French Bulldog Ears: Fact and Tips That Owners Should Know

French Bulldogs are excellent pets. They are family-friendly, small and cuddly, and a low-maintenance delight. When we picture a Frenchie, we see a compact, wrinkly little pup. French Bulldog ears add to their distinct look. They are typically bat-like, pointed, and erect.

When it comes to French Bulldog ears, there is a lot to know! In this complete guide, you will learn all about the look of a Frenchie’s ears, when they stand up, possible ear issues, and how to properly clean their ears to keep them healthy and looking pristine.

When Do French Bulldog Ears Stand Up?

The French Bulldog’s tall bat-like ears are one of its most prominent features. So, if your Frenchie’s ears aren’t standing up nice and tall, you’re probably wondering why they aren’t and when they will. French Bulldog ears will stand up on their own time, usually, after it’s finished teething. For the most part, you can expect the desired bat-like ears to appear by the time your puppy is several months old. Sometimes it takes a bit longer.

Floppy French Bulldog Ears

If you have a French Bulldog whose ears are floppy, you may have some questions since we know Frenchies to have upright ears. The good news is that there are answers, and we’ve got them for you here.

The truth of the matter is that it’s quite natural for French Bulldog ears to flop down.

A lot of times, a puppy Frenchie has downward ears. Especially when teething, their ears may fall. You really don’t have to do anything but wait for the ears to stand up on their own. This could happen after several weeks or months; the time varies for all dogs.

It is a possibility that your puppy will grow older and all their teeth come in, but their ears still aren’t standing. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but rather that your Frenchie is unique. Their ears will very likely decide to stand after some time.

Floppy ear frenchie
Lilac fawn french bulldog

One Ear Stands, One Ear Flops

French Bulldog ears can actually be quite fun to watch. Sometimes they stand, sometimes, they flop, and sometimes they do both. Frenchie’s ears have no exact timing, and they may even stand or fall at different times. It is common to see a puppy’s ear stand one day and flop the next. The process of your pup’s ears standing on their own time is nothing to ever worry about.

One ear flops
Blue French Bulldog

How are French Bulldog Ears and Teething Related?

In this article, you’ve already read that French Bulldog ears typically stand once a puppy has finished teething. You may be wondering how these two are related. Think about it this way: when you chew, your temple region moves because the muscles in that area work while you are chewing. When a French Bulldog is biting down, these pulsating movements also occur and can strain the ear muscles making them lose their shape. This is why when teething is complete and the act of biting down becomes natural, the ears are typically erect.

  • Special Tip: You will know if your French Bulldog is teething if you notice excessive chewing, drooling, inflamed gums, and mild fever. Teething happens to every dog and can affect how they develop in other areas. This is normal and is also why it’s important to recognize that it’s okay if your pup’s ears flop down.

Why Aren’t My French Bulldog’s Ears Standing?

There are two common reasons for French Bulldog ears to be floppy. We know that teething is one reason. Perhaps your Frenchie is older, and its ears still aren’t standing. It could also mean that your pup’s ears are bigger than a French Bulldog’s. Genes affect all sorts of traits, like a French Bulldog’s color and size. This also includes other features like their ears. However, it is very unlikely that your Frenchie’s ears won’t ever stand up tall. You know what they say, patience is a virtue.

Getting French Bulldog Ears to Stand Up

Many Frenchie owners love that their adorable pup will have erect ears because it adds to the charming French Bulldog look. You may want to assist your French Bulldog’s ears to stand up tall, and some may even tape a Frenchie’s ears up to assist in the process, but it’s best to let them be natural because taping their ears can actually cause damage enough that their ears will never stand up on their own.

Possible French Bulldog Ear Problems

French Bulldogs are one of the best dogs around due to their demeanor and loyalty. But they come with possible health issues, including potential ear problems.

Ear Infections

Since French Bulldogs have narrow ear canals, they are more susceptible to ear infections than other breeds may be. They are also prone to allergies, resulting in swollen ear glands that produce excess wax and lead to ear infections. Keeping an eye on French Bulldog ears means watching for redness, wax build-up, and scratching. Consult your vet if you see any of these symptoms of an ear infection. Proper cleaning (see below) can prevent ear infections.

Loss of Hearing

Hearing issues in French Bulldogs are certainly not unheard of. Frenchies can be born with deafness, or it can develop over time. Genes present in white-colored dogs make them more prone to hearing problems than other dogs. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test can diagnose deafness in a pooch.

Sunburn

Just like French Bulldog tails can be easily sunburned, so can their ears. Because Frenchies have such thin coats, their skin can easily be burned. Not only is sunburn uncomfortable, but it can be harmful. The good news is that it’s easy to prevent and even easier to notice. 

Avoid sunburned ears by:

  • Staying out of the sun: Spend time outdoors early in the morning or in the evening to avoid strong sun rays.
  • Ask your vet about safe sunscreen: While zinc is not okay for animals, your vet can recommend a safe sunscreen option.
  • Stay in the shade: If your Frenchie loves to bask in the sunshine, let them enjoy themselves in the shade. This is much better than dealing with the effects of a sunburn.

If you do notice redness and/or sensitivity of your Frenchie’s ears, contact your vet. They will decide if your pooch needs fluids and/or cold compresses.

Cleaning French Bulldog Ears

Now that you have all the info on the looks of French Bulldog ears and the issues they may have, let’s talk about how to keep them clean and healthy. We also want their ears to look nice and fresh since they are one of their most noticed features.

Why should I clean my French Bulldog’s ears?

Since most French Bulldog ears stand up, they are more likely to collect things like dirt, dust, and other debris. If you don’t clean their ears, it can result in infection.

How should I clean my French Bulldog’s ears?

First and foremost, normalize messing with your dog’s ears. Even if it isn’t time for an ear-cleaning, look at and touch your Frenchie’s ears often. This will help them feel more relaxed when it is time for an ear-cleaning.

The first few ear cleanings may be quick and less thorough than you’d like. This is okay. Your pooch will get there in time. 

Gather some ear-cleaning solution and cotton and follow these steps to take for a successful ear-cleaning:

  1. Relax next to your Frenchie and give it affection (treats, too!) to help it feel calm.
  2. Allow your dog to sniff and check out the cotton for a few moments. They will probably be weary of the cotton.
  3. Carefully open your dog’s ear canal and apply ear-cleaner. Gently massage the ear for a few moments, then allow your pup to shake its head.
  4. Dry their ears with a soft cloth.
  5. Of course, reward it for getting its ears cleaned.

How often should I clean my French Bulldog’s ears?

French Bulldog ears need some wax to protect them from environmental allergens, so you don’t want to overclean them. As you notice them developing build-up, you can clean them. Occasionally using ear wipes can also keep your pup’s ears nice and fresh.

Anytime you clean your dog’s ears out, dry them thoroughly, as moisture can lead to infection.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you feel full of knowledge about the appearance of your Frenchie’s ears, possible issues, and how to keep them nice and clean. The best pet owners are the ones who know the ins and out of their pups and show them all the love and care that they deserve. 

For more information on one of the best breeds around, check out how to train your French Bulldog and a guide to French Bulldog food.