German Shepherd puppy ears can stand up between 8 weeks to 6 months.
German Shepherd puppies are known for their adorable floppy ears that eventually transform into alert and upright ears as they grow. This transformation is not only a physical change but also a reflection of their development and maturity.
In this blog post, we will explore the journey of German Shepherd puppy ears, from their initial floppy state to their final alert position. We will also discuss the factors that influence this transformation and provide tips for owners on how to care for their puppy’s ears during this process.
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If they are not present when the dog is through the tooth (which varies from dog to dog but usually, between 16 and 20 weeks) German Shepherd Dog owners will get very excited and eager on their ears. While this is not a time to be afraid, it is time to sit down and take notice.
The first thing to do is to make sure your puppy is healthy. This means there are no intestinal parasites, and analyze a stool sample for your vet. It is also important to make sure the puppy is getting good quality food.
We do recommend and recommend raw food but if you eat commercial food, I strongly recommend researching all the available options and offering the highest quality food you can afford.
The ears should not be 4 1/2 to 5 months old. Often times a puppy has two ears and suddenly they come back when the puppy starts teething.
Most employers are afraid when this happens. Not to worry, I have never seen a puppy that didn’t go back to the ears when this happened.
German Shepherd Ears
German Shepherd puppies have floppy ears, but they will typically stand up between 8 weeks and 8 months old. Some adult German Shepherds may still have floppy ears. This can be due to genetics, rough play, injury, or ear infections.
If your dog has floppy ears because of genetics, there is not much you can do about it. Rough play can affect the ears through nips and bites, as the cartilage in the ears does not heal as quickly as other parts of the body. Providing a healthy diet can help support healing. German Shepherds are prone to ear infections due to their dense fur, which can interfere with air circulation. Signs of ear infections include shaking the head, pawing at the ears, and floppy ears.
If your German Shepherd’s ears remain floppy after eight months, it is likely they will stay that way. However, there are methods you can try to train the ears to stand. Giving your puppy chew toys can help work out jaw muscles, including the muscle involved in supporting upright ears. Ear taping or surgical implants are also options, with ear taping being something you can do at home and surgical implants requiring a veterinarian’s assistance.
Floppy ears in German Shepherds can be due to various factors, and while some dogs will always have floppy ears, there are methods to try and encourage them to stand.
German shepherd puppy ears up at 8 weeks
8 weeks is too early to decide but If a puppy doesn’t have ears stand up for 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved in tapping your dog’s ears.
Use thin white surgical tape (paper thin and easy to tear). 3M micropore tape, 2 “wide (works in-store). I prefer using women’s hair rollers (some use tampons holder.) I prefer foam hair rollers sold at K-Mart. Take plastic and use foam. Do not use tape or equivalent tapes !!)
Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into the roll. In the vertical position.
Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top of both ears in the horizontal position.
Puppy is going to tear the tape or stick the ears too many times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later the puppy will forget and ignore the tape.
Once a week, remove the tape and see if the ears stand by itself. Continue re-taping until the ears are standing.
The Development of German Shepherd Puppy Ears
The development of a German Shepherd puppy’s ears goes through several distinct stages, from floppy ears in the early days to alert and upright ears in the final stage. Let’s break down these stages:
Floppy Ears: The Early Days
When German Shepherd puppies are born, their ears are typically floppy and soft. This is because the cartilage in their ears has not fully developed yet. During the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, their ears remain in this floppy state. It’s essential to handle the puppy gently during this time to prevent any damage to the delicate ear structures.
The Transition Phase
Around the age of 3 to 4 weeks, you may start to notice changes in your German Shepherd puppy’s ears. They might begin to show signs of lifting at the base or become slightly less floppy. This is the beginning of the transition phase, where the cartilage in the ears starts to harden and take shape. However, during this stage, the ears may still appear uneven or wobbly, and it’s common for one ear to develop faster than the other.
