17 Dog Breeds with Rose Ears (Photos)

Nothing is more adorable than perked ears on your dog and the curious tilt of their head. Not many dog owners think about their pet’s ears, but there are several reasons to notice what kind of ears your dog’s breed should have.

Knowing what type of ears is normal and what they should look like can give clues about their genetics and let you know if something is wrong.

Different dog breeds are born with various types of ears. Dachshunds and other hounds are notorious for having floppy ears, as are Beagles. However, many dogs have something called rose ears.

dog breeds with rose ears
17 Dog Breeds with Rose Ears (Photos)

Rose ears look a little like the wing of a bat. Rose ears on a dog will be erect at the base but fold over about halfway through, allowing the ear to flop over itself. This adorable feature allows your dog an advantage when running since there will be less wind resistance.

Browse our top 17 dog breeds with rose ears to decide if one of these animals is right for you.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are loving but intelligent dogs who adore having tasks and jobs. These dog breeds won’t find complete fulfillment if they lack work and would gladly spend all of their time outside herding sheep, cows, or any other animal.

an older Aussie shepherd
An older Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are smart and are notorious for solving problems and being quick on their feet. It’s no wonder these dogs have rose ears since they’re always on the go.

Boxer

Boxers are clever and active dogs who adore fun. However, these dogs know when the right time and place for fun can be. These apt dogs are fast and enjoy running around with young children and other pets in the backyard.

boxer dog looking at food
Boxer dogs have healthy appetites so appropriate food selection is key

Although Boxers often have perked ears that stand straight up, their rose ears flop over when relaxed and tired.

Papillon Dog

The Papillon dog is among the friendliest dog breeds in the world. This dog is always alert and happy to show any of its skills in a public setting. Your Papillon dog will have no qualms about greeting strangers and introducing you to new friends.

papillon
Papillons are tiny and cute pups! But they are ENERGETIC

Papillon Dogs prefer the company of young children over other animals in the home and love giving and receiving affection.

Collie

Collies are dedicated dogs who will show their loyalty often. This dog is gentle and enjoys herding farm animals. Collies take pride in their work and will be happy to spend the afternoon playing with young children and other dogs after a long day.

friendly Border Collie
Border Collie being friendly!

Collies prefer sensitive affection like head pats over roughhousing. As a dog with rose ears, Collies can run fast and herd animals along, as needed.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are the notorious mascot for transportation services nationwide since they’re so fast. These dogs are hounds and enjoy running, chasing others, and playing on large swaths of land. Greyhounds are independent but gentle and won’t naturally roughhouse with others.

greyhound dog
A greyhound standing proud (and tall and skinny)

This dog with rose ears enjoys having work to do and will gladly run for several hours before stopping to rest in a quiet, shady spot.

English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is courageous but calm. This dog breed is a leader and enjoys taking action when needed. English Bulldogs are also friendly and adore attention.

English Bulldog in a gray background
An English Bulldog in a gray background.

These dogs enjoy affection and will be happy to rest and cuddle with their favorite people after several hours of play and work.

Parson Russell Terrier

A Parson Russell Terrier is an athletic canine and enjoys nothing more than a long run around the backyard. These dogs need plenty of space to exercise and will take any opportunity to make friends, play with others, and engage their minds.

Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terrier sitting under the sun!

Parson Russell Terriers enjoy puzzles and may spend hours playing hide-and-seek with small children or digging up holes to see what they can find.

Estrela Mountain Dog

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a lesser-known breed because it has high intelligence and prefers to spend its time adventuring, discovering the area, and observing the outdoors. This dog does best in the northern parts of the United States.

Estrela Mountain dog gazing
Estrela Mountain dog close-up shot.

Although independent, this dog breed adores affection and will happily cuddle with its loved ones after a day outdoors. An Estrela Mountain Dog loves small children and will dedicate themselves to keeping kids safe.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are adventurous dogs who love playing and enjoy a little bit of mischief. These dogs are medium to large-sized but love spending time playing outside, running, and engaging in hunting puzzles and other activities.

a white bull terrier
What a dog! A white Bull Terrier dog in a flowery field.

