Puppies with one little ear up are pretty much the cutest things ever. I mean…just look at this guy!
For some pet parents though, that little floppy ear is cause for concern. If you’re raising a show dog, having a floppy ear doesn’t exactly follow the judge’s standard of excellence. But when it comes to the health of your dog, that stubborn ear is nothing to worry about.
What makes dogs ears stand up, anyway? The answer is a part of the ear called the pinna. This flap is different in every dog breed, which is why some pups like German Shepherds and Corgis have ears that stand up. The pinna in dogs like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels is longer and more flexible, as you can tell by the breed’s longer, floppier ears.
For dogs with shorter pinna, their ears normally start perking up at about 8 to 10 weeks old. This is when the cartilage in their ear becomes strong enough to help hold it up. But for some dogs, this process can take months. It all depends on that particular dog’s ear and head size. And for some adorable pups, this process is different for each individual ear.
If you’re worried about your pups ears, you can always consult a breeder or vet for tips on what to do. There are techniques to help the ear stand up, but the best remedy is just to wait it out and let it perk up on its own. But if your pup is dealing with a lone antenna, have no fear. They’ll still be able to hear that treat bag rustle.
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