The reason the cropping started was to help the dog in a fight. No massive bleeding ears. It also helps create a more alert impression of the dog. More imposing. Same thing on the dubbed combs. Less body parts to get ripped off. After a while it is just a part of the picture.Not opposed to it as a practice, but consider it unnecessary on pet dogs (similar to dubbed combs on gamefowl- if you're showing them, I've got no issue with it, but seems kinda unnecessary for your backyard rooster)