog's appetite:

  1. Drop water onto the mouth area and into the mouth.
  2. Apply honey to the dog's lips and below the nose.
  3. Offer your favorite food.

Attention! If bleeding occurs, it is recommended to apply a gauze bandage soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide to the area.

Appearance

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a medium-sized dog breed. Characteristic features of appearance: short hair, stocky build, powerful chest, wide smiling muzzle and an attentive, intelligent look. The average weight of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 15-17 kg, but in males it can reach 20 kg. Height at the withers is 35-40 cm.

Head

The skull is wide, the stop is well defined. The muzzle is rather short in relation to the head. The nose is black and medium in size. The cheeks are well developed and close fitting. The jaws are strong and provide a death grip. The teeth are large, scissor bite.

The eyes are round and dark. A lighter iris is possible in individuals with blue, sand or cream colors. The ears of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are small and triangular. They are semi-erect, in the form of a rose petal. A puppy's ears do not take the correct shape right away; sometimes it is necessary to glue the tips.

Frame

The short, muscular neck makes this dog appear stockier. The physique is strong, with strong bones and pronounced muscles. The body is slightly stretched in length. The back is straight, the chest is wide and deep, reaching to the elbows. The tail is set low and carried straight. Wide at the base, tapering towards the tip, rather short.

Limbs

The front legs are straight, parallel, and set wide apart. The shoulder blades are pulled back, the elbows are pressed tightly to the body. The hind legs are muscular, the hocks are low. Paws are medium-sized, compact, with strong claws. Movements are light, free, limbs move in parallel, there should be no clubfoot.

Coat and colors

The coat is short, very dense, shiny. It is tough, which, combined with rough skin, protects the dog from bites. There is no undercoat, so in winter Staffbulls require clothing when walking.

According to the standard, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can have the following colors:

  • pure black or black and white;
  • red, sable, brindle;
  • blue, zonal gray, blue with white;
  • white with spots of any color.

Dogs of any color can have small or large white spots on their body; this is allowed by the standard. Sometimes there is a black mask on the face. Tigers can be black with red stripes or vice versa. Black and tan, brown and tan and liver colors are not acceptable.

Photos of representatives of the breed complement the description of Staffordshire Bull Terriers:

Differences from similar breeds

Related breeds are the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull and Bull Terrier. They all have common ancestors - English bulldogs. These are fighting breeds, bred for fighting. It seems that they are similar, but in fact the differences between the English Staffbull and the others are clearly noticeable.

  • It differs from the American Staffordshire Terrier in its wider muzzle with a characteristic smile. Another difference is that the Staffbull does not have docked ears and tail, and is smaller in size. This is a companion dog, and the Stafford is a service dog.
  • The American Pit Bull Terrier or pit bull is a larger dog, up to 50 cm tall and weighing up to 27 kg. The breed is not officially recognized, it is a service breed. It is because of these dogs that staff bulls have such a negative reputation, as they are quite aggressive. Another difference is that pit bulls’ ears are cropped, and their cheeks are fleshy and hang down.
  • The difference with the standard bull terrier is clearly visible. This breed was also bred in England, in the 19th century. English bulldogs and terriers were used for breeding, but also Dalmatians. Unlike the Staff Bull, the Bull Terrier is taller at the withers - up to 56 cm, its muzzle is elongated, egg-shaped, its eyes are narrow and deep-set.

Why do you need cupping?

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which part of the ear is removed. It is carried out for therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. Manipulation is needed for several purposes:

  1. Disease prevention. Removal is appropriate in case of organ trauma or necrosis. Undocked Staffies may suffer from ulcerations and neoplasms. The procedure will prevent or relieve the dog from such pathologies.
  2. Warnings for ear rupture during combat. It is recommended that they be docked for all hunting and fighting dogs.

Some take this step for personal reasons, believing that resection will make the dog look better. For show Staffords, cropped ears are standard.

Personality of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

The modern Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a friendly and devoted companion. All he has left from his fighting past is his appearance. By nature, this is a peaceful, calm and people-oriented dog. For a Staff Bull, communication with the owner and family members is very important; he requires attention. He accompanies his loved ones everywhere and is ready to take part in all matters.

These dogs especially love children. They are patient with them, affectionate and prudent. Moreover, they treat both members of their own family and other people’s children equally well. A properly raised adult pet will never bite a child or show aggression, so it can be a nanny.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a cheerful, active and sociable dog. He loves to run and needs physical exercise. It is not recommended to overload puppies too much, especially by jumping or tugging objects. And an adult pet does not like to lie on the sofa all day. If he is left alone, he may chew things out of boredom and make a mess.

