Here’s What Every New Owner Should Know

One of the most iconic features of a German Shepherd is their tall, upright ears. These expressive ears not only give them a noble appearance, but also serve as an early signal of maturity and development. If you're raising a GSD puppy, you might be wondering: When will those ears finally stand up? Let’s walk through what’s normal, what to expect, and what you can do to support healthy development.

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What’s the Typical Timeline for German Shepherd Ears?

Most German Shepherd puppies begin to develop upright ears sometime between 4 and 7 months of age, often after the teething phase is complete. It’s completely normal for ears to fluctuate—up one day, down the next—especially during teething, when calcium is redirected to developing teeth rather than ear cartilage.

While some puppies show early signs of perky ears, others may take a little more time. Genetics, nutrition, and individual development rates all play a role.

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Should I Worry About Floppy Ears?

In most cases—no, not right away. It’s understandable to feel concerned when your puppy’s ears aren’t standing by the time you expected. But it’s important to consider several factors before jumping to conclusions or taking action.

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Here are a few key questions to ask:

1. How old is your puppy?

If your puppy is under five months, it’s still early. Ears can fluctuate dramatically during this time, even standing one day and drooping the next. Be patient and give nature time to do its job.

2. What does your puppy’s diet look like?

Nutrition has a direct impact on development. Puppies need high-quality food rich in protein, calcium, omega-3s, glucosamine, and other essential nutrients to grow strong cartilage and support healthy bone development. We recommend a well-balanced diet, supplemented with:

• String cheese, yogurt, or cottage cheese (we use our own goat’s milk products!)

• A daily multivitamin like NuVet

• Glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint and cartilage health)

• Omega-3 fatty acids from egg yolks or fish oil

3. What about the parents?

Genetics play a huge role. If both parents had upright ears, your puppy likely will too—but some variation is possible. If the parents are from mixed or off-standard lines, floppy ears may be inherited.

4. Has your puppy been ill?

Health issues, especially during early development, can delay physical milestones. Infections, poor appetite, or parasites can slow growth. If your puppy has been sick, that may explain delayed ear development.

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What Can You Do To Help?

If your puppy is around 5 months old and their ears are still floppy, it may be time to gently intervene. But don’t rush into taping or gluing before trying these first:

1. Support Through Diet

Provide the best nutrition possible from day one. A strong foundation makes all the difference. Continue supplementing through teething and growth spurts.

2. Promote Natural Strengthening

• Give your puppy chew toys—chewing supports jaw and ear cartilage strength.

• Allow plenty of outdoor time and physical play.

• Avoid prolonged crate time. Puppies sense the height limits and may instinctively keep ears down. Baby gates are a better alternative when containment is needed.

3. Gentle Ear Massage

Use your fingertips to softly massage from the base to the tip of each ear. This stimulates blood flow and can help loosen any cartilage folds. Keep it gentle and positive.

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Considering Taping? Here’s What You Need to Know

Taping can be helpful—but only if done properly and at the right time. We typically don’t consider taping unless the ears haven’t shown improvement by 5 months of age.

Here’s a simple method:

• Clean the inside of the ears with alcohol to remove oils.

• Gently smooth out any folds in the cartilage.

• Insert a Q-tip or ear form into the ear and secure it with lightweight surgical tape (we use 3M brand).

• Avoid wrapping tape around the outside of the ear or adding unnecessary pressure.

• Trim long hair on long-coated puppies to reduce weight.

Note: If you're unsure how to tape safely, check with a breeder or vet familiar with German Shepherds.

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Vet Support is Always a Good Idea

If you’re unsure whether taping is necessary, or if something feels “off,” don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. A professional opinion can rule out infection, injury, or structural issues.

Final Thoughts

Every German Shepherd develops at their own pace. Upright ears are a hallmark of the breed, but floppy ears in a young puppy are not an emergency. Support your puppy’s development with great food, gentle care, and lots of love.

If intervention is needed, do it cautiously and with expert input. And most importantly—enjoy every stage of your German Shepherd’s growth. Those ears, whether up, down, or in between, are part of what makes your dog one of a kind.

Let us know if you have questions or want help evaluating your puppy’s progress. We’re here to support you and your GSD every step of the way!

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text: Vom Geliebten Haus, 2025 (c)

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