Articles Index/Ears
Posted 12/18/97
Heritage: It is not surprising that many Norfolks' ears do not drop correctly when one considers the breed's background included dogs with ears of varied sizes and types. Originally cropped, then interbred with prick-ear Norwich until 1964, when separation made this impossible in England.
Like all genetic faults, poor ear carriage can never be totally eradicated but by breeding only dogs with correct carriage can ear problems be controlled.
Description: The correct ears have expressive flexible leathers, are smooth and velvet-like to the touch and display a marked vertical dip. Set wide apart, their broad bases are placed below the arc of the skull and when relaxed, the ears hang parallel with their inside flaps touching either side of the head. When aroused, the ears are slightly lifted, to drop forward so their inside edges touch the cheek and their tips abut the outside corners of each eye.
Correction: Taping can help high carriage during teething and should be done earlier if the puppy lacks a vertical crease for without this characteristic, ears will never be correct though they may be trained to drop.
Evaluation: Correct drop ears are unique and depict breed type. Large, houndy, or rounded ears that drop are not better to perpetuate than ears that fly or just turn over at the tips.
ANTIC, Fall 1981
Back to Articles Index
Back to Home Page