Alert and Upright Ears: The Final Stage
The final stage of German Shepherd ear development typically occurs between 4 to 6 months of age. By this time, most German Shepherd puppies will have fully developed alert and upright ears. The cartilage has stiffened, and the ears have assumed their characteristic triangle shape. This stage varies from dog to dog, and some may have their ears fully upright earlier or later than others.
It’s important to note that not all German Shepherds will have perfectly upright ears. Some may have what are called “semi-pricked” or “button” ears, where the ears stand up but have a slight fold at the tip. Others may have ears that remain floppy or partially upright. This variation is normal and does not affect the dog’s health or temperament.
If, by the age of 7 or 8 months, your German Shepherd’s ears have not become fully upright, you should consult with a veterinarian. In some cases, especially if there are signs of infection or other issues, medical intervention may be required.
In summary, the development of a German Shepherd puppy’s ears goes through a natural progression, from floppy to upright. Patience is key during this process, as each puppy’s ears develop at their own pace.
is it bad if German shepherd ears don’t stand up
If the ears are not up for 7 or 8 months they will not rise.
The ears I saw, if they had been tapered, would have stood out in my opinion. So this process is not something to be taken lightly.
I should say that most ears are a little weak after tapping but they get stronger with time. So don’t be afraid when the ear doesn’t stand perfectly after tapping. Be patient and see what happens. You don’t really know what you have until the puppy is 12 months old.
When the ears do not stand up, surgery involves ear implants. I have no experience with this and know nothing about them. If you are unlucky to have a dog that does not stand the ear.
Also Read: Is 45 degrees too cold for a German shepherd?
I would refer you to a vet who has some experience in this area. I don’t think regular small animal veterinarians know how to do it (at least not well).
I like the German Shepherd Dogs tapping the ears after the dog has finished the toothing. This usually means the dog is older than 4 – 6 months – so maybe waiting another month is a good idea.
Should You Post or Tape Your German Shepherd’s Ears?
Taping or posting your German Shepherd puppy’s ears after 7 or 8 months might not be very effective because the ears may already be set in their position by that time. It’s better to fix the puppy’s ears at an earlier stage when there are different stages of German Shepherd puppy ears.
If your puppy’s ears are not standing up by the age of four months, you might want to think about taping them.
4 Reasons why your German shepherd Ears are not Standing Up
If you have a German Shepherd, you may have noticed that their ears don’t always stand up. This can be a little confusing, especially if you’re used to seeing German Shepherds with their ears up all the time.
There are actually a few reasons why your German Shepherd’s ears may not stand up. Here are four of the most common reasons:
1. They are puppies
If your German Shepherd is a puppy, it is very common for their ears to be floppy. This is because puppies’ ears are still developing and it may take a few months for them to fully stand up.
2. They are sick
If your German Shepherd’s ears suddenly droop, it could be a sign that they are sick. This could be due to an infection or inner ear problem. If you think your dog is sick, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
3. They are stressed
Just like humans, dogs are also susceptible to stress. If your German Shepherd is stressed, it will make their ears twitch. If you think your dog is stressed, try to identify the source of the stress and eliminate it if possible.
4. It is inherited
Some German Shepherds are simply born with floppy ears. It is due to genetic mutation and is completely harmless. If your dog’s ears are always floppy, there’s no need to worry.
If you are ever concerned about your German Shepherd’s ear health, it is always best to consult a vet. They can help you identify the cause of the problem and provide you with the best treatment.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, understanding the developmental stages of a German Shepherd puppy’s ears can provide valuable insights for dog owners. From the initial days of floppy ears to the transitional phase, and finally to the alert and upright ears, this natural process reflects the growth and maturation of the dog. While most German Shepherds will eventually develop upright ears, it’s important to remember that individual variations are normal and should be embraced.
Throughout this journey, patience and proper care are essential. Gentle handling during the early days, monitoring progress during the transition phase, and seeking veterinary advice if necessary are all part of responsible puppy care. Ultimately, whether your German Shepherd’s ears end up fully upright or with a charming fold, it’s their unique character and personality that truly matter. Celebrating these differences and cherishing your loyal canine companion is what makes the journey of pet ownership so special.
