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Every German Shepherd owner knows that those cute, floppy ears are one of the best things about the breed. But did you know that there’s actually a lot of meaning behind them? Those ears serve an important purpose for German Shepherds, and understanding what they’re for can help you better communicate with your furry friend.
If you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd, you might be wondering about its unique ears. According to this German Shepherd ears chart, the breed’s ears can be classified into three types: erect, half-pricked, and floppy. Each type has its own distinct look, and all are equally cute! Read on to learn everything you need to know about German Shepherd ears.
Why do German Shepherds’ ears go up and down?
If you’ve ever wondered why your German Shepherd’s ears go up and down, the answer is actually quite simple.
German Shepherds have two types of ear muscles – the erector pinnae muscles and the auricular muscles. The erector pinnae muscles are responsible for raising the ears, while the auricular muscles are responsible for lowering them.
So, when your German Shepherd’s ears are down, it means that it is relaxed. When its ears are up, it means that it is alert and ready to listen.
What does it mean when a German Shepherds’ ears are up?
German Shepherds are known for their alert and attentive ears, which are often perked up and alert. According to experts, there are a few different answers to the question, “When do German Shepherds Ears Stand Up?”
- For one, it could simply be a sign that the dog is paying attention to something.
- Alternatively, it could be a sign of excitement or happiness.
- It’s also possible that the dog is trying to communicate something to its owner, such as needing to go outside or wanting a treat.
- Ultimately, it’s up to the owner to interpret what their dog’s ears are trying to tell them.
What does it mean when German Shepherds’ ears are down?
There are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd’s ears might be down.
- It could be a sign of submission, fear, or relaxation.
- It could also be a sign of illness or injury.
- German Shepherd ears down can also be a sign of relaxation. This is normal behavior for the breed and is not indicative of any health problems.
A dog’s ears are very delicate, and if you think your dog is suffering from any sort of infection or has something wrong with them, then it’s best to ask a professional.
If you’re not sure what the dog’s ears are trying to tell you, here are some things to look out for:
- Dogs that scratch their ears a lot – This may be a sign that they’re infected or have an allergy.
- Dogs that shake their heads a lot – This could be a sign that they’re feeling pain.
- Bad odor coming from the ears – This could also be a sign of an infection.
- Redness or swelling of the ear – This could be a sign of an allergic reaction or inflammation.
If you think your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Why Do German Shepherds Put Their Ears Back?
Let’s explore first Why do dogs put their ears back and What does it mean when a dog’s ears are back?
When a dog puts its ears back, it’s usually a sign that it is feeling threatened or insecure. This could be due to anything from a stranger approaching the dog to be around other animals that the dog perceives as threatening. The dog may also be trying to communicate that it does not want to fight.
It’s important to remember that not all dogs put their ears back when they’re feeling defensive or scared – some dogs simply enjoy playing hard to get. In these cases, it’s best to just go along with the dog’s request and give it what it wants.
As for German Shepherds, there are a few different reasons why they might put their unique ears back.
- One reason is that they are trying to communicate something to their human companions. When a German Shepherd puts its ears back, it might be trying to say that it is happy, sad, or even scared.
- Another reason why German Shepherds put their ears back is that they are trying to listen to something more closely. When a German Shepherd’s ears are back, they can hear better than when they are upright.
- Lastly, German Shepherds might put their ears back when they are angry or agitated.
Why Do German Shepherds Prick Their Ears?
German Shepherds prick their ears for a variety of reasons.
- One reason may be to hear better. By pricking their ears, they can increase the surface area of their eardrums, which allows them to capture more sound waves.
- Another reason may be to express emotions. When a German Shepherd is happy, it may prick its ears and wag its tail. If they are angry or afraid, their ears will lie flat against their head.
How to respond when your German Shepherd moves his ears
Did you know that German Shepherds are also one of the most expressive dog breeds? Those cute little ears that they have can communicate a wide range of emotions, from happiness and excitement to fear and anxiety. By understanding the meaning behind your German Shepherd’s ear movements, you can better communicate with your furry friend.
What should you do when your German Shepherd pricks up his ears?
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and obedience. They are also known for their adorable ears, which often prick up when they are alert or curious. But what would you do when your German Shepherd pricks up his ears?
Make use of a leash
If your German Shepherd is pricking up his ears, make use of a leash. This will help to keep him under control and prevent him from running off. If he’s calm and not trying to escape, you can simply pet him on the head or scratch his back. If your German Shepherd is excited, then you can use a verbal command to get him to calm down.
Stop and interfere
If your German shepherd is pricking up his ears, it’s probably because he’s picked up on a sound that you can’t hear. Dogs are able to hear frequencies that are much higher than humans, so there’s a good chance that your dog is reacting to something that you’re not even aware of. If your dog is fixated on a particular sound, it’s best to try to figure out what it is and then take steps to either stop the noise or remove your dog from the area.
