{"id":236,"date":"2021-02-20T15:33:29","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T15:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happybostons.com\/?p=236"},"modified":"2021-05-21T00:44:42","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T00:44:42","slug":"when-do-boston-terriers-ears-stand-up-do-they-need-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happybostons.com\/when-do-boston-terriers-ears-stand-up-do-they-need-to\/","title":{"rendered":"When Do Boston Terriers’ Ears Stand Up? | Do They Need To?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we first got our female Boston Terrier, Bridgette, her little puppy ears were floppy and drooping when she played. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I kept asking myself, “When do Boston Terriers\u2019 ears perk up or stand up on their own?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boston Terrier ears stand up at the age of 2-4 months, although it can take as long as 6 months. Not all Boston Terriers have ears that stand up. Genetics plays a significant role as to whether a Boston\u2019s ears stand up. Taping of the ears can happen as early as 6 weeks of age and will take 4-8 weeks to have the fullest effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was surprised to learn about the lengths people go to for Boston Terrier ears that stand up straight. Let\u2019s dig into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Do Boston Terriers Ears Stand Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boston Terriers, like most dogs, are born with floppy ears that do not look like the adult breed standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AKC standard for Boston Terriers calls for the ears to be \u201csmall, carried erect, either natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head and situated as near to the corners of the skull as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another term, pricked, means erect or standing up. This is the word used in the dog world to talk about ears that stand up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t fret when your puppy\u2019s ears droop. Most Boston Terriers\u2019 ears perk up between the age of 2-4 months, but some can take as long as 6 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be real. There is no guarantee that your Boston\u2019s ears will stand erect. It depends on your puppy\u2019s mother and father. Genetics play a huge role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your puppy\u2019s ears are folded fully forward at 16 weeks of age, they will likely have folded ears for the rest of their life. So stop fretting about it and enjoy your four-legged friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Boston Terrier Ears Curl Back?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Why<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During their teething stage, Boston Terrier ears can curl backward for an odd look. This only lasts for a few weeks and they should return to standing at 5-6 months of age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have not been able to find any scientific explanation for why this happens; however, it is shared across many breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common theories include a shift in calcium to the teeth during teething. Another, more logical view is that muscles in the face and head are getting a new workout during teething and cause the curling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That does not mean your puppy needs supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not give calcium supplements to your dog without a vet telling you to do so. You can cause a toxic situation. Let nature takes its course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can I Do If My Boston\u2019s Ears won\u2019t Stand Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your Boston Terrier\u2019s ears won\u2019t stand up erect, there a couple of options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our favorite solution is to let it be. If your Boston ends up with a floppy ear, so be it. As long as there is enough airflow to allow for good ear health, just enjoy your pupper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other option is to tape your Boston\u2019s ears. Taping your dog\u2019s ears is something you should do only with advice from a veterinarian or knowledgable breeder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taping of the ears will support parts of the ear while they develop strength. Unless there is a fold in the ear or the tips are too heavy, your Boston\u2019s ears should be standing straight in 4-8 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Tape Boston Terrier Ears To Stand Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n