Will My German Shepherd Mix Ears Stand Up?

Mixed breed dogs can be so adorable, with their unique features that make them special. 

But one of the most common questions people have about these mutts is whether or not their ears will stand up. 

So, will my German Shepherd mix’s ears stand up? Let’s take a look.

Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up?

There is no way to predict how your German Shepherd mix’s ears will turn out. Some German Shepherds have erect ears, while others have floppy ears. 

The shape of your dog’s ears will likely be a mix of both breeds. However, it is impossible to say for sure what the outcome will be. You’ll just have to wait and see!

How do you tell if a German Shepherd mix’s ears will stand up?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question since it can depend on a number of factors, including the specific mix of breeds in the dog’s lineage. 

However, German Shepherds typically have erect ears, so it’s likely that a German Shepherd mix will also have erect ears. 

You can ask the breeder or veterinarian for more information about the dog’s parents and their ear type to get a better idea of what to expect.

7 Reasons of German Shepherd mix ears stand up

1. Puppy German Shepherds have floppy ears

The ears of a German Shepherd mix puppy will usually be floppy until around 6-8 weeks of age. 

This is because the cartilage in their ear isn’t fully developed yet and needs time to stiffen up. Once they hit this age range, their ears should start to stand up on their own.

2. Their ears are supposed to be erect

The German Shepherd breed standard states that the ideal ear carriage for this breed is erect. 

This means that, in order for your dog to be considered “purebred”, their ears must be standing up tall. However, there is some flexibility within the standard and many dogs with semi-erect or even slightly floppy ears are still considered German Shepherds.

3. It could be a health issue

If your dog’s ears suddenly start drooping or they have always had floppy ears, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Some medical conditions that can cause ear drooping include:

– Tumors

– Infections

– Allergies

– Nerve damage

If you notice any changes in your dog’s ear carriage, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any possible health concerns.

4. Their ear muscles may be weak

Another common reason why German Shepherd mix ears stand up is simply because their ear muscles are too weak to hold them up on their own. This is often the case with older dogs or dogs that have had previous injuries to their ears.

5. They could be teething

If your German Shepherd mix puppy’s ears are suddenly droopy or they seem to be in pain, it could be a sign that they’re teething. When puppies are teething, their gums can become irritated and inflamed, which can cause ear discomfort.

6. It could be due to genetics

Some German Shepherd mixes may have floppy ears simply because it’s a trait that’s been passed down from their parents or grandparents. There’s really no way to predict how your dog’s ears will turn out until they’re born, so it’s just a matter of waiting and seeing.

7. They may need their ears cropped

If your German Shepherd mix’s ears are still flopping around and they’re not standing up on their own, you may need to have them cropped. 

Ear cropping is a cosmetic procedure that involves cutting off a portion of the ear in order to make it stand up straight. This is typically done when puppies are between 8-12 weeks old.

Why do my German Shepherd mix ears stand up?

The most common reason why German Shepherd mix ears stand up is due to genetics. Many times, German Shepherds are bred with other dog breeds that have erect ears, such as the Australian Cattle Dog. 

This results in puppies that have a higher chance of inheriting the genetic trait for erect ears. 

However, it is also possible for German Shepherd mix ears to stand up due to environmental factors, such as frequent ear scratching or rubbing. 

If your dog’s ears are constantly being irritated, this can cause the muscles that control ear movement to become weaker, resulting in droopy or erect ears. 

If you suspect that your dog’s ear posture is due to environmental factors, try to identify the source of the irritation and take steps to reduce or eliminate it.

Why won’t my German Shepherd mix ears stand up?

There are several reasons why your German Shepherd mix’s ears may not be standing up. It could be due to the fact that your dog is a mix, and thus does not have the same physical characteristics as a purebred German Shepherd. 

Additionally, it is possible that your dog’s ears simply have not yet fully developed. 

Some dogs’ ears will stand up on their own over time, while others may require assistance from their owners in order to get them to stand up properly. 

Finally, it is possible that there is an underlying medical condition preventing your dog’s ears from standing up. 

If you are concerned about your dog’s ears, please consult with a veterinarian.

At what age do German Shepherd mix ears stand up?

The ears of a German Shepherd mix will stand up at around 8 weeks old. However, they may take longer to fully stand up if the dog’s parents had droopy ears. If you are unsure when your dog’s ears will stand up, you can ask your vet for advice.

What are the chances of ears going up for German Shepherds?

There is no definitive answer to this question as all German Shepherds are different. Some may have ears that naturally stand up straight, while others may need to have their ears taped or cropped in order to achieve this look. 

Ultimately, it depends on the individual dog and what their specific genetics dictate.

Final Thoughts

Many people are curious about whether or not a German Shepherd mix’s ears will stand up. The answer is that it depends on the individual dog. 

There are many reasons why a German Shepherd mix’s ears may stand up, and some dogs’ ears never do. 

However, there are several things you can do to increase the chances of your German Shepherd mix’s ears standing up. 

These tips include socializing your dog at an early age and keeping them active. Thanks for following along with us as we explored this topic!