How to select a puppy with the correct ears

by Louise
(Midlands, UK)

I am hoping to get a Miniature Schnauzer in the next few months and have been looking for reputable breeders in the UK. Some sound great but upon looking at photographs of previous litters (admittedly the pups were quite young in the pics) they often seem to have their ears set quite low down on the sides of their heads.
Is this normal in a very young pup (e.g. less than 8 weeks old) or is it a fault? I am not looking for a dog to show but I do like their ears in the "normal" position if I've got a choice. Can any one give me any tips on what to look at ear-wise in a young pup of about 6 weeks old?
Thank you.

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Apr 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you
by: Louise

Thanks, Annie. I will definitely upload some puppie pics once I'm lucky enough to get one. Can't wait!
Apr 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Goog luck
by: Annie

I would think it would be difficult to tell how the ears will turn out from a young pup - unless they are already either sticking up or flopping down.
Good luck with choosing your puppy - post a picture once you get him - or her. The are all so cute as puppies.
Apr 03, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		I should clarify
by: Louise

Thank you for your comments Annie - I didn't quite make myself clear however. I am familiar with the natural ears, which I love. Some schnauzers seem to have them set very low on their heads however, more like a spaniel. I wondered what to look for in a puppy so that the ears wouldn't be spaniel like but nor would they stick right up in the air (my sister in law's mini schnauzers suddenly did this as she grew).

Or perhaps it's too difficult to tell with a pup? I will of course love the dog whatever, but if I could select a pup with "normal" ears, then great.

Thank you.
Mar 24, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		it's normal
by: Annie

Schnauzer ears do not normally stand up, they fall down, not up.
The only ones which point upwards are the ones which have been clipped in the USA. This is cruel and illegal in the UK, as is tail docking.
They look great with long tails and natural ears.

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