To know a Chihuahua is to be well aware that this is a big dog in a little body, and figuratively speaking, it never seems bigger than when its large ears are upright and alert.
Though the breed’s AKC standard gives the ears no more than one sentence (“large, erect type ears, held more upright when alert, but flaring to the sides at a 45 degree angle when in repose, giving breadth between the ears”), the Illustrated Guide expands upon the importance of these ears.
To be clear, bigger is not better. The ears have to be noticeably large, yes, but they also have to fit the dog’s head. If the ears are so big that they look as if a good wind could take the dog aloft, it’s probably an ear that creates an unbalanced head. On the other hand, an ear that looks anything but large is also faulty.
And you thought this was easy.
RBIS GCHG Shorepointes Moonwalker owned and photographed by Kristi Green, bred by Justin Ward & Bill McCollister
Why are the ears so important (beyond using them to ignore their owner when he or she calls?) They play a huge part in breed expression, and in our view, enhance the whole “big dog in a little package” thing when they’re alert, typically when the dog is interacting with other dogs. Mind you, they’re not alert all the time, nor should a judge expect them to be. When a Chihuahua is gaiting, relaxed, or tense, she may hold her ears back along her skull, and that’s ok. What is important is that the Chihuahua can get those ears into a alert position (11:00 and 1:00 o’clock), not that they be held alert constantly. Note that the standard says both carriages are correct, but a “tired” ear that can’t be held erect is a disqualification. In adult dogs, cropped, broken down or soft ears are also a DQ, and small “kitten type” ears, or ears that are set too high are undesirable
Where the ears “plug in” at the head is important: The lowest part of the ears, the eyes, and the dog’s stop should all be at the same level on the head. As for the ear itself, the tips can be slightly rounded or slightly pointed.
Erect ears may cause distress in a new breeder who looks at their litter and see nothing but floppy ears. They will come to realize that the muscles at the base of those tiny ears aren’t yet strong enough to hold them up. Gradually, this will change once teething is over. That said, there’s an expression that “ears will sit as meant to.” Translation: Genetics play a huge part in a Chihuahua’s ears.
CH Knockout Drosselmeyer owned by Kristi Green
If ears still aren’t standing as desired in an adult, we’ve read that taping and/or massaging the ear base are options, but we defer to Chihuahua experts on this.
Ultimately, we suspect you’ll never look at a Chihuahua again and not remember the relevancy of those ears.
Top image: “Christian,” aka Ch Starry Night Red Hot American Lover owned (and photographed) by Kristi Green, bred by Chris Randall.
Our thanks for Kristi Green who responded when we needed photos immediately!