If you're a Spaniel or a Hound you answered that with a big "yes!" If you're a Basset Hound you likely looked up mournfully and said, "as compared to what?" Bloodhound? "Well, not anymore than my flews.
" What purpose do pendulous ears serve? Basset and Bloodhounds are known for their ability to track by scent, and it seems their noses aren't the sole reason for their prowess.
Those big, floppy ears serve to "catch" the scent and help concentrate it near the nose where all those super-powered receptors are located so the hound can get an extended chance to take it all in.
A Basset Hound in Fulda, Germany, now holds the title of "World's Longest Ears.
" Jack's ears measure 1.
09 feet long -- each and apparently he sometimes trips over his own ears.
Bet no one ever asks Jack, "can you hear me now?" Since Spaniels and Hounds are both groups of hunting breeds, it's a fair assumption to say that the reason they were bred to have the long ears is probably for the same reason -- to boost their scenting capabilities.
It makes them smell better.
Or not.
Those droopy ears, especially the Spaniel type with the beautiful flowing fur, have a tendency to be susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
Yeast can be a terrible problem for long, hairy eared dogs.
If you catch it early it usually isn't too difficult to treat.
A good diet high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates with probiotic supplements is often recommended by nutritionists and more holistic veterinary care professionals since maintaining a top-notch immune system and well balanced internal pH can be instrumental in clearing up problems, and even more so in making sure they don't come back -- or get started in the first place.
A dog with infected ears will tend to shake its head.
You'll start to notice a smell coming from the ears; the odor will vary depending on what the underlying cause -- or causes of the infection is.
You may see the dog pawing at his ears, even attempting to stick his back paw in the ear, rubbing his head against anything and everything.
It's a pathetic sight, and sometimes you'll hear piteous moans accompanying the rubbing and scratching.
Some prophylactic steps owners of long eared dogs can take are to keep ears scrupulously clean.
Never use anything harsh to clean the ears; you want that pH to remain as balanced as possible.
A mild, sulfur based cleanser or one that has a neutral pH is often recommended.
Wiping down the ears (or any susceptible areas of skin) with a 50/50 dilution of apple cider vinegar and water will also help maintain an optimal balance.
You want to keep those ears dry, too.
When they do get wet, dry them out as quickly as possible.
Don't go crazy and start pointing the blow dryer down your dog's ears! That's too strong and too hot, just way too much air and if you try it, chances are you'll never get to touch those ears again without it turning into a rodeo.
Keeping long ear hairs growing close to the ear cavern short and out of the way can also aid in avoiding problems with infections.
Some dogs may need to have their ear hairs plucked if there is too much of it growing too closely to the ear canal, or if they have a tendency to develop hair balls too close to the canal.
People who show their long eared dogs have, for many years, used ear snoods to keep those carefully groomed flappers out of food, water, brambles, and the general wear and tear of everyday life.
They're becoming more common among non-showing owners and can be found in a huge variety of colors, patterns, fabrics and price ranges and there are food and water bowls designed specially to keep long ears from getting a dunking.
So, for all those with silken eared hounds and spaniels, "ears to you.
"