Cosmetic surgery in dogs has become a topic of debate over the past few years. Be advised that ear cropping is not allowed to be done in Singapore and only selected vets will conduct dew claw removal and tail docking. Make sure you enquire about the clinic's policy.
Tail docking is almost always done when puppies are three to five days old. At this age, the procedure does not require anesthesia and it has been reported that minimal pain is felt. When the animals reach six days of age, their pain sensors and nerves begin to function fully. Thus, general anesthesia is needed for procedures after this time. Although as a general rule anesthesia is safe, there is always the risk of a complication occurring. Tail docking is also considered to become significantly more painful as the animal ages.
Ear cropping is much more controversial than tail docking. This is a procedure that reshapes the ear of a dog from being long and droopy to short and erect. It must be done under general anesthesia and thus is usually performed between four and six months of age. It is considered to be painful after surgery and complications do occur. If you're getting your pup from overseas, you will need to decide if you prefer the cropped or uncropped look. Your breeder will bring you pup to their regular vet to have the procedure done before shipping you the puppy.
Remember that just because a breed standard calls for a docked tail or cropped ears does not mean you are required to have them performed
It all boils down to personal preference, if you ask me. How do you like your schnauzer to look?
Honestly, there is no practical reason for cropping and docking except that it looks good and that makes a fashion statement.
In Singapore, ear cropping is not legal and no respectable vet will perform the procedure. SKC do not allow dogs to compete in conformation rings if ear cropping is done here anyways.
However, participation is permitted for imported dogs with their ears cropped already prior to landing in Singapore.
Tails are docked for the same reasons. The FCI standard requires the tail to be natural or considered a disqualification in the conformation ring.
