Does a dog’s ear shape affect it’s hearing?

 

 

 

At birth the ear canals of a newborn pup are closed and open about a week later. The shape, thickness and placement of ears on a dog’s head differ between breeds. In addition, the way a dog moves his ears affects the ‘expression’ when we read his body language.  Most humans can wiggle their ears but a dog, equipped with 18 muscles in his ear can change their angle or direction (individually if he wishes) in order to change expression or listen without even having to turn his head.  Generally the different shapes we see in breeds today have come about according to either a ‘look’ or work purpose specific to the breed.

Candle flame shape is represented in the English Toy terrier whilst the Basenji sports a hooded ear.  The Corgi and Chihuahua has a bat ear and the French Bulldog blunt or ‘round ears’.  The Greyhound has a rose ear.  German shepherds and Malamutes have pricked ears or erect ears, sharp and pointed along with other wolf-like breeds. Sound is basically funneled down the ear. The pendant or drop ear is common to the Basset Hound and his ears act almost like an air scoop as he moves along.  The folded ears of the bloodhound act in much the same way because scent molecules are stirred up in their movement.  The Vizsla and Doberman present with a V shaped ear.  The filbert shaped ear (which is named after the shape of a tree’s leaf) appears on the Bedlington Terrier. Collies have a cocked ear that is partially bent.  This is also described as semi-pricked. Then the Jack Russell Terrier and Schnauzer are button eared where an erect ear folds over to the front, hiding the ear canal from view.  Butterfly ears can be seen typically on the Papillon. 

Ok, now that we’ve examined a few furry lobes let us announce that whilst many would argue pricked or erect ears would be able to hear the best, it is in fact the following 4 breeds trumping the hearing stakes. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. Each has exceptional hearing. Ear shapes can affect hearing distance and while humans can discern about 20 to 20,000 hertz, a dog’s hearing is well beyond ours being able to hear from 40 to 60,000 hertz.

Which shape are you dogs listening devices?

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)