German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears, and it can take several months for their ears to stand up.
On average, German Shepherd ears begin to stand up when the puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old, but it can take up to 6 months for some dogs.
The exact timing of when a German Shepherd’s ears will stand up can vary based on factors such as genetics and nutrition. In addition, weather conditions can also affect when the puppy’s ears stand.
How Long Do German Shepherds Ears Stay Floppy?
German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears, which can take several months to stand up. The timing of when German Shepherd ears will stand up can vary, but it typically occurs between 8 to 12 weeks of age.
Some German Shepherds may take up to 6 months for their ears to fully stand. Genetics and nutrition can also impact the timeline of when a German Shepherd’s ears stand up.
Can German Shepherds Have Floppy Ears?
Yes, German Shepherds can have floppy ears. Not all German Shepherds have erect ears; some may have floppy ears throughout their lives. This is considered a breed characteristic known as “soft ears,” and it is not a health issue.
It is important to note that in some breeds, floppy ears can be a sign of a genetic issue, but in German Shepherds, floppy ears are not typically a cause for concern.
What age do German shepherds ears perk?
German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears, and it can take several months for their ears to perk up or stand erect.
On average, German Shepherd ears begin to perk up when the puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old, but it can take up to 6 months for some dogs.
The exact timing of when a German Shepherd’s ears will perk up can vary based on factors such as genetics and nutrition.
How Do You Know If Your Dog’s Ears Will Stand Up?
A few indicators can suggest whether a German Shepherd puppy’s ears will stand up. Some of these are:
Ear Carriage: Puppies with good ear carriage often have ears that stand up.
Genetics: The shape and structure of a dog’s ears are largely determined by genetics, so if a puppy’s parents have erect ears, it is more likely that the puppy will also have erect ears.
Age: Most German Shepherds will have their ears stand up by the time they are 6 months old, so if a puppy is over 6 months and their ears are still floppy, it is less likely that they will stand up.
Health: Good nutrition and overall health can play a role in developing a dog’s ears. Puppies that are well-nourished and healthy are more likely to have their ears stand up.
It’s important to remember that these are general indicators, and there may still be some variability when a German Shepherd’s ears stand up.
Do All German Shepherd Ears Stand Up?
Not all German Shepherd ears will stand up. The breed standard for German Shepherds calls for a confident, alert appearance with strong, erect ears.
However, not all German Shepherds will have naturally erect ears, and some individuals may have floppy ears throughout their lives.
This variation within the breed is known as “soft ears.” Soft ears are not a health issue and are not considered a fault in the breed standard. The genetics of a German Shepherd will largely determine whether its ears will stand up or not.
How Do I Make My German Shepherd’s Ears Stand Up?
Here are some steps you can take to help encourage your German Shepherd’s ears to stand up:
Provide Good Nutrition: Feed your German Shepherd a balanced and nutritious diet to support their overall health and development.
Avoid Rough Play: Rough play or handling can damage the delicate cartilage in a puppy’s ears and interfere with the ear-standing process.
Massage: Gently massage the base of the ears to promote blood flow and encourage development.
Tape: Some owners choose to tape their German Shepherd’s ears to help them stand up. This involves using surgical tape or a specialized ear-taping product to hold the ears upright. This should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.
Patience: Be patient and allow your German Shepherd’s ears to stand up naturally. This process can take several months, and forcing the process can cause harm to your dog.
It’s important to note that not all German Shepherds will have naturally erect ears, and some individuals may have floppy ears throughout their lives. This variation within the breed is not a cause for concern.
Conclusion
German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears, but it can take several months for their ears to stand up. The exact timing of when a German Shepherd’s ears stand up can vary, but it typically occurs between 8 to 12 weeks of age.
Genetics, nutrition, and overall health can impact the timeline of when a German Shepherd’s ears stand up. Not all German Shepherds will have naturally erect ears, and some individuals may have floppy ears throughout their lives.
To encourage the ear-standing process, owners can provide good nutrition, avoid rough play, massage the ears, and be patient.
It’s important to only tape a dog’s ears under the guidance of a professional, as forcing the process can cause harm. Thank you for reading this article about when do a german shepherds ears stand up.
