The marvelous diversity of our different dog breeds includes their ears! Harold Spira’s book on terminology refers to at least twenty different shapes and types: Hooded, button, bat, heart shaped, full drop or pendant, filbert shaped, erect/prick eared, flying ears, lobe, semi-drop, semi-prick, rolled, folded,bear, blunt-tipped, cocked, candle flame, tulip, trowel shaped, rose ears, v-shaped, and vine leaf!

In breeds that have semi-drop, or tipped ears, such as the Fox Terrier, Sheltie, and Collie, the place (or line) where the ear folds over is called the “break.”  Some standards call for it: From the Shetland Sheepdog standard: Ears: Small and flexible, placed high, carried three-fourths erect, with tips breaking forward.  The set and carriage of the ears in this breed affect expression and the appearance of the head; ears that are set too low on the side of the head can make the skull look broad, while heavy ears detract from the desired expression. Ears that tip precipitously from the crease can give the dog a sharp, terrier-like expression, as can ears that are placed too close together.  Little wonder that Sheltie fanciers feel a bit of consternation if the ears fail to stand “just so,” or they’re showing in the wind (ever seen how much loft ears can get in a good breeze?)

 Photo credit: SheltieBoy AKC Great Falls June 2017 via photopin (license)