Catching on the ear ( or head in general ) is a tried and true old time tested method that the pioneers of this sport looked for in a dog WAY before any of us on here was born. I guess it's all just in your opinion and taste in dogs if you consider it acceptable . IMO the ones who are arguing the fact that it's acceptable are just trying to make excuses for their dogs, I could be wrong. I strongly believe that if it wasn't their dogs then the tables would be turned and they would be the ones saying it's unacceptable. I believe what it all boils down to is someone is just to stubborn to swallow their own pride and accept that they have leg catching dogs, but in the end who am I to judge another mans dogs when he is the one who has to feed, care for, and go in behind them. To each his own I guess.
very good post Goose. I agree with you 100% especially with what I highlighted in red