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Canadian veterinarians call for revised breed standards related to cosmetic alterations
February 10, 2026
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show recently recognized a Canadian Doberman Pinscher, Penny, as Best in Show. This accomplishment and recognition are significant, and place Penny in the spotlight. In addition to performing well in the show ring, this recognition draws attention to the current breed standard that, as currently written, promotes medically unnecessary cosmetic surgeries. Penny has cropped ears and a docked tail. These are surgical procedures that the CVMA has taken a strong position against for ethical reasons. It is important to note that this is not a criticism of individual dogs, handlers, or judges, but rather an opportunity for breed associations and the public to reflect on the standards that guide breeding and judging decisions and on national and international trends to discontinue these practices.
These, and other medically unnecessary procedures, are considered by Canadian veterinarians to pose an avoidable health and welfare risk and serve no benefit to the animal. Most Canadian provincial veterinary associations prohibit these procedures due to the avoidable pain and related anesthetic and post-surgical risks as well as the loss of inherent communication processes related to the function of tails and ears. Internationally, ear cropping and tail docking are widely prohibited, with bans across most of Europe, in the United Kingdom, and in both Australia and New Zealand. Medically unnecessary surgeries are widely prohibited in Canada. Recently, Ontario, the last province to take action on these types of elective procedures has proposed legislation (now closed for comment) to ban many unnecessary cosmetic surgeries. If passed, many elective procedures will be prohibited throughout Canada – either by veterinary prohibition or provincial law or both.
Canadian veterinarians are calling on kennel clubs and breed organizations to review and revise breed standards to explicitly support, recognize and reward dogs with natural ears and tails, thereby supporting breeders and owners who choose to present dogs in their natural, cosmetically unaltered form. We strongly encourage discontinuation of all generally accepted cosmetic alterations in any breed standard in Canada and call on prospective dog owners to seek out puppies that have natural ears and tails.
The CVMA remains committed to advancing animal welfare through education, collaboration, and evidence-based policy, and looks forward to continued dialogue with national and international partners in the dog-show and breeding communities.