Straightening ears that have been tipped?

J

Jordan

Forums Novice
Hello all! I joined this forum a year ago when we got our first sheltie - and then promptly forgot all about it!
Anyway, we just got Kojak a girlfriend, Roxy! She's a beautiful little bi blue merle! She was bred for show and got a little too big so the breeder was selling her. The only thing is, they tipped her ears. We know that is what they look for in the show ring, but we're not big fans of the tipped ears. Of course, if it is not possible to straighten them we will still love her, tipped ears and all! I was wondering though, if it was possible to sort of reverse that with the same tape they use to tip them? She's almost a year old, if age plays a factor. Any suggestion? Thanks!
 
This is truly a first for me... we get a lot of ear questions, but never this one.

Honestly, leave the ears be and love her the way she is. I suppose that, with absolute vigilance and a great deal of skill, you could make it happen... but at her age, I'd say enjoy the dog you have.

Here's something else to think about: love changes things. I know someone whose "dream dog" was a blue merle female with blue eyes. One thing led to another, and she ended up with a sable boy... and now, years later, she thinks sables are the prettiest. As you get to know Roxy - really know her and love her - I think you may find that love changes things for you, too.
 
say W-H-A-T?????

tipped ears are one of the hallmark characteristics of the sheltie breed, and most of us try everything under the sun to achieve that look. I can't even fathom not LOVING tipped ears-seems unnatural to not want them to enhance their precious lil faces

untip perfectly tipped ears...SCANDELOUS:hide
 
It probably is a little late for 'untipping'. 9 months seem pretty much the cut off for changing the ears. You could try. There is a method for lifting 'hound dog' ears using leather/board - don't know anyone who has needed to do it though, maybe one of the show people would know how that's done. Again though, it's done in their puppy hood.

One of the beauties of tipped ears, and perhaps the reason they were bred to have tipped ears, is they are the healthiest of all ear profiles. The tipping protects their ears from foreign objects, like dirt and grass seeds blowing in - like you'd get with prick ear dogs, while still allowing air flow and preventing infections and fungi that the hound dog ears get. They rarely get ear problems compared to other breeds. I've never had to clean a sheltie ear, and they don't smell like other dogs I know.

You may find, over time the way the ear falls changes when they are left alone. My dogs' ears vary with the seasons.
 
tofu pup said:
Here's something else to think about: love changes things. I know someone whose "dream dog" was a blue merle female with blue eyes. One thing led to another, and she ended up with a sable boy... and now, years later, she thinks sables are the prettiest. As you get to know Roxy - really know her and love her - I think you may find that love changes things for you, too.
Click to expand...

What a true statement!!!!

I always told my sister that I did not like the look of a small sheltie or one that did not have tipped ears! As I rescue my boys I wanted my sister to also have a rescue.

Fast forward, I found her the sweetest female sheltie Jasmine on Petfinder. Go figure, she is small and her ears are NOT tipped! I have to say she stole my heart! I LOVE her to pieces and provide her with daycare when my sister is working. This little female is the sweetest and kindest dog I have ever known.:lol:

Keep the ears as they are and just love your new pup! :yes:
 
Prong ears RULE!!!!! according to Sca. However he was supposed to be a Blue Merle and I would not trade him for anything. Spitfire was supposed to be a bi-blue and is a demon spawn sable and weeeelllllll :lol: just kidding we still love him despite his Spitfireness.

Leave her ears and give her and extra pet from us.
 
Ears? Lady's ears are tipped because I used false eyelash glue love them.
Lucky has one ear up and one down. Love those also. Fits his personality.
WUZ UP?

I wanted to tip Lady's ears because of the sheltie look. I would have laughed
if I straightened them. Her look all the time would be DO YA HEAR ME? Sometimes she thinks I am hard of hearing as it is. Character!

Love the sheltie look!!! Your fortunate the ears tips. I hear about breeders fighting for those, some ears whatever you do, don't tip, or flop.

All kidding aside one thing I would be concerned about is breaking down the leather on the ears and they would flop, and not stand up. Then again I am not
an authority on this at all.

Our very best wishes in your decision.
 
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