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While most Yorkshire Terriers typically have small, pointed ears that stand upright, occasionally a Yorkie puppy may have a pair of floppy ears. Despite not conforming to the usual appearance of these dogs, some dog owners find this unique look appealing. Whether your Yorkie sports floppy or upright ears, both are completely normal.
Every Yorkie is born with floppy ears as puppies lack the necessary muscle strength at the base of their ears to keep them erect. It takes some time for them to develop the strength required to hold their ears up. Until then, their ears will remain floppy.
While most Yorkies' ears eventually stand up, some may never do so, largely due to genetic factors. Having floppy ears does not indicate impurity in your dog's breed.
When do Yorkies' ears stand up?
Within the first nine months of a Yorkie's life, their muscles mature, causing their ears to gradually rise. Typically, by the age of 3 to 6 months, most Yorkies will have upright ears. The timing of this process can vary; sometimes, one ear may stand up before the other, but the second ear usually catches up quickly. Due to individual development rates, some Yorkies' ears may take up to nine month
s to fully stand up. If the ears remain floppy after this period, they are likely to stay that way.
Tips for Yorkie ears
It's important to be patient regarding your Yorkie's ears and their ability to stand erect. Some Yorkshire terrier puppies may take longer than others for their ears to become upright, and those with abundant hair or excessively large ears may always have the floppy look. However, you can try to assist your Yorkie in developing the necessary muscle to support their ears.
When your puppy is between 3 and 6 months old, gently massage the base of their ears to enhance blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, aiding in strengthening them. Trimming the hair short on their ears can also help, as longer hair adds weight and requires more strength to keep the ears upright.
Well-developed muscles are crucial for the ears to stand up. Some pet owners even consider folding and taping their dogs' ears with gauze and a bandage, although this method is not foolproof and may cause harm if done too tightly. It's best to acknowledge that your Yorkie's ears may remain floppy due to their genetic predisposition.
Unless you had intentions of showcasing your dog in canine club events where adherence to breed standards, including properly shaped, erect ears, is necessary, rest assured that your puppy is perfectly fine with their unique style. The floppy ears do not impair their hearing, and the look is rather charming. While owning a Yorkie with floppy ears may mean missing out on the show ring, you will still have a delightful pet.
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