If you’re parenting a Chihuahua, you already know they have a big personality. But their bodies don’t reflect that, so they’re a popular choice among dog owners. Plus, their friendliness and loyalty are welcome bonuses. However, they do have one unique feature—their ears.
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their ears are not. These little creatures may have straight ears or floppy ears.
If you’ve ever looked at a chihuahua and wondered why they need those huge ears, you're not alone.
Here’s a breakdown of the reasons and whether these ears can do anything!
Why Do Chihuahuas Have Big Ears?
Evolution! That would be the one-word answer, but we’ll get into the details.
There are multiple theories about the Chihuahua’s origin. However, the most popular one places them in Mexico, where they descend from a desert breed.
Since the desert had sweltering temperatures, this breed developed huge ears to provide shade for themselves and cool off. The ears also absorbed any moisture in the air.
But these days, Chihuahuas have other uses for their ears.
What Do These Ears Do?
Chihuahuas may have inherited their ears from their ancestors, but they don’t let them go to waste.
They can help chihuahuas with the following:
- Sun Protection
The dogs still use their ears for their original purpose: to shade their face from the sun. The ear also traps moisture from the air and condenses it to absorb it through the skin.
- Protecting Their Puppies
Unlike adult Chihuahuas, puppies don’t have large ear. They’re born with a small ear that develops later. Meanwhile, the mother uses her ears to protect the puppies from the sunlight. They also use them to snuggle in the winter, thus preserving the body temperature.
- Communication
Chihuahua ear have eighteen muscles. These muscles help position the ear in specific ways to help them communicate. Let’s say: body language!
What Do the Ear Say?
Chihuahuas can use their ear to communicate with you. Learning what they’re trying to say can help you bond more efficiently.
Plus, things are way more fun if you know what could make your dog feel better at any given moment.
Here’s a guide to help you understand how your big-eared friend feels:
- Happy
If your Chihuahua has his ears tilted back, he’s happy. He’s also more likely to be friendly at this time. Other signs include an open mouth and bows.
It’s time to play!
- Angry
If your Chihuahua has his ears apart and is tipped forward, he might be angry. Other signs include growling and a forward stance.
Now’s the time to use all those calming techniques.
- Relaxed
Your Chihuahua is relaxed if his ears are straight or erect, like usual. You’re the best person to know the specific positions for the ear, so it’s time to make your judgment.
- Anxious
If the ears are tilted back, your Chihuahua might be anxious. Other symptoms include a stiff body and a tail between the legs.
Try to calm the dog and determine what is causing the reaction.
- Submissive
If your dog’s ear are back and downward, he submits to authority.
That could be you or an alpha dog.
- Guilty
If your Chihuahua has his ear folded, he’s probably guilty or worried. The face will give it away too.
The best thing to do would be to look around and see what’s wrong.
- Scared
If the ears are pinned back, your Chihuahua is likely scared.
Try to calm the dog because he’s likely to bolt soon.
- Interested
If the ears are pointed forward while erect, he’s probably interested in something.
They’ll also be more alert for sounds and smells in this position.
My Chihuahua’s Ears Aren’t Erect. Is Something Wrong?
It depends.
Generally, all Chihuahuas have a straight ear, but there are cases where they may be floppy. If your Chihuahua has typically floppy ear, it might be because he has a recessive gene. He might not be a pure breed.
If that’s the case, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s just like having a specific eye color.
However, if your Chihuahua’s ear have been floppy for a while, even though they’re usually erect, there might be a problem.
Here are a few probable causes:
- Infections
Ear infections are pretty common in dogs, and Chihuahuas are no different. Typically, they exhibit signs of distress like scratching their ears, shaking their heads, and more. You might also notice that the ears are floppy or not in their usual position.
Once you notice these signs, take your Chihuahua to the vet and follow their instructions. They’ll check what’s causing the infection and start treatment according to that cause.
- Injuries
Chihuahuas are small, and so is their sense of self-preservation. They’ll attack anything that provokes them, even if the opponent is more prominent.
This fearlessness can lead to injuries, which might be why their ear isn’t erect.
- Malnutrition
Malnutrition can also lead to floppy ear. You should try to maintain a nutritious diet with adequate calcium levels.
Contact a vet if you’re not sure about the diet. Severe malnutrition can lead to death, so you must be extra careful.
- Teething
Your dog may have floppy ears when teething at about five to six months. That is normal because the Chihuahua will be distressed, but you should try increasing the calcium concentration in his diet. The ears will return to normal in a while.
We have an article all about floppy ears you can check out.
Cleaning Chihuahua Ears
Since the Chihuahua’s ears are big, they’re more likely to catch dirt and debris. That’s why cleaning their ears is essential, or they’ll develop an infection like osteitis.
The cleaning process isn’t that complicated. You need to convince your dog to let you do it.
You’ll need an ear-cleaning solution. Try to get your vet’s recommendation for one. Dampen a cotton ball with this solution and gently clean the ear. Don’t use q-tips or swabs, as they can push debris in and injure the ear.
If your dog is prone to ear infections, ask your vet for a medicated ear cleaner, or you can make your own made of equal parts filtered or distilled water and apple cider vinegar with the mother in it. Shake it up before using it. My vet recommended this for a Terri-poo I had who had chronic ear infections, which really did help.
Conclusion
To sum up, Chihuahuas have huge ears because they have evolved to deal with the heat. They also serve as secondary communication tools. Generally, these ears are erect, but they can also be floppy.
Sometimes owners will try to use taping and massages to straighten floppy ears, but I don’t see any reason to do that. All in all, just pay attention to the body language, and you’ll both do remarkably well.
