9 Most Common Dog Ear Types

A dog’s face has a lot to do with their ears. While there are lots of different styles of ears on dogs, nine stick out as the most common dog ear types. One type is so sought after it is regular practice to crop or surgically alter the ears to achieve the look. Other dog’s ears almost drag the ground and some appear they could take flight at any moment. What type of ear does your dog have? Is it one of the common dog ear types or are they a bit more unique?

Types of Dog Ears

• The Prick, Upright or Erect Ear is quite common and is characterized as sharp, pointed ears standing erect. The Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and German Shepherd are all examples of this type of dog ear.

The Cropped ear is an erect ear that was achieved through surgical alteration. This is seen on Boxers and Dobermans.

• Bat Ears are characterized as ears that are upright and seem too big for the dog’s head. The ears angle out past the side of the head sort of like bat wings. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Chihuahua are seen with these ears.

• Drop Ears hang down from the dog’s head where most are set upright at the base in some form or fashion. Drop ears come in a wide span of shapes and sizes, but the Bassett Hound has the longest and the droopiest.

• Folded Ears also lie against the dog’s head, but unlike drop ears that hang down at the base, the folded ear sits up away from the face and then folds down. Bloodhounds and many field spaniels sport this type of ear.

• The Cocked or Semi-Pricked Ear is exactly that. It’s an upright ear with the top part bent over sticking forward. Collies and the Shetland Sheepdog are known for these ears.

• The Button Ear is seen on a Jack Russell Terrier, some Pugs, and the Jack Parson Terrier. This is an upright ear but then it’s folded over to completely cover the inside of the ear.

• The Rose Ear is another upright ear, but it falls backwards not forwards. The ear folding to the back causes the top part to fall to the side creating the appearance of a rose petal. Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Bulldogs all have this type of ear.

• A V-shaped Ear is upright at the bottom and the flap folds forward from the base. The flap is flat and creates a triangular shape with rounded corners. The Bullmastiff, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and other retriever breeds all have this ear type in common.

Other Unique Dog Ear Types

• Hooded Ear is another version of the upright ear, but these ears curve inward just a little. The Basenji is an example of this ear type.

• The Candle Flame Ear will only be found on the English Toy Terrier. No other dog breed has these unusual upright ears that curve inwards slightly, like that ears of a Basenji. The candle flame appearance comes from the narrow base and wider middle then coming to a point on top.
• The Filbert-Shaped Ear is only seen on the Bedlington Terrier. This is a V-Shaped ear that has the tip covered in a tuft of fur.
• The Rounded or Blunt-Tipped Ear is characteristic of the French Bulldog and the Chow Chow. These are upright ears without a point. They instead have a smooth, rounded edge.

• Butterfly Ears can be found on the Papillion. These are upright ears set at ten and two on the dog’s head and tend to move like a butterfly’s wings when the dog is in motion.

Did you identify your dog? There are common dog ear types and a few specialized ones. Each makes the face special. Ears say a lot about your dog and they complete their face.

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