Originally Posted By: kutzro357Chris why don`t they eliminate ear tats and either chip or go exclusively belly so stolen dogs don`t have their ears cut off?
The stolen dogs having their ears cut off is very, VERY rare. It just really isn't a concern. Yes, it's happened once or twice, but is hardly epidemic.
For competing in SchH and the German conformation ring, each dog must be permanently identified in order to prove the dog is who people say it is.
Microchips are accepted for this, in lieu of tattoos, however:
Some people don't like chips or are afraid they will cause cancer, etc.. so don't want to chip their dogs.
Someone choosing to use a microchip as permanent ID must be able to provide a reader so the chip can be read. This would require everyone who wants to use a chip to spend $300 or more on a reader just so they can trial/show their dog. Some clubs provide readers, some don't. But of course, since not all microchips are readable by all readers, this isn't foolproof.
Belly tattoos also have their problems compared to ear tattoos.
They must be done by a vet under anesthesia. Most vets do not have the proper tattoo equipment to do them, so just getting it done can be logistically difficult. And I know I wouldn't want to put my dog through the risk of anesthesia just to get a tattoo. Ear tattoos are quick and easy and don't require vet visits and drugs to accomplish.
The judge at the trial must be able to read the tattoo. And there are a lot of GSDs out there who aren't going to be willing to go belly-up in front of a stranger so he can see their tattoo. Showing the ear is quick and easy.
All our dogs are chipped and have ear tattoos, and we do the same for our pups. The ear tattoo for purposes of SchH/showing and the chip just for general ID and pet recovery, since it's much easier to track down an owner of a lost dog via chip than tattoo.
