| Cropping the ears has always been customary for the Mastino, it
is the owners prerogative as to whether they wan the ears cropped or not.
The mastino can be shown in the ring with cropped or uncropped ears. The
style of the crop is slighty different on each dog. In some cases, the
ear may be cropped to the same length on different dogs, but looks different
because of the ear set and texture of the pinna.
The Mastino or Neapolitan Mastiff was depicted in art work of thousands
of years ago, and their ears were cropped. This was done because of the
fighting that they were used for, they removed the impediment casued by
a hanging ear that could easily be ripped off, by the opponent.
Today the ear is cropped because of the custom and style of the Neapolitan
Mastiff. It also serves as a functional purpose in that, the cropped ears
are less likely to have ear infections. Uncropped ears are most susceptible,
they seal up the ear canal, allowing it to become dark, warm and moist.
A haven for bacteria and fungi.
The ear crop is a art amongst Neapolitan Mastiff breeders. Depending
on the correctness of the dogs head, will truly determine the correct ear
corp for that dog. Different ear crops enhance or take away from the dogs
looks.
Ear crops should be done from about 8 weeks old til 16 weeks of age.
Some dog have been done at older ages, but vets usually dont like to do
them on an older dog. It is harder on them, and the ears do not heal as
smoothy as a young pup. |
