Your French Bulldog ears can curl back during their teething period as their ear cartilage becomes weaker and their body redirects its supply of calcium to making teeth, or it can curl backward later in life due to injuries, about 90% of Frenchies will have their ears stand up again later.
Forward Ears
The ears are an important way that dogs communicate with us. They can indicate a variety of things, including the state of the dog’s mood, their emotions, and the dog’s interest in you.
The ear position of a French Bulldog can vary significantly. When a dog has their ears forward, it typically means that they are happy and content. It can also suggest that they are curious and looking for something new to learn about.
If a dog has their ears in this position, it can also mean that they are paying close attention to something around them. They may be listening to sounds that are interesting to them or are paying attention to anything that could cause them harm.
These ears are also commonly found in huskies and Alaskan malamutes, but they can be seen on many different terrier breeds as well. They give the dog a pointed appearance, and are usually used to communicate with other animals in their environment.
When a French Bulldog has their ears in this position, it can indicate that they are trying to get your attention. They may tilt their head, and you can also see wrinkles on their forehead as their ears move outward.
A French Bulldog that has their ears in this position is also likely to be excited. They might be barking at something that they are curious about, or they may be showing excitement by running to you.
Ears in this position can also indicate that the dog is chasing something or is interested in playing. If your French Bulldog has their ears in this position, you might want to watch them closely to make sure they don’t run away chasing something.
The ears in this position can also indicate that the dog has a health condition or is prone to skin issues. If your dog has a health condition, such as dermatitis or allergies, it is important to speak with your veterinarian to determine what treatment they would recommend.
While taping can be helpful for encouraging ear development, it is important to do so under the guidance of an experienced breeder or veterinarian. There is no one best method for ear taping, so it’s important to try multiple methods to see which ones work best for your dog.
Droopy Ears
There are many different factors that contribute to a French Bulldog’s ear position. Some of them are hereditary, while others may be caused by a health issue. While some ear problems can be very serious, most of them aren’t.
One of the most common causes of a droopy ear is lack of cartilage in the ear. This is a normal part of the ear development process and will usually resolve on its own.
Another cause of a droopy ear is calcium deficiency, which can be addressed by giving your dog calcium-rich food or adding a calcium supplement to their diet. If you want to ensure that your French Bulldog has strong, healthy ears, consult with your veterinarian about the best course of action.
The ear canal of a French Bulldog is shallow and narrow, which can make it more susceptible to infection. This is why it’s important to regularly clean their ears and remove any dirt or debris that might have built up.
You can use a gentle ear cleaning product, witch hazel, or unscented baby wipes to clean their ears. Be careful not to insert the ear cleaner too far into their ear canal, as this can irritate their delicate skin and lead to an infection or other problem.
If your French Bulldog is experiencing a droopy ear, it is recommended that you take them to see a veterinarian for a physical exam and other tests as needed. Some of these tests include bloodwork, x-rays, and hearing testing.
A droopy ear can also be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as a tangled tail or ears that are too long. This condition can be exacerbated by strong sun rays, so it’s important to keep your pup out of the sun as much as possible.
There are some ear issues that can be prevented by cleaning your French Bulldog’s ears on a regular basis and removing any debris that might have collected there. It’s also important to keep your dog’s ear canals dry, as this will help prevent moisture buildup that can lead to infection.
Back Ears
French Bulldogs are a small breed of dog, measuring 10 – 13 inches tall and usually weighing under 28 pounds. They are also very popular as family dogs because of their affectionate and loving nature.
They are generally easy to care for and have a short, smooth coat that is very durable. In addition, they are very energetic and enjoy a good playtime or socialization.
When Frenchies are young, their ears will usually be floppy. However, they should start to develop more fully and stand up after about seven weeks. This gives them the “bat ear” look, which is a characteristic of the French Bulldog breed.
Some Frenchies will take longer than others to achieve this, but it is still perfectly normal and is considered a positive sign. This is because they are undergoing teething, and the extra calcium that is being used for their new teeth will cause their ears to stand up.
If you notice that your Frenchie’s ears are not standing up at all, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is because ear infections are very common in this breed, and they can lead to hearing loss and other health problems.
It is a good idea to use a soft tape and wrap it gently around the base of your Frenchie’s ear. This can encourage them to stand up, but it is important to not leave the tape on for too long or it can create a moist, warm environment that can make your Frenchie’s ears susceptible to ear infections and other issues.
Another reason why French Bulldogs’ ears aren’t standing up is if they have an ear infection, which can cause a build-up of fluid behind the ear. This can cause the ear to swell and become red or tender.
Ear infections are very common in French Bulldogs, and they can be caused by bacteria or fungus. The build-up of fluid can irritate the ear canal and cause a painful infection that may require surgery.
The earliest signs of an ear infection in a French Bulldog can include a discharge that looks like cottage cheese, a phlegmy nose and a scratchy or swollen ear. If your Frenchie’s ear is a red or pink color, is painful and swollen or has a foul odor, then you should schedule an appointment with a vet right away.
Upright Ears
Upright ears aren’t something you see often in dogs but this is the ear position of choice for French Bulldogs. This is because it suits their large head and adds to their comical look.
A lot of people don’t realize that these oversized, bat-like ears are also prone to infections because they can easily get irritated and clogged with dirt and water. To prevent this, it’s important to make sure your dog’s ears are properly cleaned.
Luckily, there are many ways to help your dog’s ears stand up naturally. Taping their ears is one way, but it’s important to use the right tape and technique. If the ears are left on too long, it can create a warm, moist environment that’s perfect for the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to ear infections.
Another option is to give your puppy a special diet that includes calcium supplements. This will help their body to build up the necessary calcium and encourage their ears to stand up.
While there is no set timetable to have a French Bulldog’s ears stand up, it usually takes around 4 months for their ears to fully develop and start to perk up. It isn’t uncommon for their ears to take longer than that if they’re being fed a poor quality diet or have other health issues.
Sometimes, a French Bulldogs ears will curl back during their teething process or while they’re learning how to hold their teeth in place. This happens at a different time for each pup, so it’s best to monitor them closely and ensure they don’t suffer any pain or discomfort from their teething process.
As a French Bulldog matures, they’ll continue to grow and their ears will eventually stop curving back. This is because their growing bones are pushing out the outer edge of the pinna (the part of the ear you can see) and the ears will become more upright over time.
Ultimately, when your French Bulldog’s ears are standing up, it means that they’re healthy and happy! If they’re having problems, like if they’re not standing up at all or their ears are curled backwards, then it’s important to visit the vet as soon as possible.