Hey everyone!
I'm considering getting a German Shepherd puppy, and I've been wondering about their ears. I've seen some German Shepherds with their ears standing up on their own, while others have their ears cropped like Dobermans. I'm curious about what the norm is with this breed, and whether or not their ears require any special care.
I personally prefer the natural look of a German Shepherd's ears, but I also want to make sure that they are healthy and comfortable. Can anyone share their experiences with German Shepherd ear care, or offer any advice on whether or not I should have my puppy's ears cropped?
Thanks in advance for any insights you can share!

Greetings,
I have a five-year-old German Shepherd that I have not cropped her ears. I believe it's unnecessary and causes unnecessary pain to the dog. German Shepherds are known for having their ears perk up as they grow up, which is unique to this breed. The standing ears give them a distinctive look that shows off their intelligence and alertness. Nevertheless, their ears stand up by themselves, even though it can take time for them to stand.
Since German Shepherds are known for having large, upright ears, it's crucial to clean and ensure their ears remain healthy. I generally clean the ears once every week or so using a vet-recommended ear cleanser. It's essential to be cautious when cleaning their ears because they're quite delicate. They only require a mild cleaning, but it's important to ensure the ear canal is free of excessive debris or earwax that could cause an infection.
In summary, I believe ear cropping isn't necessary and can cause your dog pain. Their ears generally hang down, and after a while, they become upright. Ensure their ears remain clean and healthy using a mild cleanser to prevent infections.