Soft ear? - Page 1

We have a coming two-year old female that we purchased specifically to breed.  She comes from good working lines.  We've had her since she was 8 wks. old.  She is a great dog in many respects, but her left ear has never stood up.  We're trying to determine whether her ear is a genetic defect or just a fluke of hers.  We want to make a responsible decision about breeding her and are not sure what to do.  I've attached a photo taken two weeks ago that shows her ears as they are normally carried.  I'd appreciate any insights or suggestions.

Thanks!

Kathy

Sorry but I would not breed with her , She will pass it on.

I have seen enough GSD puppies with floppy ears when they have been bred form parents that both had erect ears.

That's what we're afraid of and we don't want to produce pups with a fault.  Thanks for your input.    I think the only responsible thing to do is spay her.  If we purchase another female in the future, do you have any suggestions as to how we can try to avoid this?  Both of our dog's parents have erect ears and according to the breeder, there are no ear problems with any of her littermates or ancestors.

Kathy

The parents may have erect ears, but who's to say they were not  'helped' along the way?  Hopefully a breeder is honest about that in his dogs.

The best way to prevent it from happening, is find a line of dogs with smaller,  stronger ears, and a good honest breeder. 

 I've never had a problem with ears on my pups. 

All the best!