New puppy owner - nervous!

deannaboe · 12-17-2006, 03:15 PM

Hello, my name is Deanna and I am the new proud best friend of a long haired German Shepherd named Rex. He has been living with me since November 25th and is 13 weeks old. I am writing with a concern about his ears. One ear stands straight up whenever he is giving attention to something and the other does not - I am worried that he has a problem with it. Any thoughts?

opokki · 12-17-2006, 03:32 PM

It doesn't sound like a problem to me but it wouldn't hurt to bring it to your vets attention at your next visit. It seems pretty common for GSD's to have one ear up and one flopped down as puppies. I know one that is 7 months old and still has one ear partially flopped.

deannaboe · 12-17-2006, 03:49 PM

Hey thanks for your quick response. I had no idea that there was a common problem with GSD ears - huh! Well, I struggle a little bit with doing something like glueing or taping his ears up - it seems to me that this perfect little being should be allowed to grow and develop natually. However, my preference is that both his ears come up in terms of appearance. I'll love him the same even if it doesn't. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again.

Dulce · 12-17-2006, 08:45 PM

Hahahaha, this is too funny!!

This isn't a "problem", it's a natural thing. Dogs aren't born with full pricked ears...

nicole84 · 12-17-2006, 10:44 PM

I would prefer that both ears stood up but if one doesn't then so be it.

deannaboe · 12-17-2006, 10:49 PM

I guess I didn't mean to use the word "problem". What I meant was I never thought about the dogs ears standing up or not and was surprised to see articles on how to force them if they don't on their own. I thought this forum was to support each other not laugh at them when they have questions and want to learn.

skunkstripe · 12-18-2006, 09:56 AM

In GSDs it is normal for them to be floppy until around 4 months. Huskies ears will stand up pretty much as soon as they are out of the hatch, but they are the exception as far as the "prick ear" breeds go.

cujo3269 · 12-21-2006, 04:08 PM

my dog is 1/6th german sheperd, but he got the stand up and the floppy. I think it's the cutest thing ever. I always thought I did something wrong or he hurt him self when i was at work or something like that. But he's always been healthy. Trust me if your dog is hurt or something not right you'll know it, if not u shouldn't have a dog.