When you picture a French Bulldog, their adorable “bat ears” are probably one of the first features that come to mind. These upright ears are such a classic trait of the breed that it can be a little concerning when a Frenchie’s ears stay down. If your puppy’s ears are still floppy, you might wonder, “Is this normal?” The good news is, yes, it’s quite common, and in many cases, there are simple ways to help those ears stand up straight. In this article, we’ll look at why French Bulldog ears may be down, what you can do to help, and when there’s no need to worry. Stick around for some helpful advice and real-life stories from our TomKings Frenchie Family members!
Understanding French Bulldog Ear Development
French Bulldog puppies are born with soft, folded ears that lay flat against their heads. Typically, their ears begin to perk up around 3 to 4 weeks old, though each puppy is unique, and timing can vary widely. During these early weeks, a puppy’s body is growing rapidly, and the development of their ears is closely linked to their nutrition.
At TomKings, we start supplementing their mother’s milk with high-quality starter food at around 3-4 weeks. This ensures they get the nutrients needed to develop properly—especially important since the mother’s milk alone no longer meets all their needs. With a balanced diet and a little extra support, most French Bulldog ears will stand up naturally. In some cases, when the ears need a little help, we use a gentle taping method to guide them upright. It’s interesting to note that in standard-colored Frenchies, ear taping is needed less often.
Around 12-14 weeks, when teething begins, it’s also common for a puppy’s ears to droop again temporarily, as their bodies use up a lot of calcium. Once teething is over, the ears often return to a standing position, but to make sure we assist with taping and additional calcium supplements as needed.
As you read this, you might wonder—why do French Bulldog ears stand up in the first place? It’s actually a unique genetic trait of the breed, where the cartilage at the ear’s base grows thicker, helping those signature ears stay upright. But if your Frenchie’s ears are still down, don’t worry. In the next section, we’ll explore the common reasons why some French Bulldog ears may be floppy.
Common Reasons for French Bulldog Ears Remaining Down
If your French Bulldog’s ears are down, there are several common reasons that could be influencing this. Understanding these factors can help you decide if your pup needs a little extra support.
Health and Nutrition
Good health and nutrition play a big role in ear development. Ears need calcium and other essential nutrients to stand, so a well-balanced, high-protein diet is key. At TomKings Puppies, we recommend feeding Frenchies a super-premium dog food, as it provides the right balance of nutrients for growth. Illnesses, vaccinations, or even temporary drops in immunity can cause a puppy’s ears to droop. Thankfully, as their health improves, their ears typically bounce back as well.
Taping Method Mistakes
It’s fairly common for new Frenchie parents to try taping, but it’s essential to tape properly to avoid damaging the ears. The tape should be wrapped snugly at the ear’s base to provide solid support, without pulling on the ear tips. Incorrect taping techniques—like starting too high up or leaving the tape on while being loose—can actually make it harder for the ears to stand. At TomKings, we’re always happy to help with taping! Owners can send us photos, and we gladly give feedback on whether the taping is done correctly.
Ultimate Guide
to Raising a Frenchie
Delayed Taping
Timing matters when it comes to taping French Bulldog ears. If an ear that was previously standing starts to flop, it’s best to tape it right away. The longer a floppy ear is left unsupported, the harder it can be to retrain the cartilage to stay upright.
Size of Ears
French Bulldogs come with a variety of ear shapes and sizes, and larger ears can be a bit more challenging to keep upright. If your Frenchie has particularly big ears, they may need extra support and possibly even repeated taping to help the cartilage grow strong enough to hold them up.
Trauma or Injuries
Sometimes, a puppy’s ears may stay down due to physical injuries. For instance, rough play or an accidental bump can sometimes damage the cartilage in the ears. If your puppy was recently in a rough-and-tumble play session or got a little too close to a curious sibling’s teeth, this might be a factor. Small injuries can heal, but they may temporarily delay the ears from standing.
Weak Ear Cartilage
Some Frenchies may naturally have weaker ear cartilage due to genetics. As we mentioned earlier, a Frenchie’s cartilage should be strong enough to support their iconic bat ears. But in rare cases, the cartilage may not thicken properly, even with taping. For these puppies, the ear cartilage may simply be thinner or looser, which could prevent the ears from standing.
