German Shepherd Ears: The Complete Guide

German Shepherd ears are easily recognizable and a dominant feature of them. Their ears are quite amazing, in addition to making their stunning appearance. Have you wondered how good their hearing actually is? Or need some basic care tips? This article is a complete care guide and will answer those questions and more!

German Shepherds have incredible hearing, up to 7 times better than humans. They can hear up to nearly a mile away. While a puppy’s ears will be floppy, they should start standing up around 4-5 months of age. Basic cleaning and checkups help to keep ears healthy and clean.

This complete care guide to GSD ears will cover many topics. Including how well they can hear, when their ears should stand up, some commonly asked questions, and a basic guide of problems and how to help.

Do German Shepherds have the best hearing?

Dogs, in general, can hear sounds from 40Hz up to 50,000Hz, while human can only hear up to 20,000Hz.

When compared with other breeds, German Shepherds are often ranked in the top three of the best hearing with their pointy ears.

So not only do they hear better than humans but also better than many other dogs too. Their exceptional hearing allows them to be great protectors and excel in many working line scenarios.

But what makes the German Shepherds ears so special? A few things lend to the GSD having a such great hearing. They can hear a wide range of frequencies, from low to very high. They have mobility in their ears, being able to move around to maximize sound. Also, their upright and curved ear helps them to hear sounds better. 

German Shepherd ears capabilities

German Shepherd Dogs do have some amazing abilities when it comes to their ears! They can hear up to 7 times better when compared to humans. 

Not only can they pick up high-pitched sounds that are not available to our ears, but They can also hear those sounds when they are not loud enough (between -5 dB and -15 dB on average) for our ears. 

This explains why GSDs can hear sounds from almost a mile away. This makes and keeps him very alert.

German Shepherd hearing FAQs

There are a lot of great questions surrounding German Shepherd’s ears. They are, after all, an important focal point of the amazing breed.

How good is a German Shepherd’s sense of hearing?

Their hearing is about 7 times greater than a human. They can pick a sound from up to a mile away!

Do German Shepherds have hearing problems?

GSDs can have ear problems, including allergies, infections, or hearing loss. However, they are not known for hearing issues.

What kind of music will help German Shepherds to calm down?

Music can help calm anyone down, including German Shepherds! Research has shown that classical or soft rock music works best.

Can German Shepherds get annoyed in a noisy environment?

GSDs can get annoyed in a loud or excessively noisy place. Be sure to check their body language, ears down and tail tucked might mean they need a break from the noise. 

How loud is too loud for German Shepherds?

Loud noises can be stressful and scary. Prolonged loud sounds can be damaging to their hearing. Generally, 80-85 decibels is considered the limit. Examples like fireworks and thunder may make them anxious and scared.

Also read: Why Is My German Shepherd Afraid of Thunder, Lightning, and Fireworks? And What Should I Do About It?

From floppy to straight, how long until GSDs ears stand up?

German Shepherds are born with their ears down and floppy. While this is an adorable stage, you’re probably wondering when they will begin to stand up.

Typically around 4 to 5 months, the ears will be fully erect and stay that way. Chances are before they are upright, they may go up for a day, then back down again, but that’s a good sign. 

If your GSD is getting close or past the 5-month age with the ears still not being up, you may need to talk to your vet about it. Between 5 and 7 months, the cartilage in the ears is usually somewhat flexible, and they can still stand up with help.

Related: When Will My German Shepherd Puppy’s Ears Fully Stand Up?

Are GSDs prone to ear problems?

German Shepherds are not necessarily high-risk when it comes to ear problems, but they are possible. Ear allergies are one of the most common problems that will impact a German Shepherd’s ears. Allergies to food, the environment, or even a household product could be the issue. 

A GSD may also experience an ear infection at some point. Most commonly, this can happen due to excessive moisture in the ear or an allergy that disrupts the natural bacteria balance. Infections can be very painful and lead to serious problems if not treated quickly. 

