If you’re raising a German Shepherd puppy, you already know one thing—they’re full of surprises! And one of the cutest (and most curious) things you’ll watch is their ears going on a wild ride of their own.
Welcome to the fascinating world of German Shepherd puppy ear stages, where one day your pup’s ears are floppy and soft, and the next they’re standing tall like proud little antennas… only to droop again hours later! It’s a rollercoaster of cartilage, teething, and pure puppy charm.
But don’t worry—this back-and-forth is totally normal. So, when exactly do those iconic ears stand up? Let’s break it down stage by stage and help you understand what’s happening behind those expressive ear flops.
Understanding the Anatomy of German Shepherd Ears
To really understand these perky wonders, let’s break down the ear into three main parts:
1. Outer Ear (Pinna or Auricle)
This is the visible part: the recognized, upright “radar dishes.” The pinna, which is made of cartilage wrapped with skin, catches and directs sound into the ear canal. The shape and mobility of the pinna help GSDs pick up sounds from long distances, even pinpointing direction.
Fun fact: A German Shepherd can move each ear independently. Yup, total sound ninjas.
2. Middle Ear
Inside the ear canal, sound waves hit the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and vibrate tiny bones called the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes). These vibrations are transferred toward the inner ear.
This region of the ear also houses the Eustachian tube, which aids in pressure balance. (Ever noticed your dog shaking their head after a loud sound? Yep, that’s part of this system at work.)
3. Inner Ear
The inner ear is where things get high-tech. It’s got two major jobs:
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Hearing: The cochlea converts vibrations into nerve signals that travel to the brain.
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Balance: The vestibular system (a group of fluid-filled canals) tells your dog which way is up.
Without a healthy inner ear, your dog could experience dizziness, poor coordination, or hearing issues.
What Makes GSD Ears Stand Up?
That proud, upright look depends on strong cartilage and well-developed ear muscles. German Shepherds are born with floppy ears, and their ears begin to stand up as the cartilage hardens—usually between 8 weeks to 6 months.
But the process isn’t always smooth. You might see:
- One ear up, one ear down
- Both ears wiggling or drooping
- Ears that go up and down throughout teething
And that’s totally normal!
So, first lets learn more about ear types
What Are the Different Ear Types in German Shepherds?
1. Upright Ears (The Classic GSD Look)
These are the tall, triangle-shaped ears you often see in police or working dogs. Upright ears stand firm, facing forward, and give that strong, alert expression German Shepherds are known for. Most healthy GSDs develop upright ears by 6–8 months of age, once the cartilage strengthens.
2. Floppy Ears
If your GSD still has floppy ears after 8 months, they might stay that way—and that’s okay! Floppy ears can result from genetics, soft cartilage, or sometimes an ear injury in early puppyhood. It doesn’t affect hearing or behavior, and your pup is still 100% GSD.
3. One Ear Up, One Down
This quirky phase is super common while your puppy is teething (usually between 16 weeks of age and 6 months). One ear might stand tall while the other leans or flops. It usually just means the ears are developing at different paces.
4. Tipped Ears
Tipped ears stand up but have a little bend or “tip” at the top. It’s like a hybrid between floppy and upright ears. This could be a temporary phase during development—or a permanent look if the cartilage doesn’t fully firm up.
5. Wide-Set (Bat) Ears
These ears are upright but are positioned further apart on the head. They may resemble bat wings, which explains their name. This look is often due to head shape and muscle development.
6. Lopsided Ears
Sometimes one ear is positioned slightly higher or leans differently than the other. It could be a temporary stage during growth or just how your dog’s ears naturally settled.
Stages and Development of German Shepherd Puppy Ear
Birth to 4 Weeks – Soft, Floppy, and Adorable!
When your German Shepherd puppy is born, its ears are floppy, fluffy, and entirely undeveloped. In fact, they don’t even have the muscle or cartilage to lift them yet. At this point, their ears are a lot like the rest of their little bodies—small, cute, and mostly for snuggling.
