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  1. #1
    House Broken Hunter&Me's Avatar
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    My lab's ears...Is this what's called "rose ears"? (Pics inside)

    Hi everyone, I'm new here. I adopted a 3, almost 4, year old chocolate lab named Hunter. I've had him now for one week. Hunter is my first lab. I'm just curious about his ears. Is this what they call "rose" ears?

    I adopted Hunter from a friend of a friend, who had labs his whole life, but he had to give up Hunter because he now has an illness that makes it hard to walk and the illness is sadly only supposed to get worse with time. The man was tearful giving up Hunter and I felt so sad for him.

    More than once the previous owner told me that Hunter is a very good boy and he was right. I love Hunter so very much! He also trained Hunter very well. On command Hunter sits, stays, lies down, stops, waits and will hand you one paw after the other. I apologize if these commands are things most labs know, it's just that he's my first lab and I find him amazing. The only thing that Hunter needs work on is not tugging on the leash...He's almost 80 lbs and strong.

    Anyway, apologies for going on and on! I was just curious about Hunter's ears. I'm attaching a bunch of pics. Is this what they call "rose ears"?

    Thanks so much!

    Attachment 5629 Attachment 5630 Attachment 5631
    Attachment 5632 Attachment 5633

  2. #2
    Senior Dog dxboon's Avatar
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    I would not call these rose ears. A true rose ear IMO is usually small, with more of the inner and underside of the ear exposed in the natural, relaxed position of the dog. These photos show more of a flap or flying ear to me.

    The Bulldog Club of America's illustrated standard would likely show you what an actual rose ear entails.

    Many Labradors have incorrectly set and shaped ears (which doesn't affect their ability to hear or be great companions, of course), but I think you don't generally see a rose ear on a Labrador.

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    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    My goodness, your first post here and you are teaching me something. I had never heard of "rose ears" but I googled and found this:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...-your-dogs-ear

    Hunter's ears do seem rather like the greyhound pictured. But since I've never heard of it perhaps someone will come and confirm. I am pretty sure those ears are just as nice as any other ears for nibbling on though. Welcome to the board. Sounds like Hunter lucked out with you. Sorry about your friend's friend.

    ETA: LOL, takes me longer to type than dxboon.
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    House Broken Hunter&Me's Avatar
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    Dxboon, thank-you so much for the reply. I am a newbie when it comes to labs (have been reading up on them though before I got Hunter), so I really appreciate the response!

    Someone was curious if he is full lab and not mixed because of his ears. The previous owner said he was a lab. It doesn't matter to me if he were mixed, but others have all said no way, he's full lab. The only reason I'd want to know if he is mixed is for general temperament and training purposes, as I imagine different breeds would probably require different training methods.

    Thanks again!

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    House Broken Hunter&Me's Avatar
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    LOL, thanks Snowshoe! I clearly didn't know what a rose ear was though! lol

    Hunter's ears do look a bit like that greyhound's, but I think they flap down a bit more. He's still new and I think his ear placement is not always completely "relaxed" (flapping more downwards) as I'm sure he's still settling in..etc.

    Thanks for the welcome!

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  10. #6
    Senior Dog dxboon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hunter&Me View Post
    Dxboon, thank-you so much for the reply. I am a newbie when it comes to labs (have been reading up on them though before I got Hunter), so I really appreciate the response!

    Someone was curious if he is full lab and not mixed because of his ears. The previous owner said he was a lab. It doesn't matter to me if he were mixed, but others have all said no way, he's full lab. The only reason I'd want to know if he is mixed is for general temperament and training purposes, as I imagine different breeds would probably require different training methods.

    Thanks again!
    My guess is he is probably a Labrador. Labradors are the most overbred breed on the planet, and with so many breeders, there are now Labs in every shape, size. If you really wanted to try for more information, you could do a DNA test, which is very easy. I use this company for genetic testing of my dogs: Dog Breed DNA Testing | Wisdom Panel Test, Indentification | Buy, Order, Costs | Dogs, Canines | VetDNACenter.com

    Honestly, I would just train him as an individual, and not make assumptions about this temperament and training preferences based on him being a Labrador. Labrador traits and temperaments run the gamut nowadays. As you live with Hunter, you'll figure out what works for him. You might also benefit from organized classes with a trainer, if there is a good one in your area. All dogs benefit from appropriate physical and mental stimulation.

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  12. #7
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    He looks like a Lab to me....although those ears might be related to my Sunnie.

    I'd never heard of "rose ears" either.

    If you're interested in a DNA test, I agree with dxboon about the company to use. I'd contact them and ask which of their types of tests they'd recommend since you have what is most likely a purebred. You don't want to use a mutt test for a purebred, or vice versa. (you can tell which type I used....and I'm totally satisfied with the results....spotted Sunnie's Lab and Aussie as soon as I laid eyes on her)

    Welcome to you and Hunter....he does look like a very nice boy.

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  14. #8
    Senior Dog Shelley's Avatar
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    DXBoon said pretty much what I was going to say, rose ears are generally not seen in Labradors, but more common in Greyhounds and Bulldogs.
    Hunter's ear look a tad more higher set on his head, but they still look like drop ears to me, and he is definitely "mostly" Labrador to my eyes. :-)

    Congrats on the new companion, I am sure he is a good boy. :-)

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    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Welcome to you and Hunter!

    Taught me something new today too.

    I agree, treat and train Hunter as the individual he is. Great that he knows so many manners already. The pulling issue can be addressed with patience, love and positive reinforcement. A basic obedience class would be good and really help with the two of you bonding.

    Having your first lab you are in for the most fabulous ride of your life.
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  18. #10
    House Broken Hunter&Me's Avatar
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    Thanks so much, everyone, for the replies. You all are really a helpful and friendly group.

    Also, thanks for the DNA test link -- I have heard of these tests before but wasn't sure which company would be a good one to go with if I were to do the testing...so, thank-you for the link.

    I was thinking of the two of us going to obedience classes, and yep, I think it'd be wonderful way to bond as well.

    And, I just gotta say -- Wow, all of your Labradors and other cuties are just gorgeous!

    Thanks again, all of this info, words of wisdom and kind words are very much appreciated.

 



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