Is a Corgi not pure if its ears don't stand up?

Many new Corgi owners panic when their pup’s ears stay floppy past 3 months, assuming it means the dog isn’t purebred. But that’s a common myth—ear standing has way more to do with timing and health than lineage. A purebred Corgi from a reputable breeder might still have floppy ears at 4 months, while a mixed-breed could have upright ones early.

Most Corgi puppies’ ears start to stand between 3 and 6 months old, but some take longer. I know a family in Colorado whose purebred Corgi didn’t get fully upright ears until he was 7 months—their vet reassured them it was just late development, not a purity issue. Rushing to “fix” floppy ears with tape can harm the cartilage, which is why vets across the US and Europe advise patience first.

Health and nutrition play big roles too. Puppies lacking key nutrients like calcium might have delayed ear standing, but over-supplementing is risky. More importantly, regular vet checkups—required by laws in places like California and Germany—are a must. These checks catch issues like ear infections that can keep ears floppy, and they’re part of staying compliant with local dog ownership rules.

Genetics also matter, but not in the way you think. Even purebred Corgis can carry recessive genes that make ears stand later or stay slightly floppy. European breed standards, like those from the Kennel Club UK, don’t disqualify Corgis for slightly floppy ears if other traits match—what matters is overall health and breed characteristics, not just ear position.

If your Corgi’s ears still aren’t standing by 6 months, talk to your vet to rule out health problems. But don’t stress about purity—focus on following local laws: getting proper licensing (mandatory in most US states and EU countries), keeping vaccines up to date, and providing daily exercise. Those steps matter more for a happy, healthy pup than ear shape.

At the end of the day, a Corgi’s personality and loyalty don’t depend on ear position or “purity.” Staying compliant with dog laws and giving your pup love and proper care will make them a wonderful companion, whether their ears stand tall at 3 months or take their time to catch up.