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Tajmahal · May 22, 2009, 07:23 AM

Hi Everyone, I am back with same problem regarding my german shepherd who is now almost eleven months. His ears are not standing up, should I be worried. As far as his parents, they are both pedigreed and have no problem about the ears or anything for that matter. Both have great personality as a german shepherd should have.
Please let me know what should I do.

shazamataz · May 22, 2009, 07:26 AM

Yes, they should be standing up by now.

Did you ask when you purchased the dog if the parents had "unaltered" ears?
What about a few generations back... no problems?

Is the dog intended to be a conformation show dog?

If not... don't worry about it, get a vet check to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with his ears.
If there isn't then there is nothng wrong with having them sitting down other than you may have to clean them on occasion (which you need to do anyway)

peterslis · May 22, 2009, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Tajmahal

Hi Everyone, I am back with same problem regarding my german shepherd who is now almost eleven months. His ears are not standing up, should i be worried. As far as his parents, they are both pedigreed and have no problem about the ears or nething for that matter. Both have great personality as a german shepherd should have.
Please let me know what should i do.

See what happens at 18 months, he is still a puppy, there is easy corrective techniques for that... my experience is that it is still common to see 'puppy ear flop still after a year.

shazamataz · May 22, 2009, 08:12 AM

Couldn't give you an 'agree' yet peter but I didn't know that.

I always thought they were up by around the 9-10 month mark.
You learn something new everyday. :)

I was wondering what corrective techniques you mean?
If you mention cropping be prepared for some... interesting... comments from people here.

peterslis · May 22, 2009, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by peterslis

See what happens at 18 months, he is still a puppy, there is easy corrective techniques for that...my experience is that it is still common to see 'puppy ear flop still after a year.

My dad bred German Shepard for many years, he was in the military and had a very powerful strong bloodline, we dealt with corrective techniques, which has nothing to do with cropping (viciously cutting) dogs ears... there are certain braces that the vet has that can correct this, and it is not uncommon for a German Shepards ears to still be floppy at 11 months old, some will remain floopy, it is in their bloodline and a genetic trait that is bred into the bred, due to their ancestors... it is not uncommon for breeders or owners to get the corrective technique if it bugs them.

peterslis · May 22, 2009, 08:22 AM

German Shepard Dogs are very near and dear to me, my father bred them while in the military on base, they were trained and used for war, allot of guys in Vietnam would not have made it physically or mentally if not for the loyal companionship of this dog, breed, hero... Pit bulls were also used as war dogs, and where never properly recognized for their loyal, devoted work and companionship, not all we do it throw the BSL at them... because of stupid irresponsible owners.

shazamataz · May 22, 2009, 08:23 AM

Thanks for the info...
I'll have a read up on corrective techniques, we are a bit behind the times in Australia I think! Haha

greatdanelover3 · May 22, 2009, 07:09 PM

I agree with peterlis.. Wait until the 18 month mark. It is not uncommon to not have the ears up. I breed, show and train shepherds and have had a couple take till they were 14 months to stand.