Corgi ears stand up between 8 weeks and 6 months. All puppies may experience ear flopping randomly during teeth development because calcium is drawn from areas of the body, like the ear structures, to fuel the process.
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Are Corgis born with floppy ears?
Yes, all Corgi puppies are born with their eyes closed and floppy ears. One of their defining characteristics as per the American Kennel Club breed standard guidelines are upright ears with a rounded point (pointy ears are considered a fault) though in some instances, Corgi puppy ears never stand up.
Do All Corgis Have Pointed Ears?
No, not all corgis have pointed ears. There are two main breeds of corgis: Pembroke and Cardigan. While Pembroke corgis typically have pointed ears, Cardigans can have either pointed or more rounded ears. As puppies, corgis usually have floppy ears, regardless of their breed.
However, as they grow older, most Pembroke corgis’ ears gradually stand up and become pointed. On the other hand, some corgis may have one ear that decides to stay floppy, adding to their unique charm. So while the majority of corgis do end up with pointed ears, there are exceptions to this trend.
How Can You Tell if a Corgi’s Ears Will Stay Floppy?
One way to determine if a Corgi’s ears will stay floppy is by looking at their parents and siblings. If both the mother and father have floppy ears, there is a good chance that the puppies’ ears will also stay floppy.
However, if one parent or the siblings have ears that stand up, it is possible that the Corgi’s ears could eventually stand up as well. Another factor to consider is the cartilage in the ears. If the cartilage is softer and more flexible, the ears are more likely to stay floppy.
On the other hand, if the cartilage is firmer, there is a higher chance that the ears will stand up eventually. In general, the Welsh Pembroke Corgi breed tends to have floppy ears compared to the Cardigan Corgi breed, whose ears are often upright.
It is important to note that even if a Corgi’s ears start off floppy, they may still become erect as they grow older. Therefore, it is not always possible to accurately predict whether a Corgi’s ears will stay floppy or stand up.
Why Do Some Corgis Have One Floppy Ear?
Why do some corgis have one floppy ear? Well, the floppy ear is actually a result of genetics. Corgis are known for their distinct ears, which are usually erect and pointy. However, in some cases, one ear may not fully develop the strength to stand upright, resulting in a floppy appearance.
This is often seen in corgi puppies, as their ears are still growing and developing. Typically, corgi ears should start to stand up around 8 to 12 weeks of age. If the ears haven’t fully stood up by this time, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
They can evaluate the situation and provide guidance on possible solutions, such as taping or training exercises to help the ear finally stand. It’s important to note that having one floppy ear doesn’t affect a corgi’s health or personality in any way. It just adds to their unique and adorable charm!
When should I tape my Corgi’s ears?
If you aren’t noticing any improvement in floppiness, then taping the ears could help. Taping your Corgi’s ears is generally best done before 6 months and after 12 weeks. This is because the cartilage structures aren’t as malleable after 6 months so taping will be less effective. For best results, and for the safety of your Corgi, use masking tape.
How to tape your Corgi’s ears
Check out the video below on how to tape your Corgi’s ears and maintain them an upright position.
Does massaging dog’s ears help them stand up?
There isn’t any evidence that massaging your Corgi’s ears will improve structure. In fact, some vets believe that it’s more likely you will breakdown cartilage that is being built by massaging on a regular basis. We advise touching your Corgi’s ears as little as possible to avoid potentially damaging any of the structures in the ear which could result in permanent floppy years.
Does calcium help dog’s ears stand up?
If you’ve done some research on forums, you will see people recommending calcium supplements as a solution to calcium deficiency during teething. During my research, talks with vets and other Corgi owners, a small amount of yogurt is more than sufficient. The danger with calcium supplementation is overdoing it leading to too much calcium deposits in the Corgi’s ears which keeps them droopy since the dog’s body is unable to flush it out.
Strengthen dog ear cartilage
Chewing may help strengthen the cartilage in Corgi’s ears. This is because a dog’s jaw is connected up to the ear, and chewing forces these structures to work in tandem. Check out our recommendation for chew toys in our 5 Best Corgi Dog Toys post.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi ears vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi ears
Pembroke Corgi ears are usually a bit smaller than Cardigan Welsh Corgi ears. Typically, in both breeds, the ears are wide at the base and are proportional to their bodies. Pembroke Corgis are also considered to be more rounded at the top of the ear whereas Cardigan Corgis are considered to have more roundness at the base of the ear.
Summary
In conclusion, floppy Corgi ears are normal during the teething phase, and rare in adulthood. Small amounts of plain yogurt and toy chewing will help speed the process along with ear taping (when done correctly).