Possible Solutions
If your French Bulldog’s ears are staying down, there are a few tried-and-true methods to help them stand. In this section, we’ll share some tips and solutions for helping those adorable Frenchie ears stand proudly.
Ear Taping Methods
One of the most effective techniques to encourage a Frenchie’s ears to stand is ear taping. At TomKings, we recommend two main taping methods, depending on how much support the ears need. You can check out our video where Tom, our breeding expert, demonstrates both techniques step by step: Watch here.
For ears that are fully down, you can try a wrap-around taping method. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a breathable medical tape about an inch wide, which you can find at most pharmacies.
- Place your index finger inside your puppy’s ear to hold it upright, then start taping from the outside base of the ear.
- Wrap the tape gently around the ear, creating a supportive “cast” for the cartilage to strengthen.
- Leave the tape on for three days, then remove it and let the ears rest for one day. If the ears are still floppy, you can re-tape the next day and continue this process.
To remove the tape, use a small amount of surgical spirit on a cotton pad to dissolve the adhesive safely. Gently soak the adhesive with the spirit and peel the tape off slowly. After removing the tape, wipe the inside of the ear with a damp baby wipe to keep it clean and comfortable. Always make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and use a tape that’s easy to remove to avoid pulling on your pup’s fur.
If only the tips of your Frenchie’s ears are floppy, try a partial taping method, where you place a small piece of tape inside the ear, right where it begins to fold. You may need to add more pieces of tape toward the center of the ear to hold it straight.
Dietary Supplements
Nutrition is just as important as taping when it comes to supporting ear health. If your Frenchie’s diet is already balanced with a high-quality, protein-rich food, but their ears are still struggling, a calcium supplement can give an extra boost. Supplements designed for puppies are available at most pet stores, but we recommend checking with your vet to find the right dosage for your Frenchie.
When Should We Be Concerned?
Most French Bulldog ears will stand up on their own or with a little support, but there are cases when the ears remain down despite regular taping and good nutrition. If your Frenchie’s ears still aren’t standing after two months of consistent taping, it’s possible they may never stand fully upright. By about 8 months of age, most puppies with potential to have standing ears will already have them, so after this point, further taping is usually unnecessary.
Keep in mind that even if your Frenchie’s ears stay floppy, it has no impact on their health or their wonderful personality. As long as they’re happy, playful, and healthy, floppy ears are nothing to worry about. The charm of French Bulldogs goes far beyond just their breed standards and typical physical traits, and each one is lovable and unique in their own way. Many owners even come to love the unique look of their “floppy-eared” Frenchie.
Available puppies
Available Puppies
Personal Stories from French Bulldog Owners
At TomKings, we love hearing our Frenchie families’ experiences about their adorable pups. Here are some real stories shared by members of our TomKings Frenchie Family:
“Once their teeth come in their ears will pop up. I taped my pup’s ears and when he was done teething his ears stayed up.” – Debbie
“When Milo came he had one up and one down. The next few days with us they were both down for a few weeks. Now they are up as can be. I also used one tablespoon daily of plain Greek yogurt in his food. During teething their bodies use all the calcium for that so it’s good to replace it with the yogurt.” – Nadia
“Our Boys ears were a little crazy 🤪 at first. We didn’t tape them and they came up in a month and a half after we got him.” – Alyson
Of course, many owners find their Frenchie’s floppy ears to be irresistibly cute, and they wouldn’t have it any other way:
“Our Bubbles, we could never get her left ear to stand up. We should have called her, Yin & Yang. But she’s adorable and we love her regardless.” – Michael
“I know floppy isn’t considered breed desirable by most, but I absolutely LOVE them. Obviously I think my baby is perfect either way, but I am kind of hoping Balderdash’s ears STAY floppy.” – Leo
These stories remind us that, while standing ears are the breed standard, many Frenchie parents grow to adore the unique quirks of their pups. Whether up, down, or somewhere in between, those ears are just one small part of what makes each Frenchie truly special.
The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 15 years. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
