35 Adorable Dog Breeds With Pointy Ears (With Pictures)

Adorable dog breeds with pointy ears

Many pet fanciers adore dog breeds with pointy ears, and it’s easy to see why. The pointy ears on these dogs show excitement, alertness, and a dash of goofiness. But did you know that there are many kinds of pointy ears?

While some dogs feature erect ears and hooded ears, others have candle flame ears, prick ears, or semi-erect ears. These are just some of the different kinds of pointy ears in dogs; in reality, there are more!

In this guide, we’ll look at 35 adorable dog breeds with pointy ears. We’ll explore what kind of ears they have and get to know a bit about them. If this sounds interesting to you, continue reading.

The 35 Dog Breeds With Pointy Ears

Interestingly, dogs with an upright set of ears are said to be closer relatives of wolves than dogs with floppy ears. The so-called domestication syndrome is an explanation for this dilemma.

The domestication syndrome talks about the physical changes in animals brought about by domestication. So, why do some breeds still have pointy ears?

Most importantly, what dog breeds have pointy ears? Read along to find out!

1. Akita Inu

Akita Inu tongue out

The Akita Inu is a large breed of dog that originates from Japan. This breed is known for its alert and dignified appearance, characterized by its pointy ears.

The Akita Inu’s ears are triangular and stand erect on the top of its head. They are typically black or dark brown in color and may have a white tip at the end.

The pointed shape of the Akita Inu’s ears helps them improve their hearing ability. Their ears are also a key part of their overall appearance and are some of their most attractive features.

However, despite having an attractive pair of erect ears, Akita Inus can be prone to ear infections. That said, regular cleaning is required to keep their ears in tip-top condition.

2. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute running on the snow 1

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog that originated in the Arctic region of Alaska. This breed is known for its thick coat and powerful, athletic build.

Furthermore, the Alaskan Malamute is characterized by a pair of inverted V-shaped ears, which stand erect on the top of its head. These ears are a key part of the breed’s appearance and are also functional in the wild.

Alaskan Malamutes are some of the most adorable big dog breeds with pointy ears. These dogs also make great family members, on top of being intelligent working dogs.

Interestingly, Alaskan Malamute dogs are born with folded ears. Their ears only become fully erect when they reach six months old. Size-wise, their ears are relatively small compared to the size of their heads.

3. American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog walking outdoors

The American Eskimo Dog is a small- to medium-sized dog that originated in Germany. This breed is known for its thick, white double-layered coat, compact, muscular build, and upright set of ears.

The pointy ears of this breed are a distinctive feature that gives it an alert appearance. Unsurprisingly, the American Eskimo Dog’s ears are among its most adorable features.

The sharp, pointed shape of their ears is a key part of the breed’s overall appearance, and they help give the breed a more distinctive and regal look.

However, American Eskimo Dogs are known to be prone to ear infections, which can cause inflammation and discomfort. Hence, it is important to clean their ears regularly.

Watch this video of an adorable pointy-eared American Eskimo Dog:

American Eskimo loves his ears

4. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog in the barn

Aside from its distinctive blue or red mottled coat, the Australian Cattle Dog is also known for its erect triangular ears.

The Australian Cattle Dog’s pointy ears are relatively large compared to the rest of its face. These ears stand upright and enhance the breed’s ability as a herding dog.

In terms of appearance, these pointy-eared pups often have a mottled pattern. However, it can also be a solid color, adopting the color of the coat on the top of the dog’s head.

Their ears also resemble a candle flame-like shape, characterized by a subtle inward curve. This shape helps in directing sound waves into the ear canal.

5. Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier sitting on top of a table

The Australian Terrier is a small breed that originated in Australia. This breed is known for its spunky, energetic personality and long, wiry coat.

On top of its adorable features and loving disposition, the Australian Terrier also has an adorable set of pointy ears. This versatile pointy-eared dog makes an effective watchdog and even a working dog.

The pointy ears of the Australian Terrier are quite large compared to its small stature. Their ears sit high above their head and are covered with a slightly shorter coat than the rest of their body.

6. Basenji

Basenji in the forest

The Basenji is a small, athletic dog with a short-haired coat and a striking appearance. One of the most noticeable features of the Basenji is its large, pointed ears that are set high on the head.

