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Originally Posted by FlDebra  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. |
Scoobers was 7 months-I think about then-it was done more so on an emergency basis though-he had one snagged on something I forget what we were jogging and a bit later he was bleeding still, not sure it can be done anytime on a just because basis-I think it has to be an emergency like his but we did have both done at that time. It was pretty scary but he did fine, he was given a shot in each leg and one is his neck to "calm him" so I'm guessing it was a sedative and two locals-? Not sure that's how it should be done though I was shocked when people on here talked about their dogs getting put under for teeth cleanings and the vets and groomers are all very against it here-seems by and large California is against any sedation for dogs.
WOW I feel silly after going back and reading about ears and infections on here and double checking-everything I had been told prior was wrong! Well opposite I guess...I thought I had the safer option for my dogs with their ears and apparently not-good thing we do ear plucking and regular cleanings, always making sure they are dry! I was always told that with floppy ears you only worry about yeast, and them getting dried but having ears up was so much worse...so glad I read this and there are so many informed people on YT-not that anything can be done all my dogs are well over a year old now so...but I'll worry less on those rare occasions when their ears go up and they're out in the wind! Glad the AKC standard was posted with this explanation-I wondered why ears up and pointed completely erect was part of the standard if it was bad for them! So are docked tails unnecessary then? I went all over a bunch of links and the only things I can find are unfactual points of argument on both sides but only one link listing studies and facts
Tail Docking | Should it be done? anyone?