3 Reasons Why Corgis Have Floppy Ears

Every dog breed comes with a unique personality and incredible features which make them different from other breeds. Corgi is one of them. One can easily guess if it’s a Corgi among thousands of other breeds. Their short legs, large belly, and amazing fur coat make them one of the most adorable dog breeds ever.

Corgis were originated from the US, and later on, they started being used as breeding dogs. Many civilised people started breeding the Corgis along with other famous breeds like Labrador, Poodle, Beagle, etc. Nonetheless, the Corgis retained their individual fame and identity. Do you know another thing that makes Corgis so adorable and unique? You guessed it right! It’s a pair of Floppy Ears.

We’ve all seen those incredible creatures with pointed ears on television, but we completely overlook the fact that there is a real creature on Earth with a similar feature. So let’s learn more about these floppy ears and why they’re so popular in Corgis.

1. Lack of Calcium Supply

During the development phase of a Corgi puppy, its body uses calcium for the teething process. While all the calcium is taken up by the teeth, there’s no calcium left for the proper development of ears, resulting in floppy ears in Corgis. The floppy ears might change to stand up and come back to normal after different intervals of time. The ears might start to rise fully after the process of teething is finished.

2. Petting the wrong way

The body of a puppy during its early stages is extremely sensitive, and it should be cared for with meticulous attention to detail. All owners enjoy petting their tiny fur baby, but it is essential to remember not to pet your puppy behind their ears, as this can disrupt the growth of their ears and result in floppy ears. Keep in mind that this form of action could permanently alter the shape and function of your Corgi’s ear.

3. Genetics

Some dogs are born with a low number of neural cells and, in some cases, low quality of these cells. Due to this deficiency, the cartilage present in the ears tend to change, and Corgi might be born with permanent Floppy ears. Charles Darwin, a well-known personality, once researched the subject and concluded that while most Corgis have pointed ears, a few of them might be expected due to the genes they inherit from their parents.

5 Tips to keep your Corgi’s ears in good shape

1. Use a masking tape

Masking tape is one way to keep your puppy Corgi’s ears in place. This will hold the cartilage in place and prevent the ears from being floppy in the Corgi. This operation can only be performed by a veterinarian and not by a regular pet owner since it necessitates special care and expertise.

The taped ears should be kept for around 10-14 days to achieve good results. One alternative for the masking tape which can be used is Porous tape. Check out this youtube video to know how the masking tape procedure is done:

2. Make sure there are no wounds and allergies

Before you cover your dog’s ears, make sure he doesn’t have an infection or a wound in the back of his ear. Otherwise, the dog could be in discomfort during the procedure, which may negatively impact his health. Consult your dog’s vet for ointments if you notice any allergies. Only begin the masking tape procedure after you have verified that the area is clean and safe.

Note that your dog can try to remove the tape if they find it irritating. Distract them with treats and toys to keep them from doing so. You may also use the tape to teach them obedience training to make them feel more at ease.

3. Deal with your dog’s fears before taping them

Masking tape could be a new object introduced to your dog, and it might scare him. If your dog exhibits unusual behaviours such as digging, fearful barking, or refusing to eat, it may be a sign of anxiety. To solve this problem, you’ll need to create a strong bond between your Corgi and the masking tape. You will do this by allowing him to play with the tape and engaging him in enjoyable games with it. You can soak the tape in water to remove the glue and keep it from sticking to your dog’s hair.

4. Pet your Corgi properly

Petting your Corgi can be a little tricky. If you do it incorrectly, your Corgi will develop floppy ears. Stroking your corgi’s ears in an upward direction is the best way to pet him. This exercise will undoubtedly assist your Corgi in erecting and pointing his ear. While you’re petting your dog, don’t forget to feed him treats. Keeping your dog happy should be your top priority; otherwise, your dog might get bored or dull.

FAQ

When do Corgis’ ears go up?

Corgis’ ears begin to rise about the age of eight weeks, although this may be delayed in some cases. Some owners have noticed that their Corgis’ ears do not ultimately develop until they are at least a year old. When your Corgi completes their first year, the ears will stop developing entirely.

Why are my Corgi’s ears floppy?

Floppy ears are common in Corgis for several reasons. Some of them are still going through their growth spurts, and others are still in the teething stage (3-5 months old). Floppy ears may also be caused by external factors such as people playing with them or other pets biting them.

We hope this article helped you to know about the science behind Corgi’s Floppy ears. If your Corgi has floppy ears, don’t get panicked or stressed about it. Consult a vet and talk to him about the issue, and you might get lucky. To know more about Corgis, check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHJN6IO6jYI