What’s happening: Ears are still closed off from external sounds. This stage is mostly about bonding with mom and taking in the world through touch and smell.
4 to 6 Weeks – Tiny Twitches and a Hint of Movement
As your GSD puppy grows a bit, you might notice tiny movements in their ears. They may twitch or even briefly lift one ear when they hear something or when they’re exploring. It’s a sign that their muscles are beginning to develop, but don’t expect any major changes yet.
What’s happening: The puppy’s body is busy developing the muscles and cartilage needed for their ears to eventually stand. Their senses—especially hearing—are becoming more attuned, so you may see them reacting to sounds with ear twitches or small shifts.
6 to 12 Weeks – The Rollercoaster Stage
This is the time when things get a little wild! Your puppy’s ears may go up, then flop down again, and it can be pretty funny. One ear might be up, while the other is down—this is the “I’m still figuring it out!” phase. But don’t stress—this is perfectly normal.
What’s happening: The reason for all this back-and-forth is teething. As your GSD puppy’s baby teeth come in, the body diverts calcium to support the teeth, meaning their ear cartilage might be weaker for a while. It’s a time of flux, so expect to see a mix of ears—one ear up, one ear down, or both switching places throughout the day.
3 to 6 Months – Steady Progress, but Still Some Wobbles
By now, you might notice more consistent upward movement in the ears, but they’ll still sometimes droop or tip over. It’s like they’re practicing for the final look, and they’re almost there. This stage is like the “almost-there” moment—ears may stand up for longer periods but still occasionally flop or shift.
What’s happening: The cartilage is finally starting to harden, but teething is still going on. Ears may stand up in the morning, only to droop by evening. Teething and growth spurts are big players in this stage.
6 to 8 Months – The Final Push to Upright Ears!
This is the exciting stage where you’ll likely see your German Shepherd dog ears fully standing up! By 6–8 months old, most German Shepherds have gone through enough physical development for their ears to remain upright, giving them that alert, proud look that we all associate with GSDs. However, some puppies may still have one ear drooping or have ears that are still in the process of strengthening.
What’s happening: The muscles and cartilage in your puppy’s ears are now mostly developed, but some final adjustments are taking place. If your pup’s ears haven’t fully stood yet, they likely will within the next few weeks—patience is key!
8 Months and Beyond – The Signature Look
By the time your German Shepherd dog reaches 8 months, their ears are typically fully developed, and ears will stand. Whether they are standing tall and alert, slightly tipped, or still a bit floppy, this is the final stage of ear development. Each GSD is unique, and their ears might stay slightly different from others, but that’s what makes your dog special!
What’s happening: At this point, your puppy’s ears are either standing tall, are tipped, or are just naturally floppy. The ear shape will not change much from here on out—this is their signature look.
Why do some German Shepherd ears take longer to stand up?
A variety of factors can affect how long it takes for a GSD’s ears to stand. Teething is one of the primary causes, since the calcium required for teeth may temporarily divert from the ears. Genetics, nutrition, and overall health also play a big role. So, if your puppy’s ears aren’t standing up yet, don’t worry—it’s often just part of the normal growth process.
Factors Affecting When German Shepherd Dog Ears Stand Up
The time it takes for your German Shepherd puppy ears to stand up can vary. While most pups have their ears standing by 6 months, several factors can impact this. Let’s take a look at what affects when those ears finally perk up.
1. Genetics: Just like with other traits, your puppy’s ear development is influenced by genetics. If their parents have upright ears, your puppy is more likely to develop them, too. But even within the same litter, some puppies might take longer for their ears to stand.
2. Teething: When puppies are teething, they’re using a lot of calcium to grow their teeth, which can affect cartilage in their ears. This is why many puppies’ ears may flop during teething (around 4 months to 6 months).
3. Nutrition: A balanced diet is important for strong ear development. Puppies need the right nutrients, like protein and calcium, to help their ears grow. If they’re not getting enough, their ears may take longer to stand.
