The AKC standard states, “Ears of the drop type, known as the Phalene, are similar to the erect type, but are carried drooping and must be completely down.” In selecting your phalene for show or breeding purposes, it is vital to keep the standard in mind. Until the standard is changed, this is our Bible. We can not infer that the standard permits anything different (e.g., being able to slide a pencil between the skull and the ear leather without touching either). This example permits a dog to lift the ears.
Watch a pure (6 generations on both parents’ side) Phalene’s ear development. Note that the ears are flat against the skull starting at three weeks old and do not alter from that placement as the pup ages.
1 week old
3 weeks old
4 weeks old
5 weeks old
6 weeks old
7 weeks old
9 weeks old
10 weeks old
13 weeks old
14 weeks old
17 weeks old
Another phalene’s ear development. This boy is Kristian (a.k.a., Max) and is owned by Nancy Sherwood. Kris is pictured at 2 months, 5 months, 6 months, 11 months, and 16 months old.