Choosing a German Shepherd puppy

Question
I've read that a good quality German Shepherd Dog will have completely erect ears. Is this so for when they are puppies?  If I'm in the middle of trying to choose a puppy, should his ears be erect?  Or, is the straightening of the ears something that happens with some short-term maturity?

Answer
Before purchasing a puppy there are a number of things you need to know.  German Shepherds are Wonderful, Loyal, Versatile dogs.  They are also high energy dogs that require a commitment of your time, education and money.

Reputable, ethical breeders provide  puppy buyers with a written contract. Always included is an ongoing commitment to the welfare of animals the animals they breed, and a stipulation they will take back, find a new home or help home your animal if it becomes necessary at any time during the life of your companion. Before You Purchase a German Shepherd or any dog, do not go any further unless you have read the below articles.

Deciding to Get a Dog
http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=111

Selecting a Breed
http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=112

Finding a Reputable Breeder
http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=113

The Golden Rules of Finding a Reputable Breeder
http://www.ckc.ca/en/portals/0/pdf/CKC.Rules.find.breeder.pdf


Please trade with ethical breeders only, or consider adopting a homeless pet from rescue or a shelter and help reduce shelter populations and SAVE LIVES!

If after reading the above articles, giving the matter some serious thought and you still want to purchase a pup thats great.   Before making your decision, please be sure you are ready for the investment of your love, time, companionship and care and finances, and and that you get educated about proper care, training and nutrition for raising your pet.

Informed pet owners take good care of their dogs and keep them for life!

German Shepherd Health, Nutrition, Care, Training & Behavior information, help, books and DVD's are available at my website


YOUR QUESTION ABOUT PUPPY EARS
I wouldn't worry to much about the ears.  German Shepherd ears are usually seen up at some point by approx 12 weeks.  It can take longer and some puppy ears come up early. As you stated its something that happens with with maturity.

Quite often teething is an issue and when pups are teething the ears go up and down.  Some dogs take longer than others but the teething process really affects their ears.  As a rule, if the pups ears have been seen up by 4 months, they will go up at some point.

Until they get their full set of teeth the ears can continue to go up and down.  Be Patient when it comes to your new puppies ears.

If you require further info about raising your puppy check out the info and help section of my website. I also recommend getting come good books about raising a german shepherd to assist you with all of the stages your puppy with go through.  You will be glad you did.

Sincerely
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com