How do floppy-eared breeds hear compared to pointed-eared dogs?

Floppy-eared breeds like Basset Hounds hear differently than their pointy-eared cousins, but just as well. And while ear shape affects sound localization, it does nothing to diminish overall sensitivity. Pendulous ears, in fact, help filter out distracting background noise, allowing hearing to remain functional even in chaotic environments.

Inner ear compensations equalize balance, as with other breeds of hound. Basset hounds have an "internal cochlear structure" that enhances their ability to hear frequencies as high as 40 KHz, almost matching that of other pointed ear breeds. Cocker Spaniels have long ear canals, which serve as amplifiers of sound, even with droopy ears; thus, guaranteeing that the domestic dog has the capacity to hear residents, even when the external ear may be worn or conspicuously absent.

Environmental benefits vary. Floppy ears shine in city noise filtering out traffic, chatter. Pointed ears rule in pastures, locating movements. Hunter breeds like the Beagle use their lips to home in on scents over sounds.

The care requirements for your dog's ears depend on the type of ears it has. Breeds with floppy, droopy ears will need inspection and drying if the dog goes swimming to prevent infections. Conversely, breeds with pointy, erect ears do not get as moist but may be susceptible to frostbite in winter. With both dogs, regular cleaning will be beneficial.

Both are great, and there are advantages to having floppy ears in today's world. Still, there were certainly advantages to having pointed ears when they were working dogs! Neither ear shape makes for a "better" breed, but rather describes how the dog should evolve to fit its job alongside us.

Read the full article: Dog Hearing Range Explained Simply