You people are 'Killing' me! I haven't laughed this hard since Farley had his encounter with the 'Dolphin'!
I know that the 'Ear Crop' enhances a dogs 'show appearance', but I love those 'Floppy Ears' when they run!
If you're not going to show your dog, and it's a family companion, why put it through that stress?
It's not what they look like, it's how they love and respect you.
A dogs body language speaks volumes about how it is interpreted by non dog owners.
When its' ears are up it signals alert! Even when it is resting. Non dog people interpret this as a sign of latent aggression. Right or Wrong, that's how they see it. Certain breeds don't need the ear crop to look intimidating, GSD's, Akitas, and Huskies come to mind. People are afraid to approach these breeds because of their look, their attentiveness. Even though they're wagging their tails, and are welcoming the attention, non dog people feel uncomfortable.
So...I guess what I'm trying to say here is, crop for show, because you have to, your dog is not going to know the difference if it is a family companion, and it will not diminish the love it feels for you, and think of the money you will save to buy treats and toys!
So let those ears flop around, it adds so much expression to a dogs persona, and endears them that much more to us.
John