When should I be worried about ears not up?

[Barbara08]

Thanks Sarah for your demonstrations on taping of your puppies ears. This is great to be able to see a demonstration. I have a 13 week old Biewer Yorkie that I just purchased a week ago today. Her ears are up only half way . I took her to my groomer this morning and had the hair around her ears shaved. I'm noticing some difference. Its only been 4 hours since this was done. Should I wait another day or so before I attempt to tape her ears? I really do prefer the ears to stand up. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[luvmyholly]

Why do yorkies ears have to stand up. My Holly's ears never stood up, not even a little bit and I love her just the way she is

[WalnutHill]

Originally Posted by Barbara08

Thanks Sarah for your demonstrations on taping of your puppies ears. This is great to be able to see a demonstration. I have a 13 week old Biewer Yorkie that I just purchased a week ago today. Her ears are up only half way . I took her to my groomer this morning and had the hair around her ears shaved. I'm noticing some difference. Its only been 4 hours since this was done. Should I wait another day or so before I attempt to tape her ears? I really do prefer the ears to stand up. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

If you tape them right, it won't hurt the ears, so I'd do just to be sure - that's just me though.

As far as why should Yorkie's ears stand up - well, they don't HAVE to, and some don't on their own. But, the standard for Yorkies expressly states that the ears should be carried erect. Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Official Breed Standard

So, for a lot of people, it's important that their Yorkie fit the standard for the breed. Especially if you plan to show your Yorkie one day. Personally, I like the ears either way, but I will still attempt as much as possible to get the ears to stand up if they don't on their own.


Some Yorkie owners chose the breed for it's personality, temperament, etc and the physical appearance is not a concern. That's perfectly fine, too.

[ms_mato]

Sometimes it is heredity but lets assume that isn't in this case. I would use a cordless shaver and shave the back of the ears. Then I would use paper tape close to the base of the ear wrap around the ear. Actually it is just above the base. They should be standing at this point. No need to make it tight. Change every couple of days or as needed (because puppies will probably not like it at first) hopefully you will see improvement. I had a puppy years ago that one day one ear came down. She had huge ears and I was in a panic. I took her to the vet he showed how to tape them, it so simple. He then changed her food. He didn't think there was enough protein in her food. Her ear was taped for about a week and that was it. Keep in mine Sadie's ears had always stood up to this point. But I know several people who have had luck doing this with similar situations. Hopefully this will help. I would for sure tape immediately and don't give up it might take a month but it's worth it.

[speleogirl37]

I think by 12 weeks they were up. But one ear was bent at the tip. By around 14 weeks they were both up fully.

[ellykay72]

At 4 months, our Yorkie's ears are still not standing. We just got back from the groomer, and she told me to not do a thing to them.