Benefits of Owning a Terrier With Floppy Ears
If you are considering adopting a terrier with floppy ears, you are not alone. The look of these dogs is utterly adorable. They seem so cuddly and friendly and are the ideal companions for a large family, frequent visitors, or adventurous outings. Despite their unique appearance, these dogs are friendly and loyal to their owners. Listed below are some benefits of adopting a terrier with floppy ears:
These dogs have large, floppy ears and lively nature. These terriers have the potential to be explosive in their hunting and outdoor activities. However, they are not as adaptable to small spaces. Unless you have large yards, this breed is not a good choice for city living. As with all terrier breeds, you should be prepared to take certain precautions if you want to own a terrier with floppy ears.
The origin of floppy ears in dogs dates back to 1868 when Darwin wrote about a gene that developed over years of domestication of foxes. The trait, which is called drop ears, emerged when a Russian geneticist bred the calmest foxes together. For several generations, the resulting dogs were tamed and their long floppy ears were a perfect fit.
Another option for treating floppy ears in Boston Terriers is to tap them.
However, you should begin the taping procedure as soon as you notice that your dog’s ears are flopping. It can take between three and four weeks for the ears to stand on their own. If the ears are not raised by the time your terrier is four months old, they may never stand up. It may take four to five years for the cartilage to strengthen.
One of the main reasons a terrier with floppy ears is prone to ear infections. While they are often stubborn and can be quite large, floppy ears can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Floppy ears should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as you notice your terrier is displaying symptoms of an infection or earache. In addition, if your terrier is prone to ear pain, you should consider adopting an erect Boston Terrier instead.
Another cause of floppy ears in dogs is malnutrition. While most dogs with floppy ears aren’t malnourished, they can suffer from fungal infections and parasites. Often, female terriers’ ears take longer to stand up than males. It’s worth mentioning that both male and female terriers have non-straight ears. They are sometimes called drop ears.
Yorkie pups have floppy ears.
This is normal since they lack muscle strength at the base of the ear. They will grow into the proper position and match up shortly. However, some Yorkies can be “late bloomers” and take as long as nine months to grow the ear structure. So, you should be aware that your new Yorkie may have floppy ears if you plan to show it in conformation shows.
Besides the ear surgery, you can use ear tape to hold the floppy ears upright. Taping is not ideal, because the tape can cause hair loss in the ears. Make sure to use a gentle fold, and avoid forcing the ear into an unnatural position. Also, remember to keep an eye on how your pup reacts to the tape. If he or she seems uncomfortable, it might be time to remove the tape.
Despite their cute appearance, these dogs are notoriously difficult to train. They need to be properly socialized and supervised when playing outside. They are great with children but should be kept in a fenced yard. They are also loyal to their humans and are great family pets. However, it is important to note that these dogs can have a high prey drive and may need training. They are also very hardheaded and may be unable to handle basic commands.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
