When Will My Corgi's Ears Stand Up? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

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 2024, and for a good reason. Corgis are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and lovable, and they make wonderful pets. One feature 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' ears stand up between 2 and 6 months, but it can occur later. Interestingly, it can be difficult to know for sure since it can take as long as 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 your Corgi has one floppy ear, how you can help them stand up, and how you can tell if their 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, which have different origins and histories. Although they may appear similar, there are a few differences in their physical appearance. Both are small dogs 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, but the Cardigan’s ears are larger and more rounded. Cardigans have long, fox-like tails, whereas Pembrokes are sometimes born with short tails. 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 worldwide 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 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 have upright ears, but even when they don't, 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, 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, their ears play 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 later. At that point, their pinnae, the big, floppy parts of their ears, will slowly develop and eventually stand upright, thanks to the cartilage inside. However, this change isn’t guaranteed to happen in every dog. As we mentioned, there’s a slight chance your Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s ears will stay floppy throughout their life.

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 is 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 is lower.

However, this is certainly not a scientifically proven way to judge the probability of their ears standing upright in adulthood, but it could be something worth trying. You may just need to give your puppy a little bit more time. You can talk to your vet to see if they can determine when your dog's ears will stand upright.

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

No. There is no scientific evidence that confirms 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 concerns about your Corgi’s health and development.

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

Speaking to your vet before giving your dog supplements is important. Most 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 essential nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, needed for healthy growth and development through a complete, balanced, high-quality food formulated specifically for their age and size. There is rarely a need to offer supplements unless your vet recommends it.

Before giving any new medication to your dog, we recommend you consult a veterinarian for the best advice on which would be the best treatment for your pup.

If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.

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 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 dogs don't enjoy massages, and they're 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 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, usually holding gauze or something similar in place, to help their ears stand up and make nice, attractive points. Some Corgi owners have tried this method, but leaving the tape on a dog’s ear can lead to unwanted issues. Some dogs try to remove it, and others 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 injuries to the ears. It’s important to understand that your Corgi’s ears will stand upright on their own, and you must be patient and give it time. If your Corgi's ears stay floppy, it shouldn't affect their health, but you should still inspect them regularly and clean them if needed.

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. 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. If you have more questions about your Corgi's ears, please consult your veterinarian.

Featured Image Credit: Alvan Nee, Unsplash