The ears of an Australian Shepherd are quite complex. Over the years, they’ve undergone numerous changes. Some lines are better suited for some people’s ears than for others.
Different kennel clubs recognize different ear shapes in different regions of the country where you’re purchasing your dog.
The Australian Shepherd’s ears are triangular and flop forwards in the traditional manner. They’re not standing straight, but they’re also not sagging either.
However, this does not imply that all Australian Shepherds have the same ears. Since the American Kennel Club considers erect, prick, and droopy ears a “flaw,” most dogs in the United States lack such ears.
However, erect ears can develop in a purebred Australian Shepherd.
Understanding your dog’s body language is a crucial first step in communicating with your dog.
Australian Shepherd ears can reveal a great deal about your pet’s mental state. Not only do their ears provide a wealth of information about your dog’s thoughts and character, but they also serve an extremely practical purpose.
Australian Shepherd Ears
Aussies should have medium-sized ears that are slightly rounded at the tips. Australian Shepherds hold their heads high and bend or break forwards.
They can have either button ears or rose ears depending on how the ear folds. There will be some Australian Shepherds with upright (or prick ears).
This is an extremely rare occurrence, and the majority of these dogs are marketed as “pet-quality.” They can still be great companions, but they’re unlikely to be used for competition or resale in this capacity.
The Australian Shepherd’s ears have long been a topic of debate.
Do Australian Shepherd ears stand up? When do their ears flop down on their own? What should they look like? What age to glue Aussie ears? Or perhaps you’d rather have ears that are a little more frilly?
If you have any questions about Australian Shepherds’ ears, you can find the answers here.
How Do Australian Shepherd Ears Look Like?
The “side-placement” or “button ear” style of ear on Australian Shepherds has been around for a long time, and it’s a classic look. Aussie ears can still stand up straight. There are some breeds, however, that have ears that are considered to be “standard.”
The AKC considers droopy, erect, or prick ears to be a “fault.”
Erect ears in Australian Shepherds are a trait that has been passed down through the generations. It’s important to note, however, that a purebred Australian Shepherd can still have erect dog ears, even if it’s extremely uncommon.
AKC refers to erect ears as a “fault,” but this does not have any negative effect on his body health or hearing.
When it comes to “show dog quality,” erect dog ears are considered undesirable. But unless you plan on competing with your Aussie, it doesn’t make any difference.
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Australian Shepherd Ear Types
The Australian Shepherd’s ears have a distinct triangle shape in their overall appearance. An Australian Shepherd should have rose ears or button ears, according to the AKC standard. Ears that are either too floppy or too upright would be viewed negatively.
Side-placement type dog ear or button ear: Considered to be a typical Australian Shepherd’s appearance.
The positions of the AKC and the ASCA on where the dog ear should fold are slightly different. The overall look and feel is, however, the same as it always has been.
When the ear folds over and hides or covers the inside of the ear, it is known as a “button ear,” a “drop ear,” or even “hooded” ears. For an Australian, this is the most common and most desired ear set.
Button ears are preferred by most owners of Australian Shepherds who participate in dog shows.
Rose-shaped ear: Despite their delicate appearance, Aussie rose ears have a sturdy base and are slightly curved backwards. The rose ears of a dog are often mistaken for the button ears because of their similar shape.
The upper front edge of the rose ear curves over, outward, and backwards, giving the impression of a rose petal on the backside. Your German Shepherd uncropped ears may result in a rose-shaped ears in the near future.
Despite their beauty, rose ears aren’t popular with dog owners, especially those who own show dogs. Australian Shepherds’ ears are also naturally pulled back and level with the top of the head.. As a reminder, each rose-shaped dog ear is unique.
Erect- ear or Prick dog ear: This one is simple: the erect dog ears are perched atop the head. For the avoidance of doubt, erect dog ears are also known as prick ears.
You can erect your shoulders or prick your ears to stand tall. Prick ears are less common in full-bred Aussies, but they can still appear as adults in some full-bred Aussies.
If the dog is a show or working dog, this can be a problem and is usually solved by taping or gluing Aussie ears as a puppy to ensure a proper ear set.
If your Aussie’s parent has rose or button ears, it is more likely that your dog will not have prick ears, but this is not a guarantee. When one parent has ears that stand up, it is possible for their puppies to do the same, but it is extremely rare for this to happen.
To make matters worse, it’s possible that you’ll never find out whether you will have an Australian Shepherd with pointy ears or the more common rose or button ear if you choose to glue or tape their ears.
Australian Shepherd pointy ears are rare to find compared to other types of Australian Shepherds.
Semi- erect ear: While dog ears are slightly erect, they still have a down fold at the top of the head. Tulip ears are a term used to describe extreme cases of this, where only a small down fold of skin forms on the top of their ear.
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Australian Shepherd Ears: When Will They Stand Up?
As early as 12 weeks old, a baby’s ear movements begin to change dramatically, prompting questions about ear placement. Owners wonder if their pets’ ears will automatically stand up or will stay down.
