What do the ears on the two different mammals seen here have in common?

The correct answer is –––nothing. They have nothing in common, and that’s a good thing.

See, the bear has, well, bear ears, and while the Samoyed’s AKC breed standard specifically says that the ears should be “strong and thick, erect, triangular and slightly rounded at the tips, it also adds that they should not be large or pointed, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝.” The Samoyed next to the bear has (to us, anyway) appropriate ears, but the Sammy below has smaller, bear-like ears. Such “bear” ears are broader, heavier, and less mobile, and as such, would hold more snow and risk frostbite.

The correct ear in this breed minimizes surface area, reducing the risk of frostbite and helping retain warmth. The famous “Sammy smile,” is also partly dependent on proper ear shape, size, and set—integral to classic breed type.

In writing this, it was disheartening to come across a number of sites that write about the breed’s “bear ears” as if it is a good thing. Without naming names, one site writes, “Samoyeds have small “bear ears” that resemble triangles with rounded tips;” From another one: “Samoyed dogs are often compared to polar bears because of their white coats and furry look. Their cute ears also give them a bear-like appearance.”

Ears alone do not disqualify a dog from being a fine companion, but they might hurt a dog’s chances to ribbon in a show ring. Why? Because they deviate from the standard. As a nordic breed, the Samoyed’s form must follow function, and improper ears put the dog at risk in a frigid environment.

We welcome Sammy owners to post photos of their dogs so we can see more ears!

Images: Samoyed with green background by Prnqon/Dreamtime; Bear photo is in public domain; Samoyed with snow background by Evdoha/Deposit