20 Precious Dogs with Pointy Ears You Need to See
Who can resist a dog with pointy ears? In addition to the loveable traits that every dog possesses—sweet puppy eyes, boop-able noses or long skinny ones, and waggy tails—pointy-eared pups have an extra way of communicating with you. Ever notice how your dog’s ears perk up when she’s excited? That’s even more pronounced in dogs with pointy ears.
But pointy ears exist for reasons beyond providing optimal cuteness. They also give your dog a better sense of hearing, and therefore, keep them safe. A pointy ear offers more surface area to collect sound waves and bounce them into the ear canal for processing, which is why wild dogs evolved to have them. Floppy ears are a deformity that evolved as dogs became domesticated. Today, many working breeds and guard dogs have pointy ears that allow them to pick up on far-off sounds and perform their jobs as best as possible reports the American Kennel Club.
It’s important to clarify that pointy ears are different from cropped ears. While pointy ears are something a dog is born with, cropped ears are the result of a surgical alteration. Some breeds, including the Doberman pinscher, the great Dane, and the schnauzer, are altered so frequently that many people believe that’s how they look naturally. Animal activists opposed the practice of ear cropping, and the alteration is banned in many European countries.
However, not all dogs with pointy ears have ears that have been cropped. For many, it’s just an adorable characteristic of their breed. Ahead, find the cutest dogs with pointy ears, such as chihuahuas, Siberian huskies, Basenjis, and more. And for more precious pups, don’t miss the cutest dogs as puppies.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas might be one of the smallest dog breeds, but they’ve certainly got big ears. The sassy pups have a reputation for being loyal and alert with a “big-dog” attitude—and have staked their claim as pop-culture icons thanks to appearances in movies and TV shows. Chihuahua’s are born with floppy ears that become pointier as they grow. Here are more adorable dog breeds that stay small.
2. Shiba Inu
The pointy ears on these playful pups give them a mischievous fox-like appearance. An ancient Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is the most popular companion dog in Japan and growing in popularity in the West. They’re known for their attentive, alert, and bold personalities, as well as their fluffy triangular ears.
3. Siberian husky
The Siberian husky wears its heart on its ears. These expressive pups are popular due to their loyal and outgoing personalities and their adorable wolf-like appearance. Originally used as speedy sled dogs, they love vigorous exercise and romps in the snow. A husky’s ears should be triangular in shape, thick, and strongly erect.
4. Pomeranian
Two things come to mind when you think of Pomeranians: pointy ears and fluffy white tails. These lively lapdogs have smiling faces and a double coat that’s often seen in orange and red. They make fantastic companions and can even be trained into adept watchdogs.
5. Yorkshire terrier
One of the top ten most popular dog breeds in the country, Yorkshire terriers are spunky pups that are known for their small size and affectionate nature. These dogs were originally used to hunt rats in mines and mills, and have since made their way into the upper echelons of society thanks to their glossy coats and “purse dog” status. They originally used their incredible hearing to listen for and locate rats.
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are a serious-minded breed from ancient China. While they have a fascinating history as hunting dogs and companions to Chinese nobles, they’re best known for their fluffy coats. They have fuzzy ears that give them a teddy bear-like appearance and a reputation for being aloof, dignified, and aristocratic. Chow Chows are also one of our favorite dog breeds that look like lions.
7. Boston terrier
With their tuxedo coats and impeccable manners, Boston terriers have earned the nickname “The American Gentleman.” These happy guys are one of the top 25 most popular dog breeds in America thanks to their friendly nature and ability to make themselves at home in urban and rural environments. Their pointy ears are small and always erect.
8. Corgi
The corgi—aka, everyone’s favorite short-legged pup—is one of the most recognizable dogs with pointy ears. Beloved by Queen Elizabeth II, these dogs have been favored by the kings, queens, and other members of the nobility for centuries. The Queen received her first corgi, Dookie, in 1933, and has owned one ever since. These cute corgi pictures will brighten your day.
