So, you’re thinking about welcoming a German Shepherd Lab mix into your life? Or maybe you already have one of these adorable bundles of energy at home. One of the first questions that pops into many owners’ minds is: “Will my German Shepherd Lab mix’s ears stand up?” It’s a valid question! The answer, however, isn’t always straightforward. Let’s dive into the world of GSD Lab mix ears and explore what determines their ear position.
The Genetics Behind the Ears
The ear carriage (whether the ears stand up or flop down) of a German Shepherd Lab mix is a fascinating blend of genetics. German Shepherds are known for their prominent, upright ears, while Labrador Retrievers sport those classic, lovable floppy ears. When you mix the two, you get a genetic lottery!
- German Shepherd Influence: The genes responsible for erect ears in German Shepherds are dominant. This means that if the puppy inherits these genes, there’s a higher chance their ears will stand.
- Labrador Retriever Influence: On the other hand, the genes for floppy ears in Labs are recessive. If the puppy inherits two copies of these genes, floppy ears are more likely.
- The Mix Matters: Because it’s a mixed breed, there’s no guarantee which genes will prevail. Some puppies might inherit the upright ear genes from their German Shepherd parent, while others might inherit the floppy ear genes from their Lab parent. And some might get a combination, leading to one up and one down, or semi-erect ears.
The Teething Phase and Ear Development
The teething phase is a crucial period for ear development in puppies. During teething, which typically occurs between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age, the puppy’s body is focused on growing teeth. This can temporarily affect the cartilage in their ears, causing them to droop or become floppy.
- Calcium is Key: A puppy’s body requires calcium to build strong teeth and cartilage. If the puppy isn’t getting enough calcium in their diet during teething, the ear cartilage might weaken, leading to floppy ears.
- Give it Time: In many cases, the ears will stand up on their own once the teething phase is over and their body is no longer diverting calcium to teeth development.
What if My Dog’s Ears Don’t Stand Up?
If your German Shepherd Lab mix’s ears haven’t stood up by the time they’re through teething, don’t worry! It doesn’t mean they’re any less adorable or healthy. Floppy ears are a common and endearing trait in many GSD Lab mixes.
Can You “Train” Ears to Stand Up?
While you can’t force a dog’s ears to stand up, there are some methods people try to encourage erect ears:
- Taping: Some breeders and owners use surgical tape to support the ears in an upright position. The idea is that by providing support, the cartilage will strengthen, and the ears will eventually stand on their own. If you choose to tape your dog’s ears, be sure to do it correctly and avoid wrapping the tape too tightly.
- Diet: Ensuring your puppy has a balanced diet with adequate calcium can support healthy cartilage development.
The Charm of Floppy Ears
While some owners might be set on having a German Shepherd Lab mix with upright ears, there’s a unique charm to those floppy ears!
- Expressive: Floppy ears can be incredibly expressive, adding to your dog’s personality and charm.
- Unique: In a world of pointy ears, floppy ears make your dog stand out.
- Endearing: Let’s face it, there’s something incredibly endearing about a dog with floppy ears. They add to their puppy-dog eyes and make them even more irresistible.
The Importance of Voice and Connection
Regardless of whether your German Shepherd Lab mix has upright or floppy ears, the most important thing is the bond you share. The tone of your voice and the way you communicate with your dog can strengthen your connection.
- Find Your Voice: Brands can strengthen consumer relationships by defining their (literal) voices. Neuroscience research gives an early indication that speaking to a brand delivers a deeper emotional connection than interacting with it through type or touch. When people asked a question involving a brand name, their brain activity showed a significantly stronger emotional response compared to people typing that same brand question.
- Communicate: Consumers are already looking for greater variety in voices. Just under three quarters (74%) of regular voice technology users globally believe brands should have unique voices and personalities for their apps or skills, and not just use the assistant on smartphones. Some of the early skill pioneers have started to use different voices to reflect the.
Embrace Your Dog’s Unique Features
Whether your German Shepherd Lab mix has ears that stand tall, flop adorably, or do something in between, embrace their unique features. Each dog is an individual, and their ear carriage is just one small part of what makes them special.