Bull Terriers don’t play well with other dogs and prefer to have alone time, but will tolerate the presence of children well.

Pug

People regard Pugs as strange, charming, and mischievous dogs. This dog breed loves to play and will do nearly anything it can to make its owners happy. The rose ears on pugs are notorious and help them gain some speed when they want to take a run around the backyard.

Pug runs
Pug actively plays at the park.

Pugs do well with small children and other dogs, and these canines enjoy quality time with those they love.

Whippet

Whippets are similar to Greyhounds and have similar characteristics. Whippets are playful and gentle but adore affection. These dogs are hounds that love engaging in puzzles and play that challenge their minds.

gray whippet
A gray Whippet. Ash would be a great name for such a cute gray dog?

Whippets will gladly spend their days running around the yard and chasing other dogs or small children while supervised. The rose ears on a Whippet fold back while they run to reduce wind resistance and boost speed.

Pitbull

Pitbulls are generally sweet and loving dogs who don’t enjoy jobs but love spending time outside, playing, and in the sun. Pitbulls do enjoy roughhousing with other dogs and older children, but you should always supervise play fighting.

Pitbulls have stunning rose ears that flop over and perk at noises, sounds, and the call of their name.

dirty Pitbull paws
Pitbull paws should be maintained clean for your dog’s health and wellness measures.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

A Danish-Swedish Farmdog loves to be trained and has plenty of energy for its daily tasks. This dog breed enjoys everything life has to offer and enjoys nothing more than quality time with its owners and loved ones.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Danish-Swedish Farmdog have rose ears.

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs, as a dog with rose ears, will be happy to spend as much time as possible with family, small children, and other dogs both indoors and outside.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is similar to the Boxer. This dog breed has ears that stand straight up until they are at rest. This Terrier is large but remains confident in its skills and is highly intelligent.

American Staffordshire Terrier
Two American Staffordshire Terrier sit together.

American Staffordshire Terriers are ideal for families with plenty of space and older children who won’t hang on them or seek them out for playing constantly.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are loyal and like to stay to themselves. These dogs are quiet and enjoy their alone time. Unlike many other canines, these dogs don’t love to be smothered with affection and prefer to be able to come and go as they please.

standing Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog stands on a grass looking at his side.

The rose ears on this dog breed can help them escape in a pinch when they come across a predator or get in a stressful position during their adventures outdoors.

Pumi

Pumis are lively and enjoy working. These canines enjoy herding and are ideal for farms and outdoor settings. A Pumi will spend all day trying to please their owners and their evenings cuddling with their favorite people on the couch.

Pumi sits on grass
Pumi sits on the grass in a seriously.

A Pumi is medium-sized and may be best in homes with large backyards or farms with plenty of work to do.

Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei is an independent dog that remains loyal to its owners in almost any circumstance. These dogs are calm and charming but don’t particularly enjoy hard labor. A Shar-Pei would rather lay down in a sunny spot than anything else.

Shar Pei dog and cake
Shar Pei dog with a birthday cake.

These canines may also enjoy playing with toys if they are young or resting near their owner.

Conclusion

Different dog breeds come with distinct ear types. Each type of ear is iconic and unique, but rose ears may be one of the least expected on dogs. Although many may be familiar with Pitbulls and Greyhounds, they may associate dogs with floppy ears similar to a Beagle or Dachshund.

Rose ears are ideal for dogs who love to run and value their space and speed. A set of rose ears can help canines run faster, keep wind resistance to a minimum, and assist with playtime. For example, Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds and their rose ears allow them much more speed than floppy ears would.

These ears flop over at about the halfway mark, and many dogs can make their rose ears stand up entirely. These 17 dogs have iconic rose ears that make them perfect for families with large backyards and plenty of space to play.