The ears of the Basenji can also move independently, which helps the dog locate sources of sounds. Basenjis have the so-called hooded ears, which are cowled near the sides, giving them a unique shape.

As a bonus, the ears of the Basenji give the breed a fox-like appearance. They also add to the breed’s alert expression. Overall, the pointy ears of the Basenji complete the iconic look of the breed.

7. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois running on the grass

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, muscular dog breed native to Belgium. It is a working breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism.

One of the most glaring features of the Belgian Malinois is its pointy ears. Aside from giving the breed a more alert look, their ears also serve a purpose.

As these dogs are often used as police or dogs, their ears aid in tracking sounds.

On top of their impressive abilities as working dogs, Belgian Malinois dogs are also great companions. This explains why dog lovers are hooked on this breed.

These pointy-eared dogs are similar in appearance to German Shepherds, but they are slightly smaller and have slightly shorter ears.

8. Berger Picard

Berger Picard running on an open field

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized dog known for its muscular build and athleticism. This shepherd dog breed is native to France and is known for its wiry double coat and long pointy ears.

The pointed ears of the Berger Picard are covered in thick fur, usually darker than the rest of its body.

Interestingly, the ears of these dogs rarely fold down, which gives them an alert and energetic look.

Berger Picards are intelligent, loyal, and hardworking. In terms of appearance, these adorable dogs often come in fawn, brindle, or gray coats. They are also known for their untidy “scruffy” look.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Berger Picard is a rare dog belonging to the herding group. These pointy-eared dogs were popularized in the 2005 movie “Because of Winn-Dixie.”

9. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier in a field of flowers

The Boston Terrier is a dog breed known for its distinctive appearance, which includes a square-shaped head and a pair of triangular-shaped ears.

This pointy-eared dog is described as being “bat-like” in appearance. This is evident from the black mask on its face and its monochromatic coat colors — brindle & white, seal & white, and black & white.

The ears of Boston Terriers are typically covered in black fur and are set wide apart on the dog’s head, giving it an alert and attentive expression. Interestingly, Boston Terriers are born with floppy ears.

Boston Terriers originated in the United States, specifically in Boston, Massachusetts. The breed results from the combination of various Bulldog and Terrier-type dogs.

10. Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier smiling while outdoors

The Bull Terrier is a breed known for its distinctive egg-shaped head and triangular-shaped eyes. Aside from this, Bull Terriers are also renowned for having erect ears that are set high on their heads.

These dogs with pointy ears are admired for their muscular build and oddly shaped heads. Additionally, Bull Terriers are intelligent and energetic dogs that are well-suited to a variety of activities.

Despite their controversial look, these adorable dogs excel in obedience training as well as agility competitions. In terms of colors, they usually come in white but can also be white & brindle, white & red, and white & fawn.

11. Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier sitting on outdoor furniture

The Cairn Terrier is a compact dog that hails from Scotland. These pointy-eared dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs for small animals like foxes and otters. Eventually, they became companion dogs.

Cairn Terriers sport a pair of upright ears that are covered in a rough, weather-resistant coat. These dogs have inverted V-shape ears where the base is wider and the tip is pointy.

As a breed that was raised in the rugged Scottish highlands, the Cairn Terrier is a robust dog. In fact, these iconic pointy-eared dogs might be the sturdiest among their size group.

In terms of temperament, the Cairn Terrier possesses a friendly and energetic nature. They can get along with other companion animals and are generally good with children.

12. Canaan Dog

Canaan Dog prowling in the woods

The Canaan Dog is a dog with pointy ears that originated in the Middle East. It is a versatile breed that was originally developed for guarding livestock and herding animals.

Canaan Dogs are intelligent, independent, and protective, and they excel at obedience and agility training. These pointy-eared dogs have a strong prey drive and are known for their stamina and endurance.

Appearance-wise, they have a medium to long coat that is thick and rough to the touch, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, black & tan, red, sable, and white.

Some telltale features of the Canaan Dogs are their upright, pointy ears, slender legs, long muzzles, and dark eyes.

Canaan Dogs make good companion pets for active people who can take them on a long walk every day.

13. Chihuahua

Chihuahua on a park bench

The Chihuahua is a small dog named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. This breed is known for its small size, big personality, and distinctive appearance.

