One of the most recognizable features of a German Shepherd is their erect, pointed ears. These ears contribute to their alert and regal appearance, making them stand out in a crowd. But have you ever wondered if German Shepherd ears naturally stand up, or if there’s more to it than meets the eye? Let’s explore the fascinating world of German Shepherd ears and uncover the truth behind their upright posture.
The Genetics of Erect Ears
Genetics play a primary role in determining whether a German Shepherd’s ears will stand erect. According to breed standards, German Shepherds should have firm, erect ears. The erect ear trait is inherited dominantly, meaning that if both parents have erect ears, their offspring are more likely to have erect ears as well. However, if one or both parents have floppy ears, there’s a chance that some puppies in the litter may also have floppy ears.
Erect vs. Floppy Ears
Erect ears are typically large, triangular, and stand upright, giving the dog a vigilant appearance. Floppy ears, on the other hand, are softer and droop down to the sides of the head. While erect ears are the ideal standard, floppy ears are perfectly normal and do not affect the dog’s health or temperament.
The Puppy Phase: A Time of Change
German Shepherds are born with their ears down. German Shepherd puppy ears may go up anywhere between 8 weeks and as late as 6 months. During this time, it’s not uncommon for their silky soft ears to go up and down. It’s also totally normal for one ear to be up at a time, and some puppies will even alternate which ear is standing on any given day.
Teething and Calcium Levels
Floppy ears are common while your German Shepherd is teething, which usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks. The cartilage in the ear becomes hard and strong enough for the ear to stand permanently by then. Some believe this phenomenon has something to do with calcium levels and redistribution within the body.
It is normal and nothing to worry about as long as the ears WERE UP before 4 months.
Important: Do not supplement calcium during this period, as it can be harmful to their joints.
What if the Ears Don’t Stand?
If the ears of your German Shepherd are not erect after his fifth month, and this is the look you desire, you may want to contact your veterinarian or breeder. Between the 5th and 7th month, the ear cartilage is still soft enough to encourage the ear into an upright position. By the 8th month, the ears will usually take on their adult form. If they show no signs of getting stronger or are not standing by 7-8 months, most experts will agree that they will never go up.
Myth Busting
There are several myths regarding German Shepherd ears:
Myth 1: All German Shepherds should have erect ears.
Reality: While the breed standard describes the ideal ear shape as erect, not all German Shepherds have naturally erect ears. Some may have floppy ears, which is perfectly normal and doesn’t affect their breed identity or health.
Myth 2: Floppy ears indicate a health problem.
Reality: Floppy ears in German Shepherds are often just a result of genetics and don’t necessarily indicate any health issues. However, if a German Shepherd’s ears suddenly go floppy or there are other signs of discomfort or illness, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
Myth 3: Taping or cropping ears is necessary.
Reality: Taping or cropping a German Shepherd’s ears is unnecessary for the dog’s health or well-being. It’s best to let the ears develop naturally.
Myth 4: Ears will always stay the same.
Reality: While a German Shepherd’s ears may start out floppy or erect, they can sometimes change shape during the puppy’s growth period. It’s not uncommon for a puppy with floppy ears to eventually develop erect ears as they mature, but this isn’t guaranteed for every dog.
What Can You Do?
If your puppy is healthy and done teething, and the ears are still down, there are some things you can do to help them go up:
Taping
There is a method where you tape up your dog’s ears to support them to help them stand. This must be done in the 5-6 month window.
– In a vertical position, wrap the ear around an ear form or foam hair roller or cardboard cylinder using 2” thin surgical paper tape that tears easily (never use duct tape or any other harsh sticky tape, which will damage the ears).
– In a horizontal position, attach a popsicle stick to the top of both ears to help stabilize them.
– Re-wrap each time your pup rips them off until they eventually ignore it.
– Check and re-tape weekly until the ears stand on their own.
If you do have questions about the German Shepherd ear taping process, feel free to contact your German Shepherd breeder or the local GSD breed club in your area or your veterinarian.
Why It Doesn’t Always Matter
In the end, they’re just ears. Your dog will be fine, and it’s no big deal if your dog’s ears don’t stand. Whether his ears wind up floppy or straight, enjoy the great dog that he is.
Conclusion
While genetics primarily determine whether a German Shepherd’s ears will stand up naturally, several factors can influence this process. From teething to calcium levels, a puppy’s ears may go through various changes before settling into their final form. Whether your German Shepherd has erect or floppy ears, remember that both variations are perfectly normal and contribute to the unique charm of this beloved breed. Embrace your dog’s individual quirks and enjoy the companionship of your furry friend, regardless of their ear shape.