This is an infliction of too much torture for the gratification of a
nonsensical fancy; and, after all, in the opinion of many, and of those,
too, who are fondest of dogs, the animal looks far better in his natural
state than when we have exercised all our cruel art upon him. Besides,
the effects of this absurd amputation do not cease with the healing of
the ear. The intense inflammation that we have set up, materially
injures the internal structure of this organ. Deafness is occasionally
produced by it in some dogs, and constantly in others. The frequent
deafness of the pug is solely attributable to the outrageous as well as
absurd rounding of his ears. The almost invariable deafness of the white
wire-haired terrier is to be traced to this cause.
[Among the many tastes and fancies that the Americans have inherited
from their ancestors, the English, may be enumerated the absurd practice
of fashioning the ears of different breeds of dogs to a certain standard
of beauty. Mr. Blain very justly remarks that it must be a false taste
which has taught us to prefer a curtailed organ to a perfect one,
without gaining any convenience by the operation. The dogs upon which
this species of barbecuing are more particularly practised in this
country, are the bull-dogs and terriers.
We imagine that many of our readers will be surprised when they learn
that this operation, although so simple in itself, and performed by
every reckless stable-boy, is attended with great suffering to the
puppy, and not unfrequently with total deafness. Severe inflammation,
extending to the interior of the ear, often follows this operation, more
especially when awkwardly performed, as is frequently the case, by the
aid of the miserable instruments within the reach of our hostlers; to
say nothing of the savage fashion of using the teeth for this purpose,
as is often done by ignorant fellows, who even take credit to themselves
for the clever style in which they perform this outlandish operation.
Mr. Blain states, that it is a barbarous custom to twist the ears off,
by swinging the dog around; and we are satisfied that every sensible
person will respond to this humane sentiment. We have never had the
misfortune to see this latter method put into practice, and trust that
such an operation is unknown among us, although, from the manner in
which this gentleman condemns it, we are led to suppose that this mode
is not uncommon in the old country.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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