Looks-wise, the Chihuahua has a long, tapered head, large, round eyes, and pointed ears. Chihuahuas also come in a wide range of colors, including black, white, brown, red, and tan.

The ears of a Chihuahua are relatively large in proportion to its face. On some occasions, the pointy ears of this breed may be covered by long fur, especially with long-haired Chihuahuas.

Interestingly, the Chihuahua’s ears are not erect all the time. Its ears can also appear floppy, especially if the dog is asleep. However, when awake, its ears are naturally upright.

14. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested standing on two feet

The adorable pointy-eared dog in the photo above is a Chinese Crested — a small, elegant breed of dog known for its unusual appearance.

There are two varieties of Chinese Crested: the powderpuff, which has a thick, soft coat, and the hairless, which has smooth, hairless skin and tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws.

Regardless of its kind, this breed is known for its upright set of ears. The ears of these dogs may be covered by their long, silky fur, giving them a unique look.

Speaking of fur, Chinese Crested dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, chocolate, and white.

If you’re looking for a unique dog that does well in an apartment setting, the pointy-eared Chinese Crested may be the one for you. Just make sure to train this pooch early, as they are prone to excessive barking.

15. Chow Chow

Chow Chow with blue tongue

The Chow Chow is a medium- to large-sized dog known for its distinctive appearance, which includes a thick, fluffy coat and a distinctive blue-black tongue.

The Chow Chow has a large, square head with small, triangular ears that are set high on the head. Their pointy ears are held upright and are slightly rounded at the tips.

Chow Chows are known for their independent and sometimes aloof personalities. They can be reserved with strangers but are generally loyal and protective of their families.

These dogs are also very intelligent but can be stubborn at times. That said, this pointy-eared dog breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners.

16. Corgi

Corgi tongue out

One of the cutest dogs on this list is the Corgi. The Corgi is a small- to medium-sized dog known for its short legs, long body, and outgoing personality.

Corgis come in two kinds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both types have short, thick coats that come in many colors, such as red, sable, fawn, black, and tan. Both kinds also have pointy ears.

However, while the ears of most Corgis are pointy, some Corgis may have floppy or bat ears. One reason why this could happen is nutrient deficiency. It is also possible that Corgis with floppy ears did not develop correctly.

Another reason could be physical trauma. Like other parts of a dog’s body, the ears can become limp if injured. A Corgi may also have floppy ears if it is born from a Corgi mix.

17. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher walking in an open field

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. These dogs with pointy ears are often used as service and police dogs.

Appearance-wise, Dobermans have a sleek, muscular build and a short, smooth coat that comes in red, black, and blue, among others. A big part of the identity of the Doberman breed is its long, pointy ears.

Interestingly, the Doberman breed naturally comes with a set of long, floppy ears. However, they are typically cropped to stand upright, giving the breed a sharper appearance.

Aside from ear-cropping, tail-docking is also performed in most Dobermans. This procedure is done for a handful of reasons. You may learn more about it in our guide on Doberman tail-docking.

Due to the many praise-worthy traits of the Doberman, this pointy-eared dog is crossed with different breeds.

18. Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz out in the snow

The Finnish Spitz is a breed that originated in Finland. They are small to medium in size and are known for their energetic and lively personality, as well as their strong hunting instincts.

Like other breeds on this list, the Finnish Spitz is a dog with pointy ears. This dog’s ears are covered in thick golden-red coats and are well-proportioned with their fox-like faces.

Finnish Spitz dogs are intelligent and independent dogs that are easy to train and generally good with children and other pets. However, these dogs may be reserved around strangers.

One interesting fact about these pointy-ear dogs is that they are known for their vocalization. In fact, the Finnish Spitz is known as the “barking bird dog.”

Watch the pointy-eared Finnish Spitz in the video below:

Best talking dog - Finnish Spitz demands treat

19. French Bulldog

French Bulldog with flowers on the background

The French Bulldog, also called the Frenchie, is a small- to medium-sized dog known for its playful and affectionate personality. Aside from their pointy ears, Frenchies have other admirable features.

For starters, French Bulldogs have a stocky build, featuring a large head, broad chest, and short, muscly legs. Their ears are usually upright and stand erect on top of their heads.