4. Health: If your puppy has ear infections or allergies, it might delay their ear development. Healthy ears grow faster, so keeping your puppy’s ears clean and checking for any signs of infection is important.
5. Stress and Environment: Things like stress or extreme temperatures can affect ear development. Puppies in stressful environments or very hot/cold climates might take longer for their ears to stand up.
6. Individual Timing: Every puppy grows at their own speed. Some GSDs may take longer than others for their ears to stand, even if everything else is going well.
Taping German Shepherd Ears: Should You Do It?
If your German Shepherd puppy is nearing 6 months old and their ears are not standing, you might be wondering if taping is the solution. Taping the ears is a method some German Shepherd owners and breeders use to help encourage erect ears, but it’s not a decision to take lightly.
What is ear taping?
Ear taping involves gently supporting the ears with medical-grade tape or foam inserts to help them stand in the correct position. It’s usually done between the ages of 5 to 7 months, if ears are still floppy and the cartilage feels soft. The goal is to guide the ear to grow upright while the cartilage is still developing.
Is it safe?
When done properly—and only under the guidance of a vet or experienced breeder—taping can be a safe and effective tool. But doing it incorrectly can harm your pup. Using harsh adhesives, applying too much pressure, or leaving the tape on too long can lead to infections, ear damage, or discomfort.
| When to consider it | When to avoid it |
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Does chewing help German Shepherd’s ears stand up?
Chewing can actually play a helpful role in encouraging a German Shepherd puppy’s ears to stand up! While it’s not a guaranteed fix, the act of chewing strengthens the muscles around the jaw, neck, and head—areas closely connected to the ears.
As your puppy chews on toys or treats, those muscle groups get a mini workout, which can naturally support the ear structure and help them perk up over time. It’s especially beneficial during the teething phase (around 6–12 weeks), when ear development tends to be a bit unpredictable.
Chewing not only aids muscle development but also soothes teething discomfort. his small habit plays a part in the overall development of a German Shepherd dog, helping them build strength and coordination.
Just be sure to provide your pup with safe, age-appropriate chew toys—not too hard or sharp—to protect their baby teeth while still giving them something satisfying to gnaw on. So while chewing isn’t a magical solution, it’s definitely a healthy and fun way to support your German Shepherd’s iconic, upright ears.
Gluing German Shepherd Ears
Gluing a German Shepherd’s ears is usually done as part of the ear correction procedure for dogs with floppy ears that do not naturally stand up as they develop. However, this is best carried out under the direction of a veterinarian or professional breeder who has experience with ear care. Improper gluing or handling can cause discomfort, infection, or permanent damage to a dog’s ears.
If you’re considering this for your German Shepherd, here are a few steps generally involved:
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Consult a Veterinarian: Before doing anything, get advice from a vet to ensure it’s the right approach for your dog. In certain circumstances, it may not be necessary, and the ears will stand up naturally as the dog matures.
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Prepare the Ears: Clean the ears and make sure they’re healthy and free from infection. This step is crucial to prevent irritation or infection when gluing.
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Ear Gluing: If the vet advises you to proceed with ear gluing, the process usually involves applying a special adhesive to base of the ear, then carefully folding and securing the ear in the desired position. The adhesive used is specifically designed for this purpose and is safe for the dog’s skin.
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Monitor the Ears: Keep a close eye on your dog’s ears to ensure they don’t show signs of irritation, redness, or infection. Verify that the glue does not restrict the ear canal.
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Remove and Reapply: After the glue has set, you’ll likely need to remove and reapply it periodically, as the ears continue to grow and strengthen.
Summing Up!
the development of your German Shepherd puppy’s ears is a fascinating process that can vary from one pup to the next. Whether they’re flopping, twitching, or standing tall, every stage of ear development is a sign of growth and development. While it’s normal for their ears to go through different phases, such as teething or floppy periods, patience is key. If you’re concerned about your pup’s ear progression, consulting a veterinarian or experienced breeder is always the best route.
Remember, every German Shepherd is unique, and their iconic upright ears will eventually take shape, adding to their proud and alert appearance.
