Scientists Discover Gene Behind Dogs' Adorable Floppy Ears

A simple question about a beloved pet has led scientists to unlock one of the mysteries behind what makes each dog unique.

Anna Ramey, a University of Georgia undergraduate, was gazing at her American cocker spaniel Cobain one day when curiosity struck: why did he have such long, floppy ears? She brought the question to her genetics lab colleagues, and what started as casual wonder turned into groundbreaking research involving over 3,000 dogs, wolves, and coyotes.

The team discovered that DNA variants near a gene called MSRB3 determine ear length in dogs. This gene codes for an antioxidant protein already linked to ear size in pigs, sheep, and goats, and plays a role in human hearing too.

Geneticist Tori Rudolph and her colleagues found that while previous studies had looked at ear carriage (pointy versus floppy), nobody had examined what controls actual ear length. Their analysis revealed that certain DNA variants could boost MSRB3 activity, increasing the rate at which ear cells multiply during development.

The variety in dog ears isn't random. Some differences evolved naturally as dogs adapted to different climates. Short, upright ears lose less heat, making them common in cold-weather breeds, while longer ears appear more often in dogs from warmer regions.

Selective breeding added even more diversity. Basset hounds were bred with long ears to sweep scents toward their noses during hunting. German shepherds developed upright ears that might slightly enhance their hearing abilities.

Why This Inspires

What makes this discovery special isn't just the science. It's a reminder that breakthrough research can start with everyday curiosity about the world around us.

Ramey didn't need fancy equipment or a PhD to ask an important question that nobody had thought to investigate. She simply looked at her dog with wonder and asked why. Her curiosity, combined with the right collaborators and scientific tools, revealed something new about our four-legged friends.

The research team isn't stopping here. Rudolph, inspired by her own golden retrievers Erin and Brooks, wants to study ear variation within single breeds next. Golden retrievers show remarkable diversity in ear size and length, making them perfect subjects for deeper investigation.

From a student's simple question about her dog Cobain (whose hobbies include morning creek swims and following people around) to understanding the genetic building blocks of canine diversity, this research shows how wonder leads to discovery.