The pointy ears of Frenchies are covered by a thin layer of smooth coat similar in color to the rest of its body. Speaking of colors, Frenchies come in fawn, merle, brindle, white, and more.

Aside from the standard Frenchie, this costly pointy-eared pup also comes in a teacup and long-haired variant.

20. German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog walking on the snow

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is one of the most popular dogs with pointy ears. In fact, this pointy-eared dog constantly ranks high on AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.

GSDs are medium- to large-sized dogs that are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. One overlooked feature of this dog breed is its large pointy ears that sit high on its wedge-shaped head.

These pointy ears help the GSD to take on roles in police and military work, search and rescue, and therapy services.

The pointy-eared German Shepherd Dog is covered in a double-layered coat that comes in a combination of black, tan, and sable.

Temperament-wise, the GSD is one of the best pointy-eared dogs to own. These dogs are generally healthy, obedient, loyal, and highly trainable.

21. German Spitz

German Spitz with glassy eyes

The German Spitz is a very ancient breed and has been around for over 2,000 years. In fact, this dog breed is one of the oldest pointy-eared dogs on this list.

The German Spitz is a dog that comes in several different sizes and varieties. These varieties include the Standard, Mittel, Klein, Zwergspitz, and Wolfspitz.

Interestingly, the different kinds of German Spitz are all pointy-eared dogs. Furthermore, all share the same ear shape and overall appearance.

Because of these traits, the German Spitz excels in obedience, agility, and flyball events. Surely, this is a dog with pointy ears that can do it all.

The German Spitz is the dog to get if you are a fan of dogs with fox-like appearances and don’t mind the demanding upkeep of its thick, double coat.

22. Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdog playing on the grass

The Icelandic Sheepdog, also called the Iceland Spits or the Icelandic Spitz, originated in Iceland and was originally used as a farm dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog sports an erect set of ears covered in medium-length fur. Their ears are a bit curved near the sides and taper near the tip.

As general-purpose herding dogs, these pointy-eared dogs do well as guard dogs for sheep and cattle. They can also hunt foxes and ptarmigans thanks to their keen sense of hearing and strong senses.

Size-wise, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a small- to medium-breed. This pointy-eared dog breed is quite rare and can be pricey.

23. Papillon

Papillon running outdoors

The Papillon is a tiny dog breed that originates in Europe. This adorable breed features a distinctive set of pointy ears that resembles a butterfly-like shape.

In terms of temperament, the Papillion is one of the friendliest pointy-eared dog breeds on this list. This breed has an outgoing personality and a sweet and loving expression.

The pointy-eared Papillon is also highly intelligent and easy to train, making it an excellent option for first-time owners. This breed also does well with children and other pets.

Surprisingly, the Papillon can also function as a watchdog despite its small stature. Its alertness and protectiveness towards its family make it reliable in watching over homes.

24. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound resting on the grass

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the most regal-looking dogs with pointy ears. With its pair of large, erect ears and majestic posture, this breed surely looks intimidating.

Originating in Malta, the Pharaoh Hound was first used as a hunting dog by Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. This explains why this breed is also called the Egyptian Hound.

Pharaoh Hounds are medium-sized dogs with a very athletic build. Their bodies are covered by short, smooth coats that are usually reddish-brown in color.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the Pharaoh Hound is a friendly breed. They are also outgoing, active, and smart. Their high energy level and athleticism make them ideal dogs for agility and lure coursing.

If you’re looking for a pointy-eared dog that has a unique appearance, the Pharaoh Hound might be your match. On top of their already excellent features, Pharaoh Hounds are also low-maintenance dogs.

25. Pomeranian

Pomeranian sitting on the couch

Reigning from the Pomerania region in Germany, the Pomeranian is one of the cutest dog breeds with pointy ears. This dog breed is known for its thick, fluffy coat, as well as its fox-like face and triangular ears.

Pomeranians make good watchdogs, given their alertness and good hearing. They are also highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train, making them suitable for most families.

One of the biggest selling points of this pointy-ear dog is its size. Pomeranians are tiny dogs, which makes them top choices for people living in small homes or apartments.

That said, the Pomeranian breed is not perfect. Unfortunately, these dogs have slightly demanding care needs, especially when it comes to exercise and grooming.

26. Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Podengo with leather harness

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient dog breed that originated in Portugal. This dog has a large pair of pointy ears that are slightly angled away from its head.

