While dogs have many endearing features, their most endearing feature may be their ears. Whether short or long, floppy or erect, pointy or rounded, dog’s use their ears to express themselves and communicate with us. We are incredibly receptive to our dogs’ emotions and appearances, and it is through these that they affect and impact our own moods. While all dog breeds are attractive and charming in their own right, some people have a particular affinity for dogs with button ears.
As defined by the AKC, button ears fold forward, covering the ear’s interior. In this list we’ll outline several dog breeds that share this feature and discuss some of their individual characteristics.
The 10 Dogs with Button Ears
As someone interested in these breeds, you should be aware that dogs with this feature require extra maintenance and cleaning of their ears, as wax and dirt can build under the fold, sometimes leading to infections.
1. Parson Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 13-17 pounds
Coat: short, dense
The Parson Russell Terrier is a small breed of terrier originating from England where it was bred to assist on fox hunts.
With its compact and muscular build, the Parson Russell Terrier is a speedy and active dog capable of moderate to heavy play. While owners consider the Parson Russell Terrier to be a great family dog, its need for regular exercise should factor into your considerations.
Its ears stand at the sides of its head and are folded, hanging over its cheeks. Like the rest on this list of dogs with button ears, the fold in Parson Russell Terrier’s ears is meant to help block out distractions and allow the dog to focus on scent trails.
2. Australian Shepherd
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 30-70 pounds
Coat: medium
Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd was originally developed in the United States where it was bred to help farmers herd livestock. The breed boasts a diverse background, having been produced from a mix of collies and sheepdogs, which were themselves originally imported from Australia.
An incredibly intelligent and obedient breed, it’s multicolored coat and button ears make the Australian Shepherd a striking dog to behold.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Average Size: 13-18 pounds
Coat: short
Originally bred from the Parson Russell Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier was likewise developed in England as a hunting companion and foxhound. The two breeds resemble one another in appearance and are often mistaken for the other.
Stocky and energetic, this tiny working breed is eager to please and incredibly quick on its short legs. Quite the jumper, the Jack Russell Terrier, a representative of dog breeds with button ears, has been known to bound over short fences.
Also like the Parson Russell Terrier, the Jack Russell’s button ears are practical in nature, allowing them to focus without auditory distractions.
4. Irish Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 25-30 pounds
Coat: curly, medium
Another breed of terrier that makes the list of button-eared dog breeds, the Irish Terrier was first developed in Ireland to control rodent populations. Although not much is known about its lineage, it is considered one of the oldest terrier breeds.
Medium in size, the Irish Terrier has a distinctive rectangular face and short, scruffy beard, which give it a rugged appearance. Driven and focused, the Irish Terrier is considered a dominant and assertive breed that have been known to start conflicts with other dogs if not properly socialized at a young age.
5. Smooth Fox Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 13-20 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Like those before, the Smooth Fox Terrier also traces its lineage to England where it was used as a hunting dog, and served as the foundation and parent stock of successive terrier breeds.
However, unlike the other terriers we’ve mentioned, the Smooth Fox Terrier has a sleek and flat coat which is more revealing of the dog’s pointed face and button ears than other terrier breeds.
The Smooth Fox Terrier has an extraordinary prey drive and it is not recommended to be kept in a household with small animals. Because of this, it is also inadvisable for first time dog owners to keep one.
6. Airedale Terrier
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 40-60 pounds
Coat: curly, medium
Related to the Irish Terrier, the Airedale Terrier is the largest of terrier breeds, having developed in England as a hunting companion. Like the Irish Terrier and other terriers on this list, the Airedale Terrier possesses wiry fur and a rectangular face with button ears.
Although originally bred as a mixed use and hunting dog, this breed has also been used in England as a police dog, even seeing occasional use in war. The Airedale Terrier is formidable and dedicated to its work, highly intelligent and loyal to its owner.
7. Manchester Terrier
Average Lifespan: 14-16
Average Size: 12-22 pounds
Coat: short, sleek
As the name implies, the Manchester Terrier was originally developed in Manchester, England, where it saw use as a ratting dog, helping curb rodent populations on farms.
The Manchester Terrier is a stoic and determined breed, known for its high energy and bold attitude. While a working dog, the breed also makes for a devoted household companion.
Notably, of the dogs with button ears on this list, the Manchester terrier has several distinct lineages, some of which do not feature button ears, but instead have pointed or cropped ears.
8. Welsh Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Size: 20-25 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry
The Welsh Terrier is a medium terrier breed originally from Wales, where it was bred to hunt fox and badgers. Resembling an Airedale Terrier in miniature, the Welsh Terrier shares the Airedale’s distinctive coloration and overall shape.
Muscular and stocky, the breed is lively and seldom shy. It is a fairly active dog and should be exercised regularly.
The Welsh Terrier possesses button ears, a signature mark of the breed standard. For prospective owners of this dog, be aware that Welsh Terriers are known for their occasional attitude and can be uncooperative.
9. Lakeland Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 12-18 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry
Often mistaken for the Welsh Terrier due to its similar size and coloration, the Lakeland Terrier was also originally developed in England to control rodent populations on farms. The breed is well mannered and smart, making a terrific household companion that is gentle around children.
While an excellent family breed, the Lakeland Terrier is nearly extinct and can be difficult to find outside of the UK.
10. Norfolk Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 11-12 pounds
Coat: medium
One of the smallest dogs with button ears on this list, the Norfolk Terrier hails from England, and was bred as an offshoot of the Norwich Terrier, which instead has pointy ears. The Norfolk Terrier is a stocky and compact breed that requires moderate amounts of exercise. Curious and loyal, the breed is well suited to family life.
An independent and expressive dog, the Norfolk can be quite the character and individuals are known for their distinctive personalities and behavioral traits.