Is It Bad If German Shepherd Ears Don’t Stand Up?

German Shepherds are a beautiful breed of dog, but many people think that their ears should stand up. So is it bad if German Shepherd ears don’t stand up? 

The answer is no, there’s nothing wrong with your German Shepherd’s ears if they don’t stand up. 

In fact, German Shepherds with floppy ears can be just as adorable as those with standing ears! 

So don’t worry if your German Shepherd’s ears droop – they’re still just as perfect as ever.

Why haven’t My German Shepherds ears stand up?

There are a number of reasons why your German Shepherd’s ears may not be standing up. It could be due to an underlying health condition, such as an ear infection. It could also be that your dog’s ears have not yet fully developed. 

Some German Shepherds’ ears will eventually stand up on their own, while others may require surgical intervention to achieve this. 

In any case, it is best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s floppy ears and to discuss treatment options.

What Is It That Makes German Shepherd’s Ears Stand?

One of the most distinguishing features of the German Shepherd is their erect ears. But have you ever wondered why these intelligent and loyal dogs have ears that stand up, while other dog breeds’ ears flop down? 

The first thing to note is that not all German Shepherds have erect ears. According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standards, only those dogs with “correctly placed” and “firmly carried” ears should be considered for show. 

However, many pet owners prefer the look of erect ears on their German Shepherds, even if they aren’t planning on showing their dog.

The German Shepherd’s erect ears are due to a muscle called the auricularis muscle. This muscle attaches the ear cartilage to the side of the head and is responsible for raising the ear up. When this muscle is not properly developed, or if it is damaged, the ears will flop down.

German Shepherds are born with floppy ears, and it isn’t until they are around eight weeks old that their auricularis muscles start to develop. By the time they are 12 weeks old, their ears should be standing up straight. 

If your German Shepherd’s ears are not standing up by this age, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to see if there is a underlying medical condition causing this.

While the German Shepherd’s erect ears are one of their most distinguishing features, they can also be a source of health problems. 

Because the erect ears are attached to the side of the head with just a small muscle, they are vulnerable to injury. Dogs with erect ears are more likely to suffer from ear infections, as well, since dirt and debris can more easily enter the ear canal.

If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd’s health, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to care for their unique ears. 

With proper care, your dog can enjoy a healthy and active life – with those iconic erect ears standing tall!

What does it mean when a German Shepherd’s ears are down?

There could be a few reasons why your German Shepherd’s ears are down. It could be a sign of submission, sadness, or fatigue. 

If you’re concerned about your dog’s ear position, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.

Is it bad if my German Shepherd ears don’t stand up?

No, it’s not bad if your German Shepherd’s ears don’t stand up. In fact, some people think it’s cuter when they’re floppy! However, if you’re concerned about your dog’s health, you should take them to the vet to make sure everything is okay.

There could be a medical reason why their ears aren’t standing up, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

How often do German Shepherds’ ears not stand up?

This is a common question that German Shepherd owners ask. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, health, and genetics.

Puppies’ ears often don’t stand up immediately. It can take up to several months for their ears to fully develop and stand up straight. 

If your German Shepherd puppy’s ears are not standing up, don’t worry – this is normal. Just be patient and wait for them to grow into their cute, floppy ears!

There are some health conditions that can cause a German Shepherd’s ears to not stand up. For example, if the dog has an ear infection, the ear canal may be swollen shut, preventing the ear from standing up. 

Allergies can also cause the ears to droop. If your German Shepherd’s ears are not standing up and you are concerned, it is best to take them to the vet for a checkup.

In some cases, genetics may be the reason why a German Shepherd’s ears don’t stand up. This is especially true if both of the dog’s parents had floppy ears. There is nothing that can be done to change this, so you will just have to embrace your pup’s unique look!

How Many German Shepherds Have Permanent Floppy Ears?

Most German shepherds have permanently floppy ears, but there are some that have erect ears. This is due to a gene mutation that causes the cartilage in the ear to be softer, preventing the ear from standing up. 

However, this mutation is not considered harmful to the dog and does not affect their hearing.