Staffbulls do not like other animals; they see dogs as rivals, and cats and birds as prey. This dog treats pets well only if they live together.

Photos complement the character description:

Raising and training Staffordshire Bull Terriers

When getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, you need to understand that this is a big responsibility. This dog becomes a good-natured companion only with proper upbringing. It is important to begin his socialization and training from an early age. First, the baby is taught a name, a place, and is introduced to the rules of behavior in the house. Then you need to get used to street noise, cars, strangers and dogs.

Staffy Bulls tend to be dominant. In order for the pet to immediately learn its place in the house, all family members must behave the same. You can feed the dog only after people have eaten. She should not be allowed to lie down on the bed, enter the door in front of a person, or beg for food.

If the owner does not have experience, it is better to contact a dog handler. For a Staff Bull, OKD (general training course) is required. They also easily learn various tricks, agility techniques, freestyle, and love Frisbee. It is not recommended to take a course in protective guard service; it can develop aggression in a dog, and it still won’t make a good watchman or security guard. Therefore, knowledge of the basic commands is enough for them:

  • to me;
  • place;
  • near;
  • it is forbidden;
  • ugh;
  • stand;
  • sit;
  • lie;
  • give.

When training, you need to take into account that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a stubborn, wayward dog, prone to dominance. Therefore, you will have to show patience and strength of character. But these dogs do not tolerate cruel treatment and may even stop obeying. Punishment for incorrect behavior can be deprivation of treats, games, or being locked in an enclosure. A dog that has become naughty can be taken by the withers and pressed to the ground, but without being rude.

The most important thing is to achieve submission the first time. You should not repeat commands, otherwise this smart dog will begin to cheat and manipulate. You need to structure your training correctly. The pet needs to be interested, it is better to keep classes short - 5 minutes each, and during breaks let him run and play. For training to be effective, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of staff bulls: they have developed short-term memory, they are quickly distracted, very emotional and active.

Video shows how to train Staffordshire Bull Terriers:

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Video: English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Simple exercises.

Video: OKD Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Ear cropping surgery

Caring for undocked ears involves periodic cleaning and inspection. Cropped ears, especially in the postoperative period, require a lot of time and attention from the dog breeder. Let's get acquainted with the features of the operation and the condition/behavior of the puppy.

How to prepare a dog

As we have already found out, a Stafford’s ears need to be cropped at the age of 1.5–4 months. On the eve of the operation - 10-12 hours before the time prescribed by the doctor - exclude any food and drink (except for regular drinking water).


Ear cropping of a Staffie is carried out at the age of 1.5–4 months

Description of the procedure

The cupping procedure lasts no more than 1.5–2 hours. First, the puppy is given anesthesia. When the anesthesia begins to take effect, the veterinarian begins to remove the upper part of the animal's auricle from one ear, then the other. To make the shape symmetrical, special patterns are used. The height of the cropped ear corresponds to the distance from the inner corner of the eye to the anterior edge of the ear. The edges of the resulting wound are treated with antibacterial drugs and sutured with special threads.

When the animal recovers from anesthesia, the presence of the owner is desirable. There is an opinion that the presence of a person helps the puppy adapt faster and easier.

Dog after anesthesia

Specialized veterinary clinics use high-quality anesthetic drugs. Staffs easily recover from anesthesia and recover quickly. The puppy immediately rushes to the food bowl. Don't forget to treat your pet to something tasty and healthy.

Sometimes the situation is more complicated: the dog, after anesthesia, lies on the mat all the time and refuses to get up. A drop of honey on your nose will help solve the problem. Tongue movements contribute to the development of appetite. If honey does not help, then you will have to forcefully solder your pet. It is better to give your baby water from a syringe or a special dispenser.

Monitor the animal's temperature. The puppy should not freeze. Signs of fever indicate a deterioration in your pet's health.

We recommend this article:


Independent training and education of the Staffordshire Terrier

Caring for Cropped Ears

Postoperative sutures are treated with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or any antiseptic. To prevent the dog from itching, it is recommended to wear a special collar for the first days. When the itching goes away, the collar can be removed.

Related article: How to choose and name a Staffordshire Terrier puppy

The sutures are removed in a veterinary hospital 7–10 days after docking.


The sutures are removed by a veterinarian 7–10 days after cupping.

