German Shepherds are known for their striking appearance, and one of their most distinctive features is their erect, pointy ears. However, many German Shepherd owners find themselves wondering why their pup’s ears are floppy. If you’re among them, don’t worry! Floppy ears in German Shepherds are quite common, especially in puppies, and there are several reasons why they might occur. Let’s explore the causes of floppy ears in German Shepherds and what you can do to ensure your furry friend’s ears are healthy.
The Development of German Shepherd Ears
German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Their ears contain cartilage that is intended to support their ears and help them maintain their characteristic pointy shape. When German Shepherd puppies are first born, however, this cartilage hasn’t fully developed yet and doesn’t have the strength to support the puppy’s ear, so the ears hang limply around the puppy’s head instead of always being perked up.
In general, it takes about five to eight months for a German Shepherd puppy’s ears to straighten out on their own. During that time, the ears will usually perk up a little bit and then fall back down, and this process might even repeat itself a few times. 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.
Genetics Play a Role
Sometimes, floppy ears are simply a matter of genetics. If a German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to having floppy ears, there’s basically nothing you can do to fix it. In most cases, it’s likely due to the breeder you got the dog from. Breeders will sometimes breed German Shepherds to have the biggest ears possible, because big, pointy ears do look good, especially on show dogs. However, if the breeder breeds a German Shepherd with ears that are too big, the cartilage will never be able to develop to the point where it can support the weight of the 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 of the puppies in the litter may also have floppy ears.
If you’re looking to buy a German Shepherd from a breeder, you should try and look for a breeder that breeds dogs with proper breed standards, rather than a breeder that breeds dogs to develop a specific physical trait.
Injury Can Affect Ear Structure
Before your puppy’s ears fully develop, they’re a lot more susceptible to injury. Other than genetics, trauma is probably the most common cause of floppy ears on German Shepherds. There are many ways a German Shepherd puppy can damage the cartilage in their ears. It can happen if your puppy likes to rough-house with other puppies because there’s a good chance your puppy will get his ears nipped or tugged on.
If the injury hurts enough, your puppy could even develop a habit of keeping its ears down, as a way of protecting them from further injury. Your puppy can also injure its ears if it happens to go to sleep next to a hard object. If the ear gets wedged between the puppy’s head and the object, that can potentially cause injury. Owners also have a large part to play in accidentally injuring their puppy’s ears. The cartilage in your puppy’s ears is so fragile, that even just ruffling or playing with your puppy’s ears can damage them. Rubbing a puppy’s ears with too much and/or with too much force can break down the cartilage causing floppy ears.
What to Do About Floppy Ears
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 a German shepherd’s ears are still floppy after 8 months, there may be an underlying issue such as genetics, trauma, poor nutrition, or ear infections.
Methods to Help Ears Stand Up:
- Taping: Taping can help with getting the ears to stand upright.
- Clicker Training: Clicker training can help with getting the ears to stand upright.
- Proper Nutrition: Proper nutrition can help with getting the ears to stand upright.
Important Considerations
While the breed standard does describe 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. 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.
Enjoy Your German Shepherd, Ears and All
Whether his ears wind up floppy or straight, enjoy the great dog that he is. If your German Shepherd has floppy ears, for the most part, there’s no need to worry. In most cases, it’s just because of a minor genetic defect, and there won’t be anything you can do about it anyway. In other cases, floppy ears are indicative of a more serious condition, and you should deal with whatever that is first before you worry about fixing your German Shepherd’s ears. But if you still want to fix your German Shepherd’s floppy ears, there are plenty of safe and effective ways you can do so.
The German Shepherd Standard
Whether your German Shepherd’s ears are floppy or stand erect, they are still loyal, intelligent, and eager to work.
- Loyal: The breed is known to be extremely loyal, often forming a strong bond with their family.
- Intelligent: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in various tasks.
- Protective: They have a natural protective instinct, making them excellent guard dogs.
- Energetic: German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Vocal: German Shepherds are also known to be loud, barking to alert or guard.
Conclusion
Floppy ears in German Shepherds can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma, and the natural development process. While erect ears are the breed standard, floppy ears are perfectly normal and don’t affect a dog’s health or temperament. If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd’s floppy ears, consult with your veterinarian or breeder. They can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate steps to take. Whether your German Shepherd’s ears stand tall or flop adorably, cherish the unique qualities that make your canine companion special.