9. German shepherd
These large work dogs can stand as tall as 26 inches and weigh up to 90 pounds. They’re courageous, agile, and intelligent, and love having a job to do. Originally bred as herding dogs, the GSD can be found in police and military units around the world. You can identify them by their muscular stature and pointy ears.
10. Alaskan Malamute
Did someone say wolf? The cold-weather-loving Alaskan Malamute has been used to pull sleds for centuries. Experts believe they are descendants of the domesticated wolves that accompanied Paleolithic hunters across the land bridges of the Bering Strait into North America around 4,000 years ago. Their ears are slightly rounded at the tips and small in relation to the breed’s sturdy stature.
11. Akita
The Akita is of ancient Japanese origin and regarded as a symbol of good health, happiness, and long life in its home country. The working-group dog was originally bred to hunt in packs for big game such as wild boar, deer, and bear. Their ears have a wide base and slightly curved tip.
12. Basenji
Basenjis are recognizable by their expressive eyes and ears—meaning these cuties are the ultimate communicators. Depicted in ancient Egyptian artifacts, the Basenji is an old breed, and paleontologists say that the first domesticated dogs looked a lot like the Basenji. There’s something else that’s notable about these pups: they don’t bark. Instead, they make a unique yodeling noise.
13. Bull terrier
The bull terrier is a sturdy breed with sturdy ears to match. The dog was originally bred for bull baiting, a gruesome blood sport in which dogs were set loose on a staked bull as onlookers bet on the outcome. However, once blood sports were banned, they became the companions of choice for young British gentlemen in the mid-1800s. They are dignified, playful, and mischievous, and make wonderful family dogs.
14. Papillon
These ears are elite: A papillon’s ears are both pointy and furry, which lands them a top spot on our list of cutest dogs with pointy ears. These posh pups weigh in at about five to ten pounds and are known for their upbeat, friendly, and athletic nature as well as for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They were originally bred as companions for noblewomen and have been included in paintings by renowned European artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
15. Rat terrier
These 10- to 25-pound pups might be tiny, but they have a tough personality. Their V-shaped ears are pointed at the tip and match their pointed noses and tails. It is said the rat terrier breed name was originally coined by Teddy Roosevelt—and we’ve got to say he did a spot-on job. Rat terriers were initially used to exterminate rats.
16. Samoyed
Obsessed with big, fluffy dogs? You’ll love the Samoyed. These gentle pups that look like bears stand anywhere from 19 to 23 inches and have an easygoing graceful gait. Their perpetual smile stops them from drooling, which prevents these Siberian-bred dogs from developing icicles on their faces. They’ve got thick, triangular ears and sparkly, animated eyes to match.
17. West Highland white terrier
These charming white pups have velvety soft ears and happy personalities. Initially bred in the hills of Scotland, the Westie’s primary job was to find and scatter rats away from farmland. Today, these dogs will chase anything that moves, which means you’ll want to provide them with a fenced-in yard and lots of toys to play with.
18.Belgian Malinois
A hard-working member of the herding group, the Belgian Malinois builds an unbreakable bond with its owner. These dignified dogs hold their heads—and their ears—high. The one thing you need to know before you adopt one? Belgian Malinois loves to move and think. They’re frequently used as police and military K-9s and require vigorous exercise and training to keep them happy.
19. Australian cattle dog
The Australian cattle dog is another member of the herding group. The breed is so adept at its job that it’s made vital contributions to Australia’s modern beef industry, an important part of the country’s economy. These dogs have large, pointy ears and coats in both black and red varieties.
20. Swedish Vallhund
These energetic hunting dogs have big pointy ears with tons of personality. Vallhunds are built low to the ground to make it easier for them to nip at the heels of cattle while avoiding kicks to the head. They’re cheerful and sociable dogs with a deep, intimidating bark.
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