Pembroke Welsh Corgis are at 11th place and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are at 63rd place among the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC statistics from 2023, and for a good reason. Corgis are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and lovable and make wonderful pets. One thing about Corgis that you might be wondering about if you have a Corgi puppy (or plan to adopt one) is when their ears will stand up like they typically do.

Most Corgi puppies will see their ears stand up between 2 and 6 months, but it can be later than this. Interestingly, it can be difficult to know for sure, as in some dogs, this may take as long as even 12 months, while in rare cases, the ears may not stand up even then.

You might have other questions about your Corgi’s ears, such as why does your Corgi have one floppy ear, how can you help them stand up, and how can you tell if your Corgi’s ears will stay floppy? For the answers to these intriguing Corgi questions, read on!

Do All Corgis Have Upright Ears?

Let’s first make sure we understand the distinction between the two breeds of Corgis that have different origins and histories. Although they may appear similar, there are a few differences in their physical appearance. Both are dwarf breeds with large heads and heavy, long bodies on short, thick legs, with Cardigans being slightly larger, according to the AKC.¹

They both have upright ears, although the Cardigan’s ears are larger and more rounded. Cardigans have a long, fox-like tail, whereas Pembrokes are sometimes born with a short tail. Historically, their tail was docked at an early age, but this practice performed solely for cosmetic purposes is now being abandoned and banned in many countries around the world due to welfare concerns surrounding it.² Pembrokes have a more of a rectangular appearance, while Cardigans have a curvy-looking back end.

While you might be under the impression that all Corgis have upright ears, that’s not 100% true. For example, some Corgis will have floppy ears even when they reach adulthood, although this is not that common, and some will have one ear that stands up and one that stays floppy, particularly while they’re still puppies. Most adults will have upright ears, but even if not, it generally does not cause them any health issues.

Why Do Corgis Have Such Big Ears?

Their large ears may make it easier for Corgis to hear their owners, dogs, and other animals with more success, particularly in noisy circumstances. Also, since they were initially bred as herding dogs, having big ears may have helped Corgis to hear commands better when out in the field or pasture herding sheep and cattle. Lastly, ears are a part of the dog’s anatomy that has an important role in the body language used for communication.

How Can You Tell if a Corgi’s Ears Will Stay Floppy?

When they’re born, puppies are deaf and their ears are floppy and only begin to open about 2 to 3 weeks after. At that point, their pinnae, the big, floppy parts of their ears, will slowly begin to develop and eventually stand upright thanks to the cartilage inside. This change, however, isn’t guaranteed to happen in every single dog. As we mentioned earlier, there’s a rather small chance your Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s ears will stay floppy throughout their life, but this is actually a rare occurrence. Injuries to the ear may make them harder to stand upright.

One way that has been anecdotally suggested to tell if Corgi’s ears will stand up eventually is to make a sound from a few feet away that attracts their attention. Saying a word like “food” or a phrase like “want a snack?” might be all you need. When you say the word or phrase, watch your Corgi’s ears. If they’re still floppy but stand up when you use the word or phrase, the chance that your Corgi’s ears will stand up someday may be high. If their ears stay low even if they hear and pay attention to what you’re saying, the chance their ears will stand up may be lower.

However, this is certainly not a scientifically proven way to judge the success of ears standing upright in adulthood, but it could be something worth trying. It may be that you just need to give your puppy a little bit more time. Consult with your vet, as they may be able to help.

Should You Give Your Corgi Calcium to Help Their Ears Stand Up?

No. There is no critically appraised scientific evidence to say that floppy ears are in any way related to calcium levels. Supplementing your puppy with calcium without veterinary advice can lead to significant joint and developmental issues, gastrointestinal signs, and other serious side effects. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your Corgi’s health and development.

Which Supplements Can You Give a Corgi to Help Their Ears Stand Up?

It’s important to speak to your vet before considering any supplements for your dog. The majority of such products are not FDA regulated, which means they may not be effective, the list of ingredients may be incomplete, or they could even be harmful if used improperly.

Your puppy will receive all the required nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, they need for healthy growth and development through a complete and balanced, high-quality food formulated specifically for their age and requirements. There is rarely a need to offer any supplements, and this should only be done according to veterinary advice in particular cases of underlying medical issues, along with regular blood monitoring.

Why Do Some Corgis Have One Floppy Ear?

Very few rules about Corgi ears are written in stone, which is why it’s genuinely difficult to say if and when your Corgi’s ears will finally stand up. Many factors can interfere with a Corgi’s ears, including their genetics, parents, ear injuries they may have suffered, and whether they have any other breed of dog in their ancestry.

The only person who might be able to tell you why your Corgi has one ear that stands up and one that flops is your veterinarian. However, it still may be difficult to tell for sure why your Corgi has one floppy ear because the signs and reasons might be so subtle.

Does Massaging Them Help a Corgi’s Ears to Stand Up?

Some dog owners believe that you’ll help them eventually stand upright if you massage your Corgi’s ears. This is not something that many dogs will tolerate, and it can cause them discomfort, while it’s highly unlikely to make a difference in achieving the desirable ear position. There is no evidence to say massaging an ear will correct its position, and it should not be performed with such a goal.

Cuddling and gently caressing your dog’s ears is one thing, but putting pressure on them or pulling them will cause your dog discomfort and pain and may even cause them to dislike their ears being touched in the future.

Can Taping a Corgis’ Ears Help Them Stand Up?

You may have seen dogs with tape on their ears, holding usually a gauze or something similar in place, which is there as an effort to help their ears stand up and make nice, attractive points. Some Corgi owners have tried this method, but leaving a tape on a dog’s ear can lead to unwanted issues. Most dogs will generally get it off, and some may even ingest the tape or gauze, which will cause gastrointestinal issues or even a blockage. Meanwhile, the tape that stays on can cause skin irritation and hair loss.

On the other hand, taping is not something most dogs will tolerate, and it may cause discomfort or even injuries to the ears. It’s important to understand that your Corgi’s ears will stand upright on their own, and it’s important to be patient and give it time. And if they don’t, they will still be perfect and even more unique, and this is not something you should be particularly worried about.

Conclusion

In most cases, a Corgi’s ears will stand up when they’re between 2 and 6 months old, although in some dogs, it may be longer than this. However, a few Corgis will never have ears that stand up, and some will have one ear that stands and one that flops.

They will, however, still be just as lovable, affectionate, agile, energetic, and fun. We hope the information we’ve provided has been helpful and answered all of your most pressing questions. For any other concerns, please consult with your veterinarian.

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Featured Image Credit: Alvan Nee, Unsplash