There are a few breeds of Australian shepherds that take longer than others to develop their ears. Australian Shepherd ears during teething can change its placement dramatically.
Do Prick Ears Mean Purebred Australian Shepherds?
This is a more uncommon variation of the trait that does run in the breed of Australian Shepherds. Ear placement is difficult to explain genetically.
It’s not just about one or a few characteristics. Instead, even if a breeder is trying hard to avoid it, erect ears can appear out of nowhere.
A floppy Australian Shepherd ear has been known to appear in breeds with erect ears. Genetics are a complex subject that has yet to be fully explained.
Even if two Australian Shepherds with traditional ears are bred together, one of their puppies may have erect ears, even if both parents have traditional ears.
Australian Shepherds with “traditional” ears are more common, but purebred dogs with “erect” ears can be found.
How Do You Predict Your Aussie’s Ears?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to tell for sure until the teething process has come to an end.
Even though some owners claim that you’ll have a good idea and knowledge after just a few months of age, this is highly unlikely. During the teething process, the ear’s appearance changes drastically.
Some Aussie puppies with traditional-looking dog ears like side-placement ears, may not erect their ears for 5-7 months if they are genetically predisposed to this trait.
When it comes to ears, if you’ve got some movement in your puppy’s ears, you’re more likely to get full erect dog ears or at least semi-erect dog ears in the future. It’s possible, but not guaranteed.
It is possible that dog physical traits are passed down from mother and father to their offspring. As a result, if both of your pup’s parents have the classic or traditional dog ear shape, you can be confident in its inheritance. However, nothing is ever certain!
Of course, if either the dog mother or the father has an erect type of ears, you are most likely to have Australian Shepherd ears up position as well.
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Ear Taping or Glueing: What You Need to Know.
The practice of gluing or taping Aussie ears in order to have a desired outcome is becoming more and more common.
Since there are so many differing viewpoints on this subject, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions.
• Why Would you Ever Consider Taping or Gluing the Ears of your Australian Shepherd?
Having erect or prickly ears in Australian Shepherds, according to the breed standard, is a “fault” that prevents them from being an amazing show dog.
In order to meet the dog breed standard and seem more authentic, owners who want to enter their dogs in these competitions will either glue or tape their pups’ prick ears in a pretty similar condition.
The ears of some Aussies are simply taped by their owners who want them to look more like the breed’s ancestors.
In order to achieve the desired effect, a wide range of time is required to apply the tape. Owners, on the other hand, frequently tape their dog’s ears for months at a time.
• Does It Hurt your Aussie When you Tape or Glue His Ears?
While taping may irritate dogs temporarily, there is no evidence that it harms or injures them.
If you’re looking for a safe brand of glue, there are a number of options available in the market. But as with any other toxic chemical adhesive for your dog, you need to be extremely cautious.
The glue you use must be of the correct consistency, otherwise it will behave in exactly the same way as taping your dog’s ears.
There is only one problem with using glue, and that is how it’s removed. Adhesive removal chemicals are usually included with most of these. However, caution should be exercised at all times, as a negative dog skin reaction may occur.
• Is It Unethical to Tape Ears?
To begin, it’s critical to point out that ear taping may actually improve a dog’s ability to perform its intended function in some breeds. Particularly if the dog is actually put to work.
As a result of this, there are a variety of views and opinions on the matter when it comes to Australian Shepherds.
To achieve a different look, should you alter the position of your puppy’s ears with glue or tape? Is it safe to have your Australian Shepherd ears glue during teething? Is appearance so important?
Taping your dog’s ears has become more popular than not in recent years.
Consult your veterinarian if you plan to use any kinds of glue or tape to adjust and modify your dog’s ears! Inappropriate products have been sold for years, and many dogs have suffered irreparable harm as a result of them.
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If you want Floppy Ears But your Aussie Has Prick Ears
In the event that your puppy has prick ears and if you want them to break forwards into the traditional dog look, you can either tape or glue them.
Using YouTube as a source of information about how to tap the ears is not recommended. Because there are many non-professionals that give their risky advice to other dog owners.
The importance of the dog’s ear cartilage and proper way on how to tape the ears correctly are often glossed over in these tutorials, which is a shame.
When it comes to taping the dog ears down, it’s not as simple as folding and taping. By taping the ear, you may cause permanent damage to the ear’s bones and cartilages, which are made up of around 18 bones.
If you plan on taping or gluing your pet, please consult your veterinarian first.
Final Thoughts
Large triangular ears with a forwards bend are characteristic of Australian Shepherds. This is also known as a “button ear shape” or “side placement.”
However, not all Australian Shepherds will have this. As an adult, purebred Australian Shepherds can still have ears that are erect, prick, or semi-prick.
If your Australian Shepherd ears remain erect, you may want to tape them down to give them a more traditional appearance.
In order to avoid damaging your puppy’s ears, it is recommended that you seek professional assistance.
Every dog owner is entitled to their own opinion, but I can see why this topic has sparked a few discussions. Share us your thoughts by commenting down below!
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