The right time to crop my Presa Canario's ears

[esaudio]

Hey guys,
I am new to this forum and to the Presa Canario breed. I got a 6 week old puppy 3 days ago and I am thrilled. She looks so cute. However, I would like to ask you something. I don-t think I will want to crop her ears, but if I change my mind, is there an age limit to do that? Is this something that any vet could do or do you need someone specialized in this breed? Any idea about price range for this in the US? Thanks in advance.
Julio

 

[HerculesNOR]

No idea with cropping ears, but why would you take a pup from the mom so early?

 

[QY10]

I believe it is something like 8-12 weeks is when most vets would do an ear crop. Some vets will not due ear cropping.

 

[esaudio]

No idea with cropping ears, but why would you take a pup from the mom so early?

Well, in this area there at not many Presa Canarios, and this is the only one I found at the price I could afford. I went to the breeder's place, it seemed like a great place, and he told me the puppies were already eating on their own by week 4. He put them at a very affordable price and they were fullblooded pups, I knew they would not last long if I preferred to wait. Actually 2 days later he had sold all the litter.

 

[esaudio]

I believe it is something like 8-12 weeks is when most vets would do an ear crop. Some vets will not due ear cropping.

Thanks for the information!

 

[QY10]

Well, in this area there at not many Presa Canarios, and this is the only one I found at the price I could afford. I went to the breeder's place, it seemed like a great place, and he told me the puppies were already eating on their own by week 4. He put them at a very affordable price and they were fullblooded pups, I knew they would not last long if I preferred to wait. Actually 2 days later he had sold all the litter.

Eating on their own is not the only determinant as to whether a pup can be away from it's mother. The pup learns a lot from it's mother, father and littermates about playing, bite inhibition and social cues.

 

[musicdeb]

I seeing more and more breeders, I'm sure they are BYB's, releasing pups at 6 weeks old. So sad...

 

[esaudio]

Yes, I was surprised a bit by the age. This seemed like a nice breeder, the place looked awesome, beautiful kennels and dogs, but two more weeks would have been better I am sure. Still, I am happy with my pup!

 

[esaudio]

Question, regarding the cropping process, should any vet that performs this kind of procedure be able to do this for a presa canario or do you need someone who specializes in the breed? Thx

 

[musicdeb]

Ask the breeder for a vet recommendation to crop the ears. If the vet is not experienced, he could really mess them up.

 

[Johnny G.]

Like many other post, I too was surprised that the pup was released so early. But I received my Presa pup at 9 weeks and his ears were cropped at 8 weeks. Most Vets won't know anything about cropping, if you decide to crop the ears, I would suggest that you ask the breeder who they would suggest. Price wise, I have no idea. Good luck with your new pup.

 

[Cobalt]

You definitly want someone experienced with cropping who knows what they're doing, I've seen some awful hack jobs on various breeds. 8 weeks is common, we decided not to as it's only for cosmetics anyway, but to each their own. And yes VERY surprised a breeder would release pups at 6 weeks! That is NOT a sign of a responsible kennel, no matter what their property looks like.

 

[irina]

Yes, the breeder obviously did not care where the pups went, who the new owners were going to be. First come, first serve basis. All he cared about was get rid of the pups fast and get the money. You say the pups are full blooded? Does it mean you have pedigree papers for your puppy? If not, the breeder's word alone does not mean anything. I wish you all the best, and I hope your dog turns out great, but with purebred dogs, like all other expensive purchases, you generally get what you pay for. Usually you save money in the long run, if you pay more upfront, maybe wait a little longer, maybe drive a little farther. But as I said, all the best and good luck.

 

[esaudio]

Thanks so much to all of you for your comments and suggestions!

 

[musicdeb]

Keep us posted on the pup's progress.

 

[skibulls]

As someone said I'd go get it done between 10-14 weeks. My vet here where I got my boys done won't even do it past 16 weeks.

 

[Gunners Dad]

Gunner just had his done at 14 weeks wouldn't wait much longer, presa cut is much shorter than lets say Dobie's and my vet does amazing work he's done all my Dobie's .. I would say the sooner the better...

 

[cj-sharpy]

I'll not pass judgment on the release date of the pups. I'd have thought later would be better but your pup is home now so nothing can change that.
My question would be why crop ears? Is it a medical thing with this breed or purely asthetic. Here in UK I've never seen it done. Even docking tails is only done for medical reasons (or for working dogs). Never seen the need to cut off part of a loved one.

 

[scorning]

My dane puppy was cropped at 8 weeks by the breeder's vet. I picked him up 5 days after the surgery, and it was really difficult to keep him from scratching his ears. If you do the surgery, you might want to invest in a cone and some Neosporin.

 

[skibulls]

My dane puppy was cropped at 8 weeks by the breeder's vet. I picked him up 5 days after the surgery, and it was really difficult to keep him from scratching his ears. If you do the surgery, you might want to invest in a cone and some Neosporin.

A cone is usually included in the surgery cost.. Looking back I'd probably a done it earlier because at 14 weeks he was at the awkward age where his head was to big for a small one and to small for the next size up.