Don’t scold your German Shepherd
If your German Shepherd is pricking up his ears, don’t scold him. This will only make him more anxious and defensive. Instead, use a verbal command to get him to calm down. For example, you might say “down” or “calm down.”
What to do when your German Shepherd puts his ears back
If your German Shepherd puts his ears back, it could be a sign that he is feeling threatened or is about to attack. If you see this behavior, you should try to calm him down and remove any potential threats. If your dog is still acting aggressively, you may need to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to help him learn how to properly interact with other dogs and people.
What to do when your German Shepherd puts his ears down
If your German Shepherd is putting his ears down, it could be a sign that he is feeling submissive or anxious. If you think this is the case, try to give him some reassurance and space. If your dog is not used to being around other dogs, for example, put him in a quiet room away from the action. Once he seems relaxed, you can slowly reintroduce him to the situation.
At what age do German Shepherd ears stand up?
Do German Shepherd puppies’ ears stand up? YES, they do, and If you’re wondering when do German Shepherd puppy ears stand up? Well, your lovely puppy’s ears stand up around the age of 8. However, some German Shepherds may have their ears stand up earlier or later than this. If you are concerned about your German Shepherd’s ears, you should talk to your veterinarian.
| Age | Percentage of German Shepherds |
| 3-4 months | 28% |
| 5-6 months | 25% |
| 7-8 months | 16% |
| 9-10 months | 6% |
| 11-12 months | 3% |
| After 12 months | 4% |
| Adult | 16% |
Why Does My German Shepherd Have Floppy Ears?
There are a few reasons why your German Shepherd may have floppy ears. One reason could be that your dog’s ear cartilage is not fully developed. This is common in young dogs and puppies. Another reason could be that your dog has an ear infection. This can cause the ear to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to ear drooping. If you think your dog has an ear infection, it is important to take them to the vet so it can get proper treatment. German Shepherd with floppy ears can also be because of the following reasons:
Teething
If your German Shepherd’s ears are flopping, it could be due to teething. When puppies are teething, they may chew on their ears, which can cause them to become floppy. If you notice your puppy chewing on its ears, you can try giving it a chew toy to help relieve the discomfort.
Genetics
If you’ve ever wondered why your German Shepherd’s ears are floppy, it could be due to genetics. According to a recent study, the shape of a dog’s ear is determined by a single gene. This gene is responsible for the production of a protein that helps to form the cartilage in the ear. The researchers found that dogs with floppy ears have a mutation in this gene, which prevents the protein from being produced properly. This results in the ear being unable to stand up properly.
Breeding
Some breeders believe that floppy ears are a sign of beauty in the breed, and so they intentionally breed German Shepherds with this trait. However, it is also possible for German Shepherds to have floppy ears due to health problems or injury. If you are concerned about your dog’s floppy ears, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
Poor nutrition during puppyhood
German Shepherds are a high-energy breed, and their diet should reflect that. Puppies should be fed a high-quality, nutritious diet to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. If your German Shepherd’s diet was lacking in certain nutrients during puppyhood, it could have resulted in floppy ears.
Ear mites
If your German Shepherd’s ears are floppy, it could be because of ear mites. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on the wax and oil that keep the ear healthy. They can cause a lot of irritation and can even lead to deafness if left untreated. If you think your dog may have ear mites, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Infection
German Shepherds are particularly susceptible to ear infections, which is likely due to their long ears. If you notice your dog has an ear infection, it is important to take it to the vet as soon as possible so it can get the treatment they need.
Trauma
Some German Shepherds are born with floppy ears, due to a condition called “ear carriage malformation.” This condition is usually the result of trauma to the ear during the birthing process and can cause the ear to flop over or hang down. German Shepherds with this condition may also have other health problems, such as deafness or balance issues. If you think your dog’s floppy ears are due to trauma, you should take them to the vet to get checked out.
If your dog’s ears have been drooping for a while, there is a good chance that the cartilage has broken down and will not return to its original shape. In this case, you may want to consider surgical options to fix your dog’s ears.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about adding a German Shepherd to your family, be sure to do your research first. Though they are one of the most popular dog breeds, they are also one of the most misunderstood. Part of the reason for this is because of their unique ears.
German Shepherds have two types of ears: erect and floppy. The erect ears are the most common, and they’re the type you probably think of when you think of a German Shepherd. The floppy ears are a result of a genetic mutation, and they’re not as common. Regardless of the type of ears your German Shepherd has, they both serve the same purpose: to help your dog hear better.
So, if you’re wondering why your German Shepherds’ ears look the way they do, now you know! And, if you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd, be sure to ask about the type of ears they have so you can be prepared for what to expect, you can also learn more from a German Shepherd ear chart.
