Newb question on ears

Knight · 01-06-2011, 10:34 AM

I know some GSDs have issues with ears not standing. Is there any correlation to the type of breeder the dog came from? (is it seen more in dogs from BYBs or does it not matter?)

Whitedog404 · 01-06-2011, 11:05 AM

My trainer, who has extensive experience with GSDs, recently told me that some of the West German show lines are notorious for soft ears. I had no idea, but my import has very soft ears. After months of forms, they'll stand up, but not all day, every day. I've decided to let go of the angst. He's a fabulous dog and when the ears are up, he's gorgeous. He's 10 months and I'm not doing forms at this point. Enough. I have a white BYB GSD with thick, beautiful erect ears, and had a lovely rescue GSD with great ears. The problem I have is with the uber expensive German show line.

ZAYDA · 01-06-2011, 11:11 AM

Yes it matters and that trait can be carried on so improper breeding is a cause.

Knight · 01-06-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZAYDA

Yes it matters and that trait can be carried on so improper breeding is a cause.

what if both parents have strong ears?

ZAYDA · 01-06-2011, 01:25 PM

Then you have a very good chance your dogs ears will be fine but crap happens. Can you tell me why this concerns you because there are many worse problems a GSD can have.

Do you own a puppy or is this just a concern of yours.

Knight · 01-06-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZAYDA

Then you have a very good chance your dogs ears will be fine but crap happens. Can you tell me why this concerns you because there are many worse problems a GSD can have.

Do you own a puppy or is this just a concern of yours.

Just being OCD, that is all. Trying to prepare as best I can. No puppy yet, picking him up on Saturday. I need to stop hanging out in the health section of the message board, its enough to make you crazy worrying

thanks for the reply. I also met one of the dogs from a past litter, and his ears looked great too.

Emoore · 01-06-2011, 01:30 PM

Oddly enough, it seems to happen more in showlines than in working lines. Maybe because showlines, on average, tend to have bigger ears. (This is a generalization and there are plenty of exceptions.)

Personally I

floppy ears!

ZAYDA · 01-06-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight

Just being OCD, that is all. Trying to prepare as best I can. No puppy yet, picking him up on Saturday. I need to stop hanging out in the health section of the message board, its enough to make you crazy worrying

thanks for the reply. I also met one of the dogs from a past litter, and his ears looked great too.

Odds are hugely in your favor that his/her ears will be fine. Giving them good things to chew on will help so now you can get off the health site and on to something else.

Asking questions and being worried and being prepared is a good thing. good luck

Knight · 01-06-2011, 02:00 PM

Thank you! Should I buy a nylon bone for him to chew on now? Or no toys at 8wks? Should I wait a couple months for when he is teething to give him things to chew on?

Thanks again!

ZAYDA · 01-06-2011, 02:12 PM

I think nylabones are fine as long as they can't eat them up. I gave my girls nylabones but my vet said one of my girls had 2 cracked teeth but she is 5 years old. The white ones are like concrete so I guess with an aggressive chewer they are not a good ides but with a puppy I think it will be fine if you offer the green and then the brown ones.

Like I said this is something you can research cuz I am only 1 opinion. I would tie a couple knots on an old sock and get it wet then ring it out and freeze it. I think a pig ear or a hoof even a raw hide is good for a puppy until they can eat it.Keeping the chew item large is best just so they can gnaw on it and don't give them anything they can choke on if left alone.

01-06-2011, 10:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Knight Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 158	Newb question on ears I know some GSDs have issues with ears not standing. Is there any correlation to the type of breeder the dog came from? (is it seen more in dogs from BYBs or does it not matter?)

01-06-2011, 01:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,214	Oddly enough, it seems to happen more in showlines than in working lines. Maybe because showlines, on average, tend to have bigger ears. (This is a generalization and there are plenty of exceptions.) Personally I floppy ears! __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

01-06-2011, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Whitedog404 Master Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Southeast Posts: 510	My trainer, who has extensive experience with GSDs, recently told me that some of the West German show lines are notorious for soft ears. I had no idea, but my import has very soft ears. After months of forms, they'll stand up, but not all day, every day. I've decided to let go of the angst. He's a fabulous dog and when the ears are up, he's gorgeous. He's 10 months and I'm not doing forms at this point. Enough. I have a white BYB GSD with thick, beautiful erect ears, and had a lovely rescue GSD with great ears. The problem I have is with the uber expensive German show line.

01-06-2011, 11:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
ZAYDA Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: KENOSHA WI. Posts: 707	Yes it matters and that trait can be carried on so improper breeding is a cause.

01-06-2011, 01:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
ZAYDA Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: KENOSHA WI. Posts: 707	Then you have a very good chance your dogs ears will be fine but crap happens. Can you tell me why this concerns you because there are many worse problems a GSD can have. Do you own a puppy or is this just a concern of yours.

01-06-2011, 02:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Knight Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 158	Thank you! Should I buy a nylon bone for him to chew on now? Or no toys at 8wks? Should I wait a couple months for when he is teething to give him things to chew on? Thanks again!

01-06-2011, 02:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
ZAYDA Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: KENOSHA WI. Posts: 707	I think nylabones are fine as long as they can't eat them up. I gave my girls nylabones but my vet said one of my girls had 2 cracked teeth but she is 5 years old. The white ones are like concrete so I guess with an aggressive chewer they are not a good ides but with a puppy I think it will be fine if you offer the green and then the brown ones. Like I said this is something you can research cuz I am only 1 opinion. I would tie a couple knots on an old sock and get it wet then ring it out and freeze it. I think a pig ear or a hoof even a raw hide is good for a puppy until they can eat it.Keeping the chew item large is best just so they can gnaw on it and don't give them anything they can choke on if left alone.

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