When Do Texas Heeler Ears Stand Up?
A Texas Heeler's ears are one of their most distinctive features. These adorable pups are born with floppy ears that eventually stand up as they mature. So, when exactly do these ears perk up? Let's take a look!
The Typical Timeline
Most Texas Heelers will have their ears standing up by the time they are 12 to 16 weeks old. However, there is some variation between dogs. Some may have their ears up a bit earlier, while others may take a little longer.
Factors That Can Affect Ear-Standing Time
Several factors can influence when a Texas Heeler's ears stand up:
- Genetics: Some dogs are simply predisposed to having their ears stand up earlier than others.
- Size: Larger dogs may take a little longer for their ears to stand up than smaller dogs.
- Health: A dog's overall health can also affect ear-standing time.
- Environment: The environment in which a dog is raised can also play a role.
What to Do While You Wait
If your Texas Heeler's ears are still floppy, don't worry! This is perfectly normal. There are a few things you can do to help encourage their ears to stand up:
- Massage their ears: Gently massaging your puppy's ears can help strengthen the muscles that support them.
- Use ear tape: Some people use ear tape to help train their puppy's ears to stand up. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
- Be patient: The most important thing is to be patient. Your puppy's ears will eventually stand up in their own time.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your puppy's ears are still floppy after 16 weeks, you should consult with your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health problems and offer additional advice.
Enjoy the Floppy Ears!
While it may be exciting to see your puppy's ears finally stand up, it's important to remember that floppy ears are a part of their charm. So, enjoy these adorable pups while they last!
Here are a few additional tips for caring for your Texas Heeler's ears:
- Clean their ears regularly: Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner to remove dirt and debris from their ears.
- Check for signs of infection: Look for redness, swelling, or discharge in their ears. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your puppy to the veterinarian.
- Protect their ears from the sun: If your puppy is going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, apply sunscreen to their ears to protect them from sunburn.
I hope you found this post informative and entertaining!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Texas Heeler Association [invalid URL removed]
American Kennel Club
I would also love to see photos of your adorable Texas Heeler puppy!
Please feel free to share them in the comments below.
Thank you for reading!
P.S. Did you know that Texas Heelers are also known as Australian Cattle Dogs?