Ear Sets of the Miniature American Shepherd & Ear Taping
Different Ear Sets for Miniature American Shepherds
In Miniature American Shepherds and Mini Australian Shepherds there are two types of ear sets that are within breed standard. The ear set that tends to be most preferred is called "button ears". The other acceptable ear set, but sometimes less preferred, is called "rose ears". Occasionally you may see a Mini that has an ear or 2 that are upright or "prick ears" as they are called. This may happen from time to time but is not recommended for showing or breeding dogs. Below are examples of all three ear sets.
Button Ears*Most preferred*
Within breed standard |
Rose EarsWithin breed standard
|
Prick EarNot within breed standard
PC Rylee Peterson & Remi |
Methods to Influencing Your Puppy's Ears:
In some instances, you may be able to help train your puppies' ears to fold as button ears but it is not a guarantee. There are various methods out there that we can use to train the ear cartilage. The method you choose may depend on what your breeder recommends, how large or small their ears are, and how high or low the ears sit on the puppies head. It is best to start at a young age and be consistent! Consistency may be crucial for some dogs! The most important time to keep them taped is between 4 and 6 months when they are teething. Ears tend to be especially silly while they are teething. Some puppies need longer than 6 months.
- Taco Taping (video below explaining how to do this!)
- Chinstrap Taping
- (Recommend with black Gorilla/ Duct tape)
- Moleskin
- (Cut to shape of ear - I glue on with Tear Mender and sometimes add weight)
- Glueing tip of ear to forehead or cheek
- (Recommend Tear Mender - this is particularly helpful with young pups)
- Adding weight to tip of ear
- (Recommend Tear Mender and powdered tungsten)
Taco Taping Ears - (video below!)
Taco Taping method materials:
I have created a video explaining how I recommend Taco Taping. Taco taping is a commonly used method. For some pups, it requires consistency. After taping, I usually leave the tape on for 1 to 2 weeks and then give the ears a break for about 3 days before re-taping again. Massaging the base/fold of the ear as often as possible can also help influence the ear cartilage.
Please see video BELOW!
Taco Taping demonstration:
- Medical tape or thin strips of duct tape.
- I prefer using adhesive remover (such as UniSolve from Amazon) to help remove them gently.
I have created a video explaining how I recommend Taco Taping. Taco taping is a commonly used method. For some pups, it requires consistency. After taping, I usually leave the tape on for 1 to 2 weeks and then give the ears a break for about 3 days before re-taping again. Massaging the base/fold of the ear as often as possible can also help influence the ear cartilage.
Please see video BELOW!
Taco Taping demonstration: