Glossary

Tail docking and ear cropping

The surgical shortening of a dog's tail and reshaping of its ears for looks; banned or restricted in many countries and opposed by vets when cosmetic.

Also called: tail docking, ear cropping, docked tail, cropped ears, cosmetic surgery dogs, docking, cropping

Tail docking is the surgical removal of part of a puppy's tail, usually within days of birth. Ear cropping is the surgical trimming and taping of the ear flaps, so they stand erect, and it is done under anaesthesia at a few months of age. Both began as practical ideas, for example to avoid tail injury in working dogs, and later became tradition.

Today both are mostly cosmetic. The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes them when done only for appearance. Cropping is banned in the UK and many European countries, and docking is banned or restricted across much of Europe, Australia and elsewhere. In the United States they remain legal in most states, though some limit them.

Some breed standards describe docked tails or cropped ears for breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, the Boxer and the Miniature Schnauzer, while many registries now allow natural ears and tails.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Breed standard The written description of an ideal dog of a breed, covering size, proportions, coat, colour, movement and temperament, used to judge dogs and guide breeding. Conformation A dog show event in which each purebred dog is judged on how closely its structure and movement match its written breed standard. Dewclaw A small extra digit on the inner side of a dog's leg above the paw, found on the front legs of most dogs and on the hind legs of some breeds. Dog breeder A person who plans and raises litters of puppies; a responsible breeder health tests the parents, follows a breed standard and stays involved with each puppy.