[AussieMaksi]

Hi fellow canine lovers! I recently added a purebred mini Austrailian Shepherd to my family. When I got her, she was about 9-10 weeks old. At the time she had one ear that was up (or also referred to at pricked) and one ear that was folded over. Now she is about 4 months and both of her ears stand straight up. I'm used to Aussies having the folded over, "floppy" ears. I've done a little bit of research and found where "pricked" ears are considered a flaw. I'm not planning on breeding her, I just like the look of the folded over Aussie ears. So I'm hoping someone can let me know if her ears will both eventually fall over, or if it is common for Aussie to have the ears that stand up. I appreciate any input!! =)

 

[Cali]

What do they feel like? Can you post some pictures? They might stay up.. if you want them floppy you can train them down. Personally i think a pricked ear is cute and in a non breeding stock or show critter (esp a mini, they aren't widely recognized as correct) flaws don't matter
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[marbear]

With scotties they prick at 12 weeks ish and stay pricked unless there is cartilage damage. Once they are up, they're up. I guess you could tape them down (some people tape a german shepherd ears up with a cardboard insert to help them prick) but honestly I don't know if that sounds humane for just looks. Prick ears are better as far as not getting ear infections...not as dark/moist in there. Perhaps if her hair grows longer it will weigh them down but that is not the case with scotties.

 

[Cali]

I had to tape my Chinese crested's ears until he was 7 months roughly. If you want down ears you'll go for more what they do with rottweilers
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Regula]

Yep, usually once they're up they're up. They can be taped, but personally I don't think that makes sense.

Not sure about other breeds, but bull & terrier type dogs as well as American bulldogs can have a "funky ears" stage around the time when they're teething where the ear set is all over the place...
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[DLo]

The prick ears are a 'flaw' in the breeding line. Don't fault your dog for bad breeding, accept it as part of her character/charm. Personally I'm not a fan of people who alter dogs ears in any way, especially cropping.

 

[tokibear]

Aussie ears typically don't stop changing until they have finished teething. My girl went through quite a few very interesting ear phases. Typically, once they are pricked, they stay that way but, without seeing photos, I can't say for sure what your exact situation is. You could try taping them or gluing them but if you aren't going to show her, then I wouldn't worry about it. Prick ears are a fault in the show ring but they definitely don't fault a good pet!