Can You Fix a German Shepherd’s Floppy Ears?

If your German Shepherd has floppy ears, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to fix them. Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently fix a German Shepherd’s floppy ears. However, there are a few things you can do to help improve the appearance of their ears.

If your German Shepherd’s ears are particularly long, you may want to try trimming them. This will help to give them a neater appearance and may also help to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that can accumulate in their ear canals.

You can also try using an ear gel or ointment to help hold their ears up. There are a variety of products available specifically for this purpose. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging carefully to avoid causing any irritation.

In some cases, surgery may be an option for correcting a German Shepherd’s floppy ears. However, this is typically only recommended if their ears are causing them pain or discomfort. Surgery should always be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon.

If you’re not sure what to do about your German Shepherd’s floppy ears, be sure to discuss your options with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your dog’s individual situation.

Causes of German Shepherd ears not standing up

1. Lack of socialization: If your German Shepherd was not properly socialized as a puppy, he may be more likely to have problems with his ears later on. Socialization is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for German Shepherds since they are often used as working dogs. 

Without proper socialization, your German Shepherd may be fearful of people and other animals, which can lead to ear problems.

2. Ear infections: One of the most common causes of German Shepherd ears not standing up is an ear infection. Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or Yeast, and they can be quite painful for your dog. If your German Shepherd has an ear infection, you will likely notice him shaking his head or scratching at his ears frequently.

3. Allergies: Allergies are another common cause of German Shepherd ears not standing up. Allergies can be caused by food, environmental factors, or even certain medications. 

If your German Shepherd is allergic to something, his body will produce histamines in response to the allergen. This can lead to inflammation and swelling of the earflaps, which can prevent them from standing up properly.

4. Anatomical abnormalities: Some German Shepherds are simply born with anatomical abnormalities that prevent their ears from standing up properly. This is usually due to a congenital defect and is not something that can be corrected.

5. Harsh weather conditions: Extremely cold or hot weather can also cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up. This is because the earflaps are very sensitive and can be easily damaged by extreme temperatures. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is important to protect your German Shepherd’s ears from the elements.

6. Swimming: Swimming is another activity that can lead to German Shepherd ears not standing up. This is because the water can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd loves to swim, make sure to dry his ears thoroughly after each swim session.

7. Trauma: Any type of trauma to the head or ears can also cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up properly. This can include injuries from a car accident, fight, or fall. If your German Shepherd has suffered any type of trauma to the head or ears, it is important to take him to the vet immediately.

8. Tumors: Tumors in the ear can also cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and they can cause a lot of pain for your dog. If you notice that your German Shepherd has a tumor in his ear, it is important to take him to the vet right away.

9. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can also lead to German Shepherd ears not standing up properly. This is because the hormones can affect the way the earflaps develop. If your German Shepherd has a hormonal imbalance, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

10. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is another condition that can cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. If your German Shepherd has hypothyroidism, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

11. Diabetes: Diabetes is another condition that can lead to German Shepherd ears not standing up. This is because diabetes can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd has diabetes, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

12. Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease is another condition that can cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up. This is because Cushing’s disease can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd has Cushing’s disease, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

13. Liver disease: Liver disease is another condition that can lead to German Shepherd ears not standing up. This is because liver disease can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd has liver disease, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

14. Kidney disease: Kidney disease is another condition that can cause German Shepherd ears not to stand up. This is because kidney disease can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd has kidney disease, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

15. Heart disease: Heart disease is another condition that can lead to German Shepherd ears not standing up. This is because heart disease can cause the earflaps to swell and prevents them from standing up properly. If your German Shepherd has heart disease, it is important to take him to the vet so that he can be properly treated.

Final Thoughts

Although many people believe that a German Shepherd’s ears not standing up is a sign of poor health or genetic defect, this is actually not the case. 

There are several reasons why a German Shepherd’s ears may not stand up, and most of them are simply due to how the dog was bred. 

If you are concerned about your German Shepherds’ ears, be sure to speak with your veterinarian to find out if there is anything you can do to help them stand up.