If you want to learn about the German Shepherd puppy’s ear stages, this is the right article for you.
There are a lot of physical features owned specifically by German Shepherds. However, the iconic pointed ears remain the most popular.
German Shepherds are known to have pointy ears that take the shape of a triangle. But is this also the case for German Shepherd puppies? Do German Shepherd puppies also have pointed ears?
Well, the answer to the question above is at your fingertip; all you have to do is keep reading this article because all you need to know about the German shepherd puppy ear stages will be revealed in this great piece, and you will also get to learn the reasons why your German shepherd puppy still has a floppy ear.
Let’s dive into the main reason for this article.
When will my German Shepherd puppy’s ears stand up?
The exact period or the age your German shepherd puppy’s ears will stand up depends on different factors, such as genetics, health issues, size, etc.
While some GSD puppies tend to have the iconic pointy ears at a very young age after birth (1 month), some GSD puppies might tend to develop theirs after 5 months.
Before your German Shepherd puppy’s ear begins to perk up, it must have undergone a series of stages. Let’s take time to analyze what you should expect at each stage of your puppy’s life.
German Shepherd Puppy Ear Stages (First 5 Months)
One thing you should know is that all puppies are born with a floppy ear. Expect your one-week-old GSD to have a pointed ear.However, you might tend to notice some changes in their ears after 3–4 weeks of age.
Nonetheless, you might not notice any changes in some GSD puppies even after 5 months from birth. This shouldn’t make you panic either, because it is normal.
Most German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 1 and 3 months undergo teething. During the teething phase, the calcium in their bodies is usually used up for the formation of teeth. This might make your dog’s ear become floppy because calcium is the main nutrient needed for pointy ears. After all, it is the nutrient that helps to build the cartilage in the ear, which makes it look pointy.
Your GSD puppy’s ear may perk up again after the teething stage because there is now enough calcium to aid in the growth of the pointy ear.
German Shepherd puppy ear stages (5 months–6 months)
At this stage, you should experience the normal growth of your puppy.
This is the stage at which German Shepherd puppies’ ears start to perk up and they start to resemble the real and iconic German Shepherd.
Although your GSD ear still refuses to perk up, you still don’t have to panic because it is normal.
The main stage you should be wary of is the next.
German Shepherd puppy ear stages (6 months–8 months)
At 6 months of age, your German Shepherd puppy’s ears should have taken on their signature look.
At this stage, their ear would have become thick and fully grown. But, if your GSD puppy’s ear is still floppy at 6 months, then you should be worried about it. Go to your veterinarian to complain and ask him what you should do to help straighten your dog’s ear.
If you try all you can and the ear still refuses to perk up after your dog has clocked 8 months, then the chances that your puppy’s ear will be pointy are starting to become very slim.
German Shepherd puppy ear stages (8 months–12 months)
At this age, your dog should have a strong, pointy, and sturdy ear. This ear is permanent and will not go sloppy again. However, if your dog still has a floppy ear, I’m sorry, but it will take a lot for you to make the ear pointy.
Let’s discuss some of the factors that might make your German Shepherd puppy have a sloppy ear.
Why are my German Shepherd puppy’s ears floppy?
Injury
This is usually caused by rough play or excessive scratching of the ear, leading to damage to the ear cartilage or the tissues surrounding it. This is very common in GSD puppies because their ears are still very soft and can easily be damaged by excessive scratching or collision with hard objects.
Teething
It has been said in this article before that teething has a lot of effects on GSD ear growth.
Calcium is needed for ear growth and teething. But, during the teething stage, most of the calcium is usually used for tooth development, and this will impede the growth of the ear.
The ear starts to grow again after the teething stage is over.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are another thing that can make your GSD puppy’s ear floppy. When you notice a foul smell, pus, or swelling on your GSD ear, report it to your vet immediately for proper treatment.
Parasites
There are some parasites, such as ear mites, fleas, and ticks, that are usually found in dog ears. Although these parasites cannot damage the ear cartilage or ear tissues, they can cause infections, which will always trigger your dog to scratch the ear.
Excessive scratching of the ear will eventually lead to damage to the ear.
Diet
Young dogs need the best diet that will help them grow rapidly and be resistant to diseases.
Your GSD puppy food should contain essential nutrients like:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Collagen
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
If you notice that your puppy’s ear is still floppy, you should try to include these nutrients as supplements in your diet. Doing this will aid in the healthy growth of your German Shepherd puppy’s ear.
Final Thought
German Shepherd puppies are not born with a pointy ear, but they start to develop it a few weeks after birth. So, if your GSD puppy still has a droopy ear during the first 5 months of age, you do not have to panic because it is a normal issue. But when your baby reaches 6 months of age and the ear is still floppy, you have to take the necessary actions, and among all the actions you should take, visiting a vet to report this issue is the best.
I believe I have provided a concrete answer to your query, “What are the German Shepherd Puppy Ear Stages?”
If you enjoyed the article, please share it on your social media platforms and with friends who you believe would benefit from it.Doing this will help to create more awareness and let people know about the German Shepherd puppy’s developmental stages.
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