When Will My Chihuahua’s Ears Stand Up? Timeline & Care Tips

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed globally and ranked as the second most popular dog breed in the UK. Their distinct appearance makes them instantly recognisable among dog lovers.

If you are thinking of buying a Chihuahua puppy, it's helpful to know the usual progress of their physical development, specifically when their ears will stand up.

When Do Chihuahua Ears Start to Stand Up?

Chihuahua puppies are born with folded or floppy ears. Their ears begin to stand naturally between 5 to 15 weeks of age. This process can vary from puppy to puppy due to genetics and coat type, especially for long-haired Chihuahuas who may take a little longer.

Typical timeline for ear development:

• Birth to 3 weeks: Ears remain floppy as puppies' ears and eyes open.
• 5 to 12 weeks: Many pups start showing partially or fully erect ears, often by 8 to 12 weeks.
• 4 to 6 months (Teething phase): Some puppies’ ears may droop again temporarily due to teething.
• After 6 months: Ears usually regain and keep their final position. If still floppy, they likely will remain so.

How Teething Can Affect Your Chihuahua’s Ears

Teething is a significant phase between 4 and 6 months when adult teeth replace milk teeth. The intense chewing during this time can temporarily weaken the ear muscles because of their connection to jaw muscles, causing previously erect ears to droop again.

This fluctuation is common and can affect one or both ears independently, changing from day to day. However, ears typically regain their stiffness and position after teething completes and adult teeth have fully emerged.

Will My Chihuahua’s Ears Stand Up Permanently?

If your Chihuahua is around 8 to 9 months old and the ears remain floppy without signs of standing up, it is likely they will stay that way. While erect ears are desirable for show-quality dogs, floppy ears do not impact your pet's hearing or wellbeing.

Retained floppy ears give your adult Chihuahua a charming, youthful look. Still, they can have a slightly increased risk of ear problems like infections or ear mites, so regular ear care is essential.

Essential Care Tips for Floppy or Folded Chihuahua Ears

• Regular cleaning: Use a vet-approved ear cleaner to gently remove wax and debris but avoid over-cleaning which can irritate the ear canal.
• Keep dry: Ensure ears are dried thoroughly after bathing or exposure to water to prevent moisture build-up that can encourage infection.
• Routine inspection: Check ears frequently for redness, swelling, foul odour, or discharge indicating infection.
• Seek veterinary advice: Promptly address any signs of ear trouble with your vet to protect your dog’s ear health.

Conclusion

Chihuahua puppies’ ears start standing up mostly between 5 and 15 weeks, with possible drooping during teething at 4 to 6 months. By around 6 months, you can usually tell if ears will be permanently erect or floppy. Maintaining good ear hygiene is important, especially for floppy ears, to avoid infections and keep your pup comfortable and healthy.