Portuguese Podengo dogs come in two types: smooth-haired and wire-haired. Size-wise, they have three different variants — Grande, Medio, pequeno or large, medium, and small, respectively.

Appearance-wise, this breed can sport different coat colors, such as black, fawn, orange, grey, gold, and chestnut. A lean and athletic build is also a defining trait of the breed.

As one of the oldest dog breeds with pointy ears, the Portuguese Podengo can be challenging to find in local shelters and breeders. However, this dog is still worth the hunt if you’re looking for a unique pointy-eared dog.

27. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier looking upwards

The Rat Terrier is a small and energetic dog that was originally bred in the United States. This dog’s pointy ears come in handy for its original purpose — hunting farm pests, such as rats.

The pointy-eared Rat Terrier comes in a variety of sizes and coat colors. This dog usually weighs anywhere between 5 and 15 pounds and stands around 10 to 18 inches at withers.

In terms of colors, they can sport black, white, black & white, tri-color, fawn & white, blue & white, and white & chocolate, among others.

The Rat Terrier is covered in a short, smooth coat that requires very minimal grooming. However, where it lacks in grooming needs, it makes up for in terms of exercise needs.

28. Samoyed

Samoyed smiling on a park bench

Samoyeds are large, fluffy dogs with small, triangular, pointy ears. This dog breed originated in Siberia and was originally used as working dogs for herders and farmers.

Covering the Samoyed’s pointy ears and the rest of its body is a layer of thick, fluffy coat. This coat comes in either a white or cream color. On rare occasions, a Samoyed may also sport the so-called white & biscuit coat.

Samoyeds make great family pets thanks to their energetic personality and loving disposition. If you’re looking for a big dog with pointy ears, the Samoyed should be on top of your list.

However, if you’re eyeing this pooch, you should be aware of its demanding exercise and grooming needs. On average, Samoyeds need intensive grooming every month as well as an hour of moderate exercise per day.

29. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu in the backyard

The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized breed that reigns from Japan. This pointy-eared dog breed is renowned for its fox-like appearance and somewhat stubborn nature.

Despite that, the Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds with pointy ears. Their fame in the pet industry and in pop culture makes them desirable to people who love dogs.

The inside part of the Shiba Inu’s ears is covered in lighter-colored fur. Meanwhile, the edges of its pointy ears have a darker shade, giving off a distinguishable trim.

However, their ears are just some of their many alluring features. Aside from their pointy ears, their jolly facial expression and eye-catching coat colors make them highly appreciated.

Some of the colors of the Shiba Inu include red, tan, cream, and the controversial black color. This pointy-eared dog can also sport the rare sesame coloration from time to time.

30. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky while walking outdoors

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog known for its wolf-like appearance. This pointy-eared dog breed originated in Siberia and was originally bred to pull sleds and work.

Appearance-wise, the Siberian Husky has pricked ears, resembling that of a wolf. This dog sports a variety of coat colors. Some of them come in black & white, gray & white, sable & white, red & white, and black & tan.

The Siberian Husky is well-praised for its endurance and work drive. On top of that, this pointy-eared dog is also highly robust when it comes to extremely low temperatures.

Overall, the Siberian Husky is an excellent pointy-eared companion; however, this breed is not recommended for first-time pet owners. This is due to their high exercise and grooming needs.

31. Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier lying on the grass

The next pointy-eared dog breed on the list is the Silky Terrier. This Australian-native pooch features a pair of pointed ears that sit high on top of its head.

The ears on the Silky Terrier are covered in a layer of coat that is thinner than the coat covering the rest of its body. Because of this, their pointy ears tend to stand out more.

Aside from its pointed ears, another stand-out feature of the Silky Terrier is its long, silky fur. If properly groomed, the fur on this dog will naturally fall straight to the ground, giving off a smooth appearance.

Size-wise, the Silky Terrier is a tiny breed that measures no more than 8 pounds in weight and around 10 inches in height. This dog breed is an excellent choice for people living in small spaces.

32. Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund on a mound of dirt

The Swedish Vallhund, also called the Västgötaspets, is a small to medium breed reigning from Sweden. Like other dogs in this guide, the Swedish Vallhund has a pair of pointy ears.

