Dogs come in all sizes with features such as long tails, short bodies, pointy ears, and floppy ears. The unique features of dogs were usually bred for purpose and specific benefits.
When considering a specific dog breed, you will want to know the benefits and pitfalls of dogs with floppy ears.
The exact reason behind why all dogs’ ears are not erect is unknown. A few theories are when an animal becomes domesticated it feels safe and its muscles relax, in this case it would be the dog’s ears. Another possible reason is humans breeding for specific traits and by accident they came up with a dog with floppy ears.
Regardless of the origin, people saw the benefit of dogs with floppy ears and by breeding only the most desirable traits, came up with the modern dog breeds we see today. Remember, these are only theories how we came to see floppy ear dogs in our homes.
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Benefits of Dogs with Floppy Ears
One misconception about dogs with floppy ears is they have decreased hearing ability. The opposite is actually true; sounds that come from the ground level are magnified for dogs with ears that hang downward.
Scent hounds use both their nose and floppy ears to track scent. The long ears aid to stimulate trapped scent particles which leads to a successful hunt. Also, long, floppy ears aided in shielding the dog’s face if the prey chose, instead of hiding or running, to attack the dog instead.
Dog owners seek out dogs with floppy ears for many reasons other they are great hunters. Let’s take a look at the most popular dog breeds that indeed have floppy ears.
Bassett Hound. One of the most popular dog breeds with long ears. Bassett hounds have easy going and laid-back personalities as they are patient dogs this often makes them suitable for families. Also, their floppy ears and keen sense of smell make them good hunting dogs. Hunters favored the Bassett hounds when hunting rabbits because, due to their short legs, they could keep up with their pace.
Golden Retriever. This breed of dog has shorter floppy ears, than the Basset Hound. However, it’s soft, fluffy ears makes them look even more lovable and approachable. Golden Retrievers are liked by people of all ages due to their sunny personality. Because they are smart, they are easy to train. Also, ss their name represents they love to be active while retrieving sticks, balls, toy, etc. Goldens adapt well to their surroundings and are good with people and other dogs. The only drawback is that they shed copious amounts of fur and everything you own will be covered in it.
Labrador Retriever. This dog with floppy ears, like the Golden Retriever is one of the sweetest dogs. It comes in various shades of yellow, brown, black and red. It is a wonderful family dog and loves to be active. This dog is also excellent at scent sports.
Cocker Spaniel. An easily adaptable dog that does well with families. Also, they are super sniffer and do well in the world of dog scent sports. They are wonderfully intelligent dogs that like to learn and please their owners.
Dachshund. A loyal long bodied dog with a terrific nose. They are sought after for both their size and their natural hunting instinct. These dogs have a great temperament and are natural athletes. Most dachshunds are very protective of their owners.
Weimaraner. A short floppy eared dog, with a gorgeous sleek gray coat, that loves to exercise. This large breed dog is naturally athletic and enjoys the outdoors. They do well with dog owners that like to hunt, go hiking and participate in dog sports.
Beagle. Dog owners that like to hunt choose the beagle. A popular, floppy eared dog with a natural instinct to hunt, they are often chosen because they hunt well in packs. Also, they are small, friendly dogs that also like to bark but can be very stubborn. Beagle owners often joke, “When the beagles nose turns on, their brains turn off.” Many beagles are so focused on sniffing that they often separate from their owners and appear to be abandoned. Therefore, the owners will often use sophisticated GPS systems to find them if they get lost.
Bloodhound. A dog with an extraordinary sense of smell and floppy ears. They are versatile dogs that can be used for tracking deer and other wild game. As they are excellent trackers law enforcement and search and rescue teams choose this breed for tracking and finding people. They are known for a distinctive howl/bark that helps their owners find them when they have found what they are looking for.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Dog owners are drawn to the floppy ears on these little dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a quiet small dog that is growing in popularity. It is friendly and adapts well to travelling. It is an athletic dog however it also likes to cuddle with its owners.
Afghan Hound. A sighthound that was originally sought after for their hunting abilities. Afghan hounds are high prey dogs with incredible speed. People like them for their beautiful coats that do not shed as much. They thrive on lifestyles that require lots of energy and movement.
The above-mentioned dogs with floppy ears are just a few of the most popular breeds. One characteristic they all had in common was the naturally ability to hunt whether it was finding people or tracking animals.
