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Originally Posted by concretegurl  Shaving ears allows more ability to "lift" them...and then they can pout a little better, when they want something too. I have to add out of my own curiosity-why are people so obsessed with ears going up-it causes ear infections; ears naturally flap down to protect the opening from wind etc. I was shocked when adopting my Miniature Schnauzer at the process of ear cropping (common in that breed) Mini Schnauzies are prone to ear infections (they need their ears plucked often) from both water intrusion and from debris and wind irritation-why then would anyone want to unprotect their ears from their natural state of protection-it doesn't even look good! Now given it is cuter than anything when Elvis (Yorkie) puts his ears up and pouts at m or looks confused lifting his ears up and down and all around (they were just shaved so they move all over now)-but taping them to keep them up? I just don't get it and find it irresponsible if there is no need besides well a want for an unnatural and seemingly hazardous choice (the risk of infection)-is there any medical need to tape ears up or to cropping them (besides in fighting dog and the justification is to protect them from being torn and bitten off..hmmmm)? I do have the tails docked on all my dogs (well was done prior to them coming to me, but I hear it aids in the balance-?) and their dewclaws removed-actually had to have Scoobers done myself as he was a rescue and it was never done prior to being with me. |
The yorkie standard is to have erect ears. (See YTCA.org or AKC.org) As I explained before, well-bred lines are going to stand on their own for the most part. But sometimes genetics gives weaker muscle, heavier ear leather, or too much ear hair and they tend to flop. I can't see how it would be irresponsible to give them a little help as long as nothing was done to hurt the dog. Taping properly does not hurt them. Most people want a yorkie to look like a yorkie and erect ears are a part of that look. I love the floppy-eared puppy dog looks too -- just not what a yorkie is supposed to look like, so I would not want floppy ears on mine. Many others do not either. Nothing wrong with seeking ways to help them look more like a yorkie is supposed to. I think of it as grooming ideas -- and always suggest shaving the top third triangle before anything else is done.
I also have to agree with JeanieK that a floppy-eared yorkie is going to have more infection problems due to the moisture retention. Wind does not cause infections but providing a nice dark, moist environment definately promotes bacteria and yeast growth. So keep those little ears up if you can.
One question -- how old was your dog when dew claws were removed? Did they put them to sleep or use local? I was asked about this once and had to refer to a vet as I have always done my pups' dew claws with their tails on day 3. Wasn't sure about having them done later.