How Long Does it Take for German Shepherds to Hold Up Their Ears?

The ears of German shepherds generally prick up on their own. Unlike a doberman pinscher, German shepherds need not undergo cropping surgery to prick up their ears. The ears hold themselves up automatically when they are typically between 6 and 8 weeks old. This is also the teething stage of the pet. However, in some puppies, the process may not start until they are 12 to 14 weeks old, but this is not a reason to worry, though it is advisable to monitor the development of the ears regularly.

  1. Soft Ears

    • Some German shepherd puppies are born with genetically weak ears, wherein the ears rise up just halfway and then flop down the sides. Though there are chances that they may naturally rise up over time, you cannot eliminate the possibility of them remaining this way for their lifetime.

      The latest the puppy's ears hold up is usually 7 months. Rarely does it happen when they are more than a year old. In this case, you would use taping to correct the abnormality. The chances of holding up the ears through taping are higher. However, be prepared that your attempt may or may not be successful.

    Taping the Ears

    • Dog owners are often not sure when to start the taping process. The only way to arrive at this decision is to observe your pet's ears closely until it is about 5 months old. If your puppy is still in the teething stage, you can continue waiting for some more time, as ears do not prick during this period.

    Applying the Glue

    • Shake the glue well and dab a few drops of glue on a piece of paper. Do not pour the glue directly onto the ears of your puppy, as it may enter the inside of the ear or you may put too much. Apply the glue on the outside edge of the ears, from the base to the tip. Press both the ears together over the head for about 30 seconds or until the glue is set. Use a skin bond adhesive for this purpose. You can even use eyelash glue.

    Regluing

    • You can try as long as you want to try and hold up the ears. In some cases, it has taken nearly three and a half months or even longer to prick the ears up.

      Do not pull a glued ear until they naturally come off. The glue generally lasts for a month. If the ears come apart frequently, reapply the glue. It may be necessary to trim the hair on the ears before reapplying the glue. After a month, observe the ears for about two to three days. If they stand erect on their own, there is no need to glue back the ears. However, if the ears start flopping, apply the glue for another month.

    Results

    • Usually after a month or two of gluing the ears will stand up. However, if there is still a problem, it is best to consult the breeder immediately, but continue taping the ears. Also, speak to your vet. If the ears do not stand up at all, it is not the end of the world. Accept it and move on.