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Pitfalls of Dogs with Floppy Ears
As with any type of dog, there is always an area that needs extra care. For dogs with floppy ears, it is diligently cleaning their ears. Not all dogs with floppy ears are prone to infections, however this can be an issue for long eared dogs such as Bassett hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles.
Why do dogs with floppy ears have an increased risk of ear infections?
- Long floppy ears can trap moisture. The lack of natural airflow to the ears can allow for excess moisture.
- Dogs that like to swim or work near water are at a higher risk of ear infection. Retrievers that are trained to hunt near and in water need extra care with drying and cleaning their floppy ears.
- Dirt and bacteria can become trapped under the floppy ear and/or creases in the ear. Dirt can cause irritations to the inside ear and bacteria can easily lead to an infection.
- Food allergies can be a trigger for dogs with floppy ears. One symptom can be irritations in the inner ear. The allergies an also show themselves with yeast infections in the ear.
- A buildup of wax, debris and hair in the ears can produce a bacterial or yeast infection.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
Dogs with floppy ears can be prone to ear infections. If your dog has floppy ears, learning to clean their ears will be top priority. It will not take long before it becomes part of your regular grooming routine.
Dry the Ears. After your dog is done swimming, be sure to dry the underside of their ear flaps. One tip for bathing your dog is to place a cotton ball in the ear to absorb moisture. Once the bath is complete, remove and dry around the ear.
Remove Dirt & Bacteria. Routinely clean your dog ears. A natural ear cleaner and a cotton cleansing pad will do the job. To make your own cleaning solution use 50/50 solution of distilled water and white vinegar.
Place a few drops of cleaning solution on a clean cleansing pad and gently wipe the visible part of your dog’s ear canal and outer ear.
Check the Ears. It is best to not assume that dogs with floppy ears need them cleaned frequently. Before you clean the ears, check around the ear for dirt, redness, or smell. Overcleaning the ears can also lead to infection and irritation.
Use a Vet-Approved Ear Solution. Your veterinarian may recommend a cleansing solution to apply to your dog’s ear. In that case, you will apply the solution to your dog’s ear, gently massage and wipe around the ear. Your dog may help and shake their head to dispel any buildup in the ear.
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Tips for Healthy Ears.
- Recognize a healthy clean dog ear
- Check ears frequently
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide in your dog’s ear
- Use clean soft cleansing pads or gauze, not cotton swabs
- Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an infection
Dogs with floppy ears can have healthy clean ears with much diligence and prevention. However, sometimes due to genetic predispositions, trauma to the ear, your dog can still get an infection.
How to Recognize a Canine Ear Infection
Learn to know when your dog is suffering due to an ear infection.
- Red, irritated ears
- Inflammation in the area
- Itchy ears
- Shaking their head
- Scaling skin around the ear
- Smell
- Dark discharge
- Scratching their ears
- Whining while pawing
- Hair loss around the ears from itching
- Sometimes a head lilt
Schedule an appointment with your vet if you suspect your dog has an ear infection. Dogs with floppy ears can get an infection in the inner ear and/or middle ear. The most likely cause is a bacterial infection.
Dogs with floppy ears can also have infected ears from yeast infection, fungi, and ear mites. The sooner your dog can be treated the easier the infection will be to cure. Treatment will depend on the location of the infection and severity.
Benefits and Pitfalls of Dogs with Floppy Ears
The main benefit of dogs with floppy ears is you can spend time with a wonderful companion. When dog owners train a dog to have a job it is fulfilling for both the humans and the canines.
Dogs with floppy ears have fantastic hunting abilities. The Beagle, Bloodhound, and Labrador Retriever make great hunting dogs, either in the field tracking or in the water retrieving.
Many dogs with floppy ears make good family dogs such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever. Dog sports such as scentwork and nosework are growing in popularity among pet owners. Both humans and dogs can have fun with training and training for specific scented objects.
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One pitfall of owning dogs with floppy ears is the regular ear grooming. Dog owners need to begin the day they bring home their dog with handling their dog’s ears.
A good breeder will have started desensitizing the floppy eared pups from week one. They will handle the ears, look in the ears and clean the ears before the puppy goes to its new home. You can continue this with regular ear checks for the life of your dog.
Floppy eared dogs that swim, play, and hunt outdoors need their ears checked frequently. Gently dry your dog’s ears after a good swim. To prevent debris and bacteria from causing problems for your dog, gently clean their ears after a day of play or hunting in the field.
Dogs with floppy ears have their challenges but they also have a lot of benefits. One of which, like with most any dog, they have the power to love you more than they love themselves.
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