Button ears are described as drop ears with the tipped ends facing forward. The flapped part of the ear doesn’t cover the ear canal like a pull on drop ear, but it does cover a good amount that would otherwise allow a leeway for some objects.
Button eared dogs are mostly from the terrier family (hunting group) including the russels, fox, border and airedale. There are a few exceptions here and there such as the giant schnauzer, American and Australian shepherds.
These breeds have different unique characters, temperaments, features, and appearances. All that plus much more information in the next segments below.
Parson Russell Terrier
This very friendly and intelligent dog weighing only 13 to 17 pounds.
Abbreviated as the PRT, they are independent starters that enjoy coming up with new ideas on how to do things. They are fast enough to move with horses and still brave enough to face nature’s toughest animals like the fox.
The breed has a very adorable personality, but predominantly it’s loved for being fearless. Many of these breeds have a white coat, a sharp face, and erect button ears.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells are some of the most known for the button ears. It is similar in appearance to the parson russel but smaller in size with a more rectangular body shape. It is breed as a working dog.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Next up is the fox terrier. Yet another tiny terrier filled with huge personalities. Over 5 pounds bigger than the Parson terrier.
Though small, Smooth Fox Terriers have big personalities. They never stop acting like puppies as they run around the back yard, roll on the carpet, and stroll around the neighborhood.
For a small size, it’s very fast, but what makes it even better is the flag head with chiseled muzzles. The v-shaped button ears also have a role to play. Lastly, they’re about to lean the neck down towards the chest.
The Smooth Fox Terrier thrives to have strong family ties with the owner and family. This relationship builds on trust, loyalty, among other things that make the dog a great watchdog.
Border Terrier
A very similar breed to the fox terrier is the border terrier. It weighs the same 15 pounds and is also from the working group.
With an equally jolly character, there are several distinguishing characteristics of this border terrier. First off, its the otter head; a uniquely shaped head that gives it stamina while running.
Secondly, they have the longest legs among all the other dogs in the terrier family.
In terms of similarities, they have button ears and a wired coat than appears grizzled and tan, reddish, or blue and tan. Borders are very hardworking and maintain a certain poise while working.
However, they are also tender, loving, and good-tempered. With plenty of exercise, company, free space to explore, and love and affection; the dog can adapt