Some dogs have floppy ears because of domestication. National Geographic shares that when dogs evolved from wolves into household pets, they lost many of their “wild” physical traits. For example, their tails became more curled, and for some dogs, their ears became floppier. This is especially apparent in breeds like Bassett Hounds and Bloodhounds, which are known for their pendulous earflaps.
Domestication Syndrome Gave Some Dogs Floppy Ears
Famous biologist Charles Darwin observed that wild animals have erect ears because they use their ears as funnels to catch every passing sound.
According to his research at the time, the elephant was the only wild animal with non-erect ears.
Floppy ears, along with shorter muzzles, bulging craniums, and enormous eyes, were classified as “pedomorphosis” effects. Pedomorphosis, also known as “neoteny”, is the technical term for the tendency to retain juvenile characteristics into adulthood.
Darwin once wrote: “Not a single domestic animal can be named which does not have drooping ears in some country,” acknowledging the possibility that dogs and other animals’ ear drooping was caused by the ear muscles not being used to detect danger.
He also listed the number of species in which this altered trait could be found almost a decade later. Darwin’s observance led him to conclude that: “Domestication is the main reason behind dogs and other animal’s inability to erect the ears.”
Studies Show That Domestication Also Affects Foxes’ Ears
Scientist Dmitry Belyaev began studying foxes in the late 1950s to confirm Darwin’s findings. This “farm fox experiment” offered intriguing insight into the process of dog domestication.
Dmitry began selecting the gentler foxes while discarding the most vicious, in a process that resembled dog domestication. This breeding program lasted 26 years and is still going on today. As the tamer foxes were bred, some interesting structural changes occurred. The most obvious was a drastic coat change. The tamer foxes began to lose their distinctive silver coat color in favor of a piebald coat. They no longer needed the silver coat to camouflage in the wild because they were not raised in captivity!
In addition, the foxes evolved shorter legs, floppy ears, and curled tails, which are characteristics shared by many domesticated dogs today.
Why Domestication Caused Floppy Ears
Scientists assume that over generations of domestication, canine embryonic development began to shift somewhere along the way. For unexplained reasons, stem cells began to malfunction. It means that cells that were meant to contribute to ear formation never made it to the top of the skull or arrived weakened.
As a result, the ear is “deformed” and cannot stand on its own. The feature was passed down through generations of dogs due to continued breeding, and it is now a common occurrence. If this theory is correct, floppy ears are a flaw. Unlike other abnormalities generated by breeding, floppy ears have minimal harmful repercussions––save the increased risk of ear infections.
Every Dog’s Ear Works Similarly, Regardless of Shape
Depending on the breed, a dog’s ears may be long and floppy, small and pointy, or somewhere in between. But regardless of their overall shape, all dogs have one thing in common: their ears are designed to funnel sound waves into their inner ear, where they are converted into electrical impulses that the brain can understand.
This design is so effective that dogs can hear frequencies well beyond the range of human hearing. In fact, some experts believe that dogs can hear up to four times as well as we can. Not only does this give them an advantage when it comes to hearing sounds that we can’t, but it also makes them more sensitive to loud noises, like thunder and fireworks.
How to Prevent Infection in Floppy-eared Dogs
Dogs with floppy ears are particularly prone to ear infections, which can be painful and lead to other health problems if left untreated. Breeds especially at risk include Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles.
Cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis can help prevent infections, and it’s also a good opportunity to check for any signs of irritation or injury. In addition, regular ear cleanings can help to remove excess wax and debris, keeping your dog’s ears healthy and free from infection. While some dogs may not enjoy the process, it’s important to resist the temptation to skip it. A few minutes of discomfort now can save your dog a lot of pain and suffering down the road.
Your droopy-eared dog may require special attention. Examine your dog’s ears frequently to determine how often you should clean them. While any dog can get an ear infection, dogs with floppy ears are more likely to get one, especially if they swim frequently. An abscess can cause swelling in your dog’s ear––a relatively common health condition that can happen when pus forms around the infection site.
When it’s time for regular cleaning, follow these steps to clean your dog’s floppy ears:
- Clean your dog’s ears when he’s calm.
- Use an ear cleaner approved by a veterinarian for cleaning.
- Massage the base of your dog’s ear.
- Take a cotton ball or gauze to clean the ear, but don’t go any deeper than the length of one knuckle.
