All Yorkshire Terriers have cute little perky ears. But not all Yorkies have erect ears. In fact, when Yorkshire terriers are Yorkie puppies, their ear might not be standing.
A Yorkie will have floppy ears when it’s just a Yorkie puppy. Some keep their floppy ears, but most grow up to have upright, perky ears. If your Yorkie’s ears not standing up, it can be normal or it can be a problem. That leads to a question. It is that when do Yorkies’ ears stand up?
Continue reading to find out when Yorkie ears typically develop, as well as all of the other information you need to know, including ways to assist your Yorkie’s ears to stand up.
When Do Yorkies’ Ears Stand Up?
The answer to this question can be different for every single Yorkshire Terrier. Some Yorkie ears will stand up as early as 8 weeks old. Some Yorkie ears stand when they are 6 months old or older.
A Yorkshire Terrier’s ears develop depending on the individual dog and its genetics. There is no set timetable for when a Yorkie’s ears will stand up.
However, most Yorkies will have their ears stand up between 12 and 16 weeks old. This is considered to be the average age for a Yorkie’s ears to develop. So, if your Yorkie is around this age and its ears are still floppy, don’t worry too much. It’s probably just a matter of time before they develop.
Learn how to groom a Yorkie.
Is It Normal For Yorkies To Have Floppy Ears All Their Life?
A small percentage of Yorkshire Terriers will have floppy ears their entire life. This is not painful or harmful for them in any way. In fact, many people think floppy ears simply make them look even more adorable.
If you’re the owner of a Yorkie with floppy ears and you’re happy with that, then there’s no need to do anything.
Your dog is perfectly healthy and normal. Let them keep their cute little floppy ears. Floppy ears are normal!
Let us tell you about the categories of a dog’s ears for better understanding.
What Are The Categories Of Yorkshire Terrier Ears?
The categories of a dog’s ears can be determined by their shape and position. Here are the three main categories:
Erect Ears
When a dog’s ear stands up straight, perpendicular to its head, this is considered an erect ear.
Button Ears
A button ear is when a dog’s ear flops forward, but not all the way down. The top of the ear is still somewhat erect.
Flat Ears
A flat ear is when a dog’s ear hangs down completely, laying flat against its head.
Now that you know the categories of Yorkshire Terrier ears, let’s discuss what determines which category your Yorkie will fall into.
What Determines The Category Of Your Yorkshire Terrier’s Ears?
The category of your Yorkshire Terrier’s ears is determined by their genetics. The gene that controls a Yorkie’s ear shape is passed down from their parents.
In short, the category of your Yorkshire Terrier’s ears is largely out of your control. It’s determined by their genetics and there’s not much you can do to change it.
How To Make A Yorkie’s Ears Stand Up?
If you’re not happy with your Yorkie’s floppy ears and you want to know how you can make them stand up, there are a few things you can do.
The first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice on how to proceed.
There are a few popular methods that people use to help their Yorkies’ ears stand up. We’ll go over some of the most popular ones below.
Yorkie Ear Taping
The Yorkie-ears taping method is one of the most popular and effective ways to make a Yorkie’s ears stand up. It involves using tape to hold the ears in an upright position for several weeks or even months.
You can find the Yorkie-ears taping ear method online and there are even YouTube videos that show you how to do it.
If you decide to use this method, make sure you closely follow the instructions. If not done properly, it could damage your dog’s ears.
Shaving Hair On The Floppy Ears
If your Yorkie’s ears appear limp or floppy, it may be due to the weight of their ear tissue. Without enough muscle support at the base of their ears, the weight can cause them to droop.
The most effective approach to address this issue is to cut your dog’s hair. The hair may be the reason for your dog’s poor posture. You could consider shaving your dog’s ears completely if a basic trim doesn’t seem to make a difference.
If you don’t prefer the look of shaved ears, and your dog doesn’t have any medical ear problems, then it’s okay to let your dog keep its long fur and floppy ears.
Thumb Method
The thumb method is another popular way to make a Yorkie’s ears stand up. It involves using your thumb and forefinger to gently hold the ears in an upright position for several minutes each day.
This method is considered to be less effective than the Yorkie-ears taping method, but it is also less invasive and has a lower risk of damaging the ears.
Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure that is sometimes used to make a Yorkie’s ears stand up. It is a controversial procedure that is banned in many countries.
Ear cropping is usually done when the dog is a puppy and it involves cutting off a portion of the ear.
The downside to this method is that it is painful for the dog and there is a risk of ear infection.
It should only be done by a qualified veterinarian and it is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts
Now, you know the answer to when do Yorkies’ ears stand up. However, it is quite normal for Yorkies to have floppy ears all their life. You can consider the options mentioned in this post to make your Yorkie’s ear stand up.
Learn more about Yorkies!
How Many Times Do Yorkies Poop A Day?
Do Yorkies Get Cold? How To Keep Them Warm
What Is A Husky Yorkie Mix Called?