The ears on this dog have wide bases and tapered tips. Moreover, the sides of its ears are slightly rounded.

Covering its pointy ears is a thick layer of coat that comes in gray, blue, and mahogany. Other coat colors and patterns, such as sable and white, are also seen in Swedish Vallhunds.

From afar, the body of a Swedish Vallhund is comparable to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This is due to both breeds having a shorter set of legs and a similar muzzle shape.

However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the Swedish Vallhund has a smaller pair of ears than the Corgi. Their resemblance is explained by the fact that both are Spitz-type dogs.

33. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier with well rounded eyes

If you’re looking for a small dog breed with a large set of pointy ears, the Toy Fox Terrier might be your match. This dog originated from the United States and was first used for hunting rats and other small vermin.

Standing at a mere 11 inches tall, the Toy Fox Terrier is one of the smallest pointy-eared dogs out there. Their small stature further emphasizes their large, pointy ears.

According to the breed standards of the Toy Fox Terrier, the ears of this pooch must follow an inverted V shape. Furthermore, their ears must be erect and set not too far apart.

In terms of proportion and build, Toy Fox Terriers are comparable to other breeds, such as the Chihuahua and the Papillon. These breeds share the same silhouette but have varying ear sizes and coat types.

34. West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier sitting outdoors

The West Highland White Terrier, also lovingly called the Westie, is a tiny pooch that came from Scotland. If you’re in the market for a white dog with pointy ears, the Westie might be the one for you.

The pointy ears of the West Highland White Terrier are among the many features that add to its charm. While it’s not the Westie’s main selling point, the ears on this dog are an alluring part of its overall look.

Generally, the Westie’s ears are proportional to the size of its face. Its ears are also covered in white fur that is equally as long as the rest of its body.

On top of its adorable looks, the Westie breed is also cherished for its independent personality and trainability. This breed also gets along with children or other pets at home as long as it is trained and socialized early.

35. Yorkshire Terrier

Happy Yorkshire Terrier with harness

The Yorkie is a breed that originated in Yorkshire, England. This pointy-eared breed is one of the most popular toy breeds today. In fact, in the United States alone, the Yorkie is recognized as the 13th most popular dog breed.

One of the most distinctive features of the breed is its small, triangle-shaped ears. Their ears stand erect on top of the head and are proportional to the rest of the body.

Yorkies are born with floppy ears, but as they age, their ears become erect. Interestingly, an erect pair of ears in Yorkies can turn floppy again. This is often seen in puppies as a consequence of painful teething.

Some owners nudge the ears to stay upright by taping their Yorkies’ ears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Three adorable dog breeds with pointy ears

Do Pointy-Eared Dogs Hear Better Than Floppy-Eared Dogs?

It’s a common misconception that pointy-eared dogs have better hearing than floppy-eared dogs, but this is not always true. While the shape of a dog’s ear has an effect on a dog’s hearing ability, the difference is negligible.

Dog’s ear shapes are determined by genetics as well as what they used to hunt in the wild. For instance, some Chihuahuas have rounded ears, which is better suited for hunting mice and rodents.

Meanwhile, some large dog breeds have pointed ears, which aid in tracking long-distance prey. On the other hand, some floppy-eared dogs are mostly scent hounds, which rely more on their sense of smell for hunting.

Are Dogs With Pointy Ears More Aggressive?

It is a misunderstanding that dogs with pointy ears are more aggressive than those with floppy ears. The shape of a dog’s ears has no impact on its level of aggression.

Instead, the aggressiveness of a dog is determined by various factors such as genetics, training, and environment.

However, it was demonstrated in a 2013 study that ear shape affects the perceived personality of dogs. Floppy-eared dogs are seen as more agreeable than dogs with pointy ears.

Final Thoughts

There is a myriad of choices when it comes to dogs with pointy ears. From small lap dogs to large, robust breeds, these dogs are everywhere.

These canines have their own stories of how their pointy ears came to be. While some naturally evolved into having pointy ears, others were bred to it.

All things considered, all pointy-ear dogs are adorable. Owning any of these dogs comes with a fair share of pros and cons. That said, you should carefully look into a particular breed before bringing home one.

So, are you bringing home a pointy-eared dog soon? Let us know your thoughts about dogs with pointy ears in the comments below!

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