Common allergens for ears

A GSD can have many different symptoms when an ear allergy is present, including:

• Red ears
• Frequent shaking of their heads
• Bad smell from their ears
• Excessive discharge from ears
• Itching or rubbing ears a lot

Also read: Ear Allergy in German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know

Ears can also be bright red and inflamed. Discharge from the ear and a bad odor may also be present. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A veterinarian is the best resource when determining what is the matter with your GSDs ears. They can inspect and run tests if needed. If the ear discomfort is from an allergy, they can help pinpoint what exactly is causing that to avoid future problems.

There is also the possibility something is stuck in your dog’s ears. It is important to get ear problems fixed quickly to avoid severe problems. 

How ear issues are treated is dependent on the cause. The best treatment for an allergy is to eliminate the source of the allergy if possible. Infections may require prescription ointments or antibiotics. An ear rinse schedule may also be a treatment option to keep ears clean and healthy.

How to treat ear problems in GSDs

To treat an ear problem, you will first have to identify the source of the problem. They could have allergies, an infection, or something foreign stuck in their ear. The first step is noticing that somewhat is wrong with their ears. Some symptoms or warning signs to look out for include:

• Excessive itching 
• Redness in the ears
• Bad odor 
• Shaking their head a lot
• Discharge from ears

An ear rinse is a good preventative measure. It is gentle and done properly, it can help alleviate some ear problems. A visit to the veterinarian is the only one to diagnose and give the proper treatment. Your GSD may need prescription topical creams or antibiotics. 

Basic ear care for your German Shepherd

German Shepherds have distinct, prominent ears. It’s a small part of what makes them stand out amongst other breeds. There are many simple ways to care for their ears to avoid future problems and potentially expensive treatments. Fully erect GSD ears are fairly easy to care for and an important part of their health.

How to check your dog’s ears and what to look for (80 words)

A visual check of your dog’s ears is an easy way to make sure everything is ok. Look for any redness, lumps, or bumps. Without touching too far inside their ear, make sure nothing is stuck or out of the ordinary. 

Your German Shepherd’s behavior is also an indicator to watch for. If they seem in pain or crying when touching their ears, there may be something wrong. It may be time for a closer inspection and a vet visit if they are constantly itching or trying to rub their ears on things.

How to clean

According to the American Kennel Club, ear cleaning is an important part of their care. There are many gentle ear rinses available to help clean their ears. You only need a few items to clean their ears, including the ear rinse, some cotton gauze or cotton balls, and a towel is helpful.

Double-check your specific product instructions, but generally, you will put a small amount in their ears for about 30 seconds. Then they can shake their heads to get the rinse out, and from there, you can clean around the ear with the cotton. Not touching too far inside their ear is crucial, as it could lead to serious damage. 

Here is a video demonstration to show you how to clean your GSD’s ear properly:

Importance of keeping them dry

Keeping your German Shepherd’s ears dry can help avoid irritation and infections. After baths or if they enjoyed a swim, they may need some help getting their ears dry after. Your dog can do a pretty good job on their own by shaking their head. But a soft cloth or cotton can also be used to help dry the ear.

Food and supplements to support healthy ears

There are certain supplements and foods that can support ear health in German Shepherds. Fish oil, vitamin E, and probiotics can help support healthy ears. If your GSD is currently experiencing ear issues, consider changing their diet to eliminate a potential allergy.

Here are some healthy food and supplements:

Food or Supplement	Benefits
Fish oil	Omega fatty acids help to decrease inflammation that may cause ear problems
Vitamin E	Promotes the immune system, skin, and ear health
Probiotics	Prevent excessive yeast growth, which helps decrease ear infections
Yogurt	A good source of probiotics
Salmon	A good source of omega fatty acids

Conclusion 

The ears of a German Shepherd have some amazing capabilities! They hear significantly better than humans and are ranked among the top compared to other dog breeds. Their puppy ears are floppy, but when they start to grow, their ears take on that beautiful and distinct shape we know and love.