Floppy Corgi Ears: Everything You Need To Know
If you’ve adopted a corgi puppy recently, you might’ve noticed something a little strange: floppy corgi ears!
Now, while floppy corgi ears are one of the most adorable things in the world, they can also be a little alarming.
Because you were expecting large, fox-like ears that stand to attention, right?
And now you’re wondering whether something might be wrong?
All corgis are born with floppy ears. They usually turn upright after 8 weeks, but in some cases, the process takes a little bit longer. Corgis have been known to have floppy ears until they’re six months old and very ocassionally, they will stay that way throughout their lifetime.
So, are floppy ears anything to worry about?
And what should you do if your corgi’s ears are still floppy at 6, 8, or 12 months old?
Keep reading to find out.
Why are some corgis ears floppy?
The reality is, all corgis are born with floppy ears.
However, most people bring home their corgi puppy after their ears have raised and so never get to experience the cuteness of the floppy ear!
The reason why corgis ears are floppy when they’re born is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears haven’t developed yet.
Plus, it makes it much easier for corgi moms to give birth to their puppies if their ears aren’t erect.
If you have a corgi with floppy ears that’s more than 12 months old, this may be due to injury, genetics, or nutrition.
Injury
In rare cases, an injury early on in a corgi’s life can damage the cartilage in one or both ears.
If you’ve rehomed an older corgi with floppy ears and aren’t completely sure of their history, this may be the reason for the floppiness.
Genetics
The most likely cause of floppy corgi ears is genetics.
Some corgis are predisposed to having floppy ears, while others aren’t. It’s not something that can (or should) be deliberately bred for.
Nutrition
Nutrition can also affect the ear firming process.
Puppies that aren’t getting enough nutrients, including protein and calcium, may have weaker ear muscles, which can delay the ear firming process.
When do corgis ears stand up?
Most corgi puppies’ ears will start to stand up straight between 5 and 15 weeks.
However, it’s not uncommon for the process to take longer. I spoke with some of my fellow dog owners and in two cases, the corgis were 8 or 9 months old before their ears stood up straight!
It’s important to note that the ear firming process varies from one corgi to another.
Some corgis may have ears that stand up straight earlier or later than others, and some may have one ear that stands up before the other.
Taping a corgi’s ears: Should you do it?
Some corgi owners wonder whether they should tape their corgi’s floppy ears to encourage them to stand up.
Taping is when a dog’s ears are taped to cardboard to encourage upright growth.
I strongly recommend against taping a corgi’s ears. There is no evidence to suggest that taping will affect whether their ears remain floppy or not.
Instead, your corgi is likely to experience undue stress and pain. Plus, interfering in their development in this way can prevent them socializing properly with their siblings and other animals.
Ears are vital to corgi communication. If you want your corgi to grow up as healthy and happy as possible, let their ears develop naturally.
Is there a difference between corgis with floppy ears and corgis without?
So, is there actually any difference between a corgi with floppy ears and a corgi without?
No! There is no evidence to suggest that floppy ears have any bearing on a corgi’s personality.
There’s also insufficient evidence to suggest that a corgi with floppy ears is more prone to health problems like ear infections.
Some owners claim that a lack of air flow through their ears increases the risk of infection. However, this is purely anecdotal.
Caring for your corgis floppy ears
If your corgi has floppy ears as an adult, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly to prevent a buildup of wax and dirt, which can lead to infection.
Speak to your vet before attempting to clean your corgi’s floppy ears. They will be able to provide you the correct veterinary cleaner and advise on the best process.
If you’ve notice that your corgi is shaking their head a lot, pawing at their ears or has any of the following symptoms, it might be sign of an ear infection:
- Brown discharge from the ear
- Smelly odour coming from the ear
- Painful ear(s) to the touch
- Swelling around the ear
- Change to eating or drinking habits
- Reluctance to open the mouth
