Dogs with pointy ears are cute. There is something about their ears that adds to their personality.
Still, no breed isn’t cute – a single look at a dog’s eyes is enough to realize how much there is no difference between pure breeds and mixed breed dogs, right?
Getting a dog is such a serious decision and an at least 10-years-commitment, so this decision should always be taken seriously – do not get a dog unless you are sure that you have enough time, energy, love, and financial strength to handle owning a dog.
Choosing a dog is an extremely exciting time. There is a chance that you have already got your eyes set on a specific breed, which can make the whole process much easier.
Ensure that you always focus on breeds that are suitable for first time dog owners, if you don’t have extended experience as a dog owner, this will make your and dog’s life much easier and more fun.
Are you thinking about getting a dog with pointy ears?
To make things a bit easier, we have rounded up dog breeds with pointy ears to help you make your decision faster.
There are dogs of every size and every personality type, and they all have one thing in common – pointy ears. Check them.
Breeds With Upright Ears
Did you know that many dogs with pointy ears have working backgrounds? They are mostly sled and herding dogs, while a significant number of them are terriers.
Most of these dogs, with pointy ears, will have floppy ears as puppies, which will stand more upright as they age.
The main reason why some dogs have upright ears are due to genetics. Doggy ear-types range from pointed, dropping, folded, button, rose, cropped among others.
The upright ones have been known to serve the best in the wild. Dogs with these ears were keener to pick up on sounds of just about anything.
Dog breed with these ears, come in many colors, or a mix of colors. Here are the breeds with the best ears to survive in the wild.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky was bred to work during the harsh winters and low temperatures. This is like the ultimate winter dog, who can spend hours outside in the snow.
This is a medium-size sled dog with a thick coat. They are known for their strength, speed, agility, and endurance, which makes them perfect for long expeditions.
Huskies are also quite goofy and known for easily walking off with strangers.
This is the main reason why this Siberian Husky shouldn’t be left alone in the backyard if there is any danger of thieves, screening the neighborhood for dogs.
Also, avoid leaving your dog in front of stores. Huskies were bred to be close with humans, and they don’t have the instinct of being afraid of unfamiliar people.
Also, they may have cute upright ears, but they are also heavy shedders. Learn when to expect extra shading during the year.
German Shepherd
German Shepherd is the ultimate breed when it comes to upright ears cuteness.
They are intelligent, loyal, and hardworking dogs, who are busy as K9 dogs when they aren’t full-time pet dogs.
They are extremely versatile, and superb if trained right. They often have joint issues, which is why they must be exercised the right way. Don’t forget: the best dog is a tired dog.
They are great as guard dogs and service dogs for the blind. They do shed a lot, so the right grooming tools should be on hand all the time.
If you cannot handle regular brushing, think about taking your German Shepherd to a professional groomer. They are quite territorial about their space and home, and great with children when trained right.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi may be known as the go-to breed for Queen Elizabeth, but among dog fanciers, this breed is known as a great herding dog.
Small in size, they don’t lack the endurance, intelligence, and energy to be all day active dog.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is easy to train if you have enough experience since they are eager to learn.
They are great with children which makes them a great choice as family pets. They are also great with other pets at home, including dogs.
If you have small pets in your household, make sure that they are raised together, because Corgies have a strong herding instinct.
Since they were bred to herd cattle, they are quite independent and fearless which makes them great watchdogs.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small size dogs with huge personalities. They have a big-dog personality.
Did you know that Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds in America? In fact, they are so ancient that their origin can be traced back to pre-Columbian times.
Chihuahuas weigth not more than 6 Ib. Their height is usually up to 8 inches maximum. These are graceful dogs, characterized by rounded heads, expressive eyes, and upright ears.
They come in various colors and patterns, and different Chihuahua types – get to learn more about Chihuahuas here.
They are charming, eager to please, and can develop small dog syndrome is not trained right. They may be small in size, but they can be extremely fierce and protective.
Samoyed
Samoyed is probably one of the most recognizable dog breeds alive. This dog was bred to hunt, chaise reindeer, and haul sleds by the Samoyede tribe of northwestern Siberia.
They may appear fully with their poof coat and white appearance, but they are in fact powerful dogs, strong-willed, with gentle and graceful personalities.
This devoted family dog will demand regular grooming and mandatory brushing to keep his coat fresh and clean.
Samoyeds are larger dogs, with 19 to 23.5 inches tall and weight around 35 to 65 lb. Although they are powerful, Samoyeds are extremely graceful with an all-white coat.
They have small and pointy ears that are wider at the base and a smiling-like mouth that prevents them from drooling. They are smart, outgoing, and are great guard dogs.
Akita Inu
Akita Inu is known as the Great Japanese Dog, who originated in the North Japan mountains. This is one of the oldest native dogs of Japan.
Akita Inu was originally bred for guarding the nobles and royals in feudal Japan. The appearance is a bit terrifying, and this is a breed that should off-leash.
With 70 to 110 lb and a height of 24 to 28 inches, Akita Inu can be an extremely strong dog if not trained right.
Since they are strong-willed only experienced dog owners should have Akita Inu.
Did you know that Akita Inu belongs to the same family as the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky?
They have wolf-like features and pointy ears. Their coat is short, thick, and double and comes in many colors, including white, fawn, red, sesame, and brindle.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a smart and versatile breed. Loyal and obedient, this hard-working breed always creates a long-term bond with his owner.
At first sight, Belgian Malinois is similar in appearance to German Shepherd, although they are two separate breeds.
Compared to German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois is more agile and sleeker, although they are often used in K9 forces due to their need to please. They are characterized by their erect ears.
This is a breed with extremely high energy levels. They are the perfect support for outdoor sports, such as hiking or running.
If you want to invest more time in training your Belgian Malinois, think about dog sports, such as agility, obedience, showmanship, etc.
All in, this breed is always people-oriented and happiest when exercising next to their owners.
Natural VS Cropped Ears
You may have noticed that some breeds weren’t on the list, such as Doberman Pincher, and there is a reason for that.
Some dogs are born with floppy ears, but their ears get cropped for that more dangerous look that pointy ears may achieve.
Dog breeds listed here are breeds with natural pointy ears.
Top Ten Dog Breeds With Pointy Ears
- American Eskimo Dog
- Alaskan Malamute
- Basenji
- Border Collie
- Chow Chow
- Papillon
- Pomeranian
- Shiba Inu
- Yorkie
- Westie
Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is a practice banned in many places but still used by many. People commonly conduct this practice across the globe.
It works like this: the owner takes a three/four-month-old puppy with floppy ears, and takes it to the vet’s office. There, the puppy gets anesthetized, where the part of the dog’s ears is surgically removed.
Veterinarians insert a post into their ear to keep them in the position they want. They do it in such a manner that it heals, in few weeks, as ears stand upright and pointed.
This surgery is justified by saying it keeps the ears cleaner, less damage, and safer. However, there is no evidence to support these claims.
It’s known that there are no real benefits to the dog from this surgery and is usually done to make the dog look more aggressive.
Some owners do it due to a showing standard, which is why owners sometimes even request a second operation later on. Is cosmetic surgery an ethical option for you?
The Bottom Line
Dogs with naturally pointy ears are great dogs and amazing pets if trained and socialized the right way.
Upright ears make dogs superior in terms of hunting and herding and even keeps them safe.
On top of that, upright ears make them irresistible. Make sure that you choose the dog due to its characteristics and not because pooh looks cute – no dog isn’t unique and equally cute.