So, you’ve brought home an adorable German Shepherd puppy, and you’re eagerly anticipating that iconic, alert look with perfectly erect ears. You’re probably wondering, “How many months until my German Shepherd’s ears stand up?” It’s a question every German Shepherd owner asks! The journey of a German Shepherd’s ears from floppy to erect is an exciting phase for many dog owners. Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating process.
The Timeline: When Do German Shepherd Ears Typically Stand Up?
Generally, a German Shepherd’s ears will begin to stand up between 8 and 12 weeks of age. However, it’s not an exact science! Complete ear erectness often solidifies around 4-6 months. Think of it as a rough estimate, as individual variations can occur. Some pups might surprise you with erect ears as early as 8 weeks, while others might take their sweet time, up to 24 weeks (or about 6 months).
- 8-12 Weeks: The typical starting point for ears to begin their ascent.
- 4-6 Months: The age by which ears are often fully erect.
- Up to 6 Months: Some puppies may take this long for their ears to stand completely.
Why the Variation? Factors Influencing Ear Development
Several factors can influence when a German Shepherd’s ears will stand up. Here are some key elements:
- Genetics: Just like humans, genetics play a huge role. Some lines of German Shepherds are known for having ears that stand up easily and early.
- Cartilage Development: The erect posture enhances their hearing ability, serves as a signal of alertness, and is a defining trait of the breed’s distinctive appearance, celebrated by enthusiasts worldwide. As puppies grow, the cartilage in their ears strengthens and stiffens, leading them to stand upright. This process of developing stronger cartilage usually takes about 20 weeks.
- Teething: This is a big one! Teething, usually between 3 to 5 months of age, can temporarily cause the puppy’s ears to flop due to calcium diverting to the developing teeth. The body prioritizes calcium for tooth development. Don’t worry; post-teething, which usually wraps up by 5 months, those ears often resume their journey skyward.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for cartilage development. Malnutrition or an unbalanced diet can delay the process.
- Health: Injury, trauma, infection, or inflammation can all impact ear development. Parasites (in the gut or ear) can also be a factor.
- Hormonal Imbalances: These can sometimes cause ears not to stand up properly. If you suspect this, a vet visit is essential.
The Teething Dip: Why Ears Might Flop Temporarily
Don’t be alarmed if your German Shepherd puppy’s ears were standing up and then suddenly flopped back down. This is very common during teething. As the puppy’s body uses calcium to develop strong teeth, there might be a temporary reduction in the amount of calcium available for cartilage development in the ears. It’s a temporary setback in most cases.
Most breeders and veterinarians will tell you that floppy ears are common while your German Shepherd is teething, which usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks.
What If My Puppy’s Ears Aren’t Standing Up?
If your German Shepherd’s ears aren’t standing up by the time they’re 6 months old, it’s time to take a closer look. It is essential to monitor their development and consult a veterinarian for any concerns or persistent floppiness. Here’s what to consider:
- Rule Out Health Issues: Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as ear infections, injuries, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Check Diet: Ensure your puppy is eating a high-quality puppy food that provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy development.
- Consider Taping or Posting: If there are no underlying health issues, and your vet gives the go-ahead, you might consider taping or posting your puppy’s ears.
Taping and Posting: A Helping Hand
Taping or posting involves using tape or other materials to support the ears in an upright position, encouraging the cartilage to strengthen in that shape.
- Between the 5th and 7th month the ear cartilage is still soft enough to encourage the ear into an upright position.
- 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.
Here are a few methods to consider:
- Roller Method: 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).
- Popsicle Stick Method: In a horizontal position, attach a popsicle stick to the top of both ears to help stabilize them.
- Gluing: Take hold of the other ear and with both hands press the edges together and hold for 30 seconds even though the glue will appear to hold after about 3 seconds. They should only be glued about 2/3 ‘s of the way down.
Important Considerations for Taping/Posting:
- Timing: The earlier you start, the better. If the ears are not showing any signs of getting stronger or are not standing by 7-8 months, most experts will agree that they will never go up.
- Materials: Always use gentle, breathable tape to avoid irritating your puppy’s skin.
- Technique: Make sure you know what you’re doing! Ask your vet or breeder for guidance, or watch instructional videos.
- Patience: It can take weeks or even months of consistent taping to achieve the desired results.
- Caution: DO NOT SUPPLEMENT CALCIUM DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME!!! IT IS HARMFUL TO THEIR JOINTS!
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd’s ears, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Here’s when to consult a vet or experienced breeder:
- If your puppy’s ears aren’t showing any signs of standing by 6 months.
- If the ears were up before 4 months of age, they often will come back down, temporarily, starting at 4 months.
- If you notice any signs of ear infection, such as redness, discharge, or odor.
- If you’re unsure about the proper taping or posting technique.
Embrace the Uniqueness
While the classic erect ears are a hallmark of the German Shepherd breed, remember that every dog is an individual. Some German Shepherds have naturally floppy ears, and that’s perfectly okay! Whether his ears wind up floppy or straight, enjoy the great dog that he is.
Key Takeaways
- German Shepherd ears typically start to stand up between 8 and 12 weeks.
- Most ears are fully erect by 4-6 months.
- Teething can cause temporary floppiness.
- Genetics, nutrition, and health all play a role.
- Taping or posting can help, but it’s not always necessary.
Watching your German Shepherd puppy grow is an amazing experience. Enjoy every stage, floppy ears and all!