Maintenance and care

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is unpretentious and does not take up much space in the house. Due to its short coat, the breed is not suitable for kennel keeping. You can only leave your pet outside when it’s warm. The site must have a high fence and solid soil to prevent it from undermining.

In winter, when going for a walk, you need to put clothes on your Staffbu. And in the heat, try not to strain him with physical activity. Due to the short muzzle, thermoregulation is slow and the dog can overheat.

You need to walk an adult dog 2 times a day for 1-2 hours. In the city you will definitely need a leash and a muzzle for this. It is advisable to take your pet out into nature more often, where he can run around. Staffbulls love to dig and explore new territories.

At home, the dog needs a soft bed and two bowls for water and food. It is advisable to place them on a special stand. It is important that your pet has enough toys, as Staffbulls love to chew on something.

Hygiene

The Bull Terrier's short coat is easy to care for. It only needs to be brushed during the shedding period. Although if a dog lives in an apartment where it is constantly warm, it can shed all year round. But the fur is short and close-lying; to remove dead hairs, you just need to walk over the body with a stiff brush or rubber mitt.

You can bathe your pet once every 1-2 months using shampoo for short-haired breeds. Drying it after a bath is easy - just wipe with a towel. But you can’t go outside after that for another 2-3 hours. Every time after a walk you need to wash and inspect your paws. If necessary, you can wipe contaminated areas on the body with a damp cloth.

Other hygiene procedures are simple. Wipe your eyes daily, but Staffbulls are not prone to eye diseases. Check and clean your ears once a week. Every other day, it is recommended to brush your pet’s teeth, this will protect him from the formation of tartar. Instead of cleaning, chewing bones can sometimes be given. In the summer, the claws usually grind down on their own, but in the winter they need to be trimmed with a nail clipper, then sharpened with a file so that they do not peel off.

Nutrition

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves to eat. You can feed him both natural food and dry food. Just don’t mix the two types of food. A puppy is fed 5-6 times a day, an adult dog - 2 times.

With a natural diet, the main part of the diet is lean meat, in quantity - 25 g per 1 kg of weight. The pet is given chicken, veal, beef, rabbit. The meat is mixed with cereals and vegetables. Several times a week you can give offal, sea fish, eggs, fruits, and dairy products. Food from the human table, fried, fatty foods, tubular bones, and legumes are prohibited. You should not give sweets, baked goods, or potatoes.

When choosing dry food, you should give preference to premium or super-premium options. They should be designed for active medium breed dogs. The pet will need 500-700 g of food per day.

Health

Dogs of this breed have good health and a stable psyche. With proper care and the creation of suitable conditions, they live 13-14 years. The following genetic diseases are found in representatives of the breed:

  • hip dysplasia;
  • urolithiasis disease;
  • cataract;
  • entropion;
  • pathologies of the respiratory system;
  • epilepsy.

Sometimes these dogs suffer from flatulence, volvulus, and allergies. When walking your pet in nature, you need to carefully monitor it. If a Staff Bull gets injured, he may not notice it due to his insensitivity to pain.

To protect your dog from infections, you need to vaccinate in a timely manner. Already upon purchase, the puppy must have a veterinary passport, where all vaccinations are noted. Every 3-4 months it is necessary to give anthelmintic drugs. And in the warm season, treat the wool from external parasites.

When to dock the ears and tails of an Alabai

Most often, breeders of Central Asian Shepherd dogs face the issue of developing short ears and tails. The circumcision procedure is carried out independently or in a veterinary clinic. The owners decide whether to pick up the ears and tail or not. It is best for owners of newborn Alabai puppies to contact specialists in Central Asian Shepherds. An incorrectly shaped or different length of shell may disqualify the dog. Incorrect home surgery tactics can lead to cartilage damage, ear growth and chronic otitis media.

The ideal age for surgery is considered to be 2-5 days of life for newborn puppies, provided:

  • happy birth of mother;
  • good puppy appetite;
  • normal physical activity of the child.

At this age, the nerve endings in the ears are not yet fully formed, and the tail vertebrae are very soft. Thanks to this, the procedure for shepherd puppies is practically painless and does not cause complications. At this age, there is no need to use anesthesia or sutures.

Weakened or underdeveloped individuals and puppies with symptoms of various pathologies are not allowed to undergo surgery.

Ear and tail hooking is necessary in the first days of a puppy's life.

If the surgical method of cutting the ears and tail of the Alabai is performed after 10 days, the procedure requires anesthesia and suturing. According to widespread veterinary practice, conscientious doctors cut off the ears of Central Asian Shepherds solely for medical reasons. However, there are specialists who perform similar operations on animals aged 2 to 6 months at the whim of the owners.

How to buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy

It is recommended to buy a puppy from a kennel. You need to find a reputable breeder. This is a guarantee that the dog will be purebred, without hereditary diseases and with a stable psyche. It is important to study documents, certificates of the absence of hereditary diseases. Before purchasing, you need to look at the conditions in which the animals are kept and how the mother behaves.

The price of a puppy depends on the pedigree of the parents. On average it is 25-40 thousand rubles. The offspring of champions will cost 50-70 thousand. Prices also vary depending on the color of the dog. The most expensive ones are red ones. A brindle or gray Staffy Bull can be bought for 15-20 thousand.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the behavior and appearance of the puppy. He should have:

  • playful, active behavior, curiosity;
  • it is desirable that he makes contact well and does not show cowardice or aggression;
  • eyes and ears are clean, without discharge or unpleasant odor;
  • the coat is smooth, shiny, without bald spots;
  • The tummy is not bloated, soft.

When choosing the gender of a dog, you need to take into account their characteristics. Bitches are more obedient and affectionate. They are devoted to their family, more sociable and easier to train. Males are larger, more active and stronger. But they tend to dominate, more often they show stubbornness and independence. It is recommended to buy male dogs if you plan to attend exhibitions. After all, they have more pronounced breed traits.

The photo shows what the puppies look like:

The video will help you understand whether it is worth getting a Staff Bull:

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog - a strong, smart and kind pet

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier - a companion dog. Briefly about the breed. Upbringing. Training.

Video: Loyal and kind Staffordshire Bull Terriers

English Staffordshire Bull Terriers are dogs that can become loyal friends and companions only with proper training. Therefore, they are not suitable for everyone. They need a lot of attention, exercise and training. Then you will get a friendly, affectionate and devoted pet.

General information about the procedure

Many dog ​​breeders consider the procedure for cropping dogs' ears to be a personal whim of the owners. However, according to veterinarians, partial amputation of the ears often prevents the development of various pathologies. The operation is recommended for those dog breeds that are genetically predisposed to ear diseases.


Ear cropping is recommended for representatives of fighting and hunting breeds

What is the procedure for ear cropping in dogs? Under general anesthesia, the veterinarian removes the top of the ear. Most often, half of the ear is subject to amputation, much less often – the third part. The first few days after surgery, the pet needs special care and attention from the owner.

In most cases, the procedure is virtually painless for the animal. It should be noted that the dog’s condition depends on the experience and professionalism of the doctor. You should not trust the life and health of your four-legged friend to an unfamiliar or inexperienced veterinarian.

Ear cropping does not have a reverse “move”. Before deciding to undergo surgery, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Most European countries have long abandoned this procedure; Russian dog breeders have still not reached a consensus.

Video “How to treat dog ears after cropping”

This video presents recommendations from specialists for caring for animals during the postoperative period.

Similar article: History of the appearance and characteristics of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed

Optimal timing

So, at what age can a Staffordshire Terrier get ears? The success of the operation depends on the correct timing. The optimal age for a puppy is 8–12 weeks. It is unwise to carry out elective surgery at a later age, as the likelihood of possible complications increases.

The older the dog is at the time of surgery, the longer the postoperative period lasts. Experienced dog breeders also note that puppies tolerate pain much easier and quickly get used to the new ear shape.

Indications

The first reason for carrying out cosmetic surgery to remove part of a dog’s ear is remnants of the past. Cupping was used during the reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. As you know, habits formed over centuries take years or even decades to eradicate.

The second reason is the health of the pet or the prevention of the development of ear pathologies. Amputation is recommended for injuries, ulcers, neoplasms of various origins and necrosis of the auricle. A highly qualified veterinarian should make a diagnosis and suggest cupping as a method of solving the problem.

The third reason is the characteristics of the breed. Ear cropping is recommended for representatives of fighting and hunting breeds, including the Staffordshire Terrier. In the process of fighting with other animals, there is a high risk of injury or rupture of the ear.


Cupping prevents the development of ear diseases in Staffies

Contraindications

Surgical intervention has a number of contraindications. Cupping is contraindicated if there are obvious signs of illness in your pet. Increased body temperature, apathy, lack of appetite and other disturbances in the animal’s behavior are reasons for contacting a veterinarian. First you need to understand your pet’s well-being and only then make a decision about the need for surgery.

Another contraindication is obvious deviations in the physiological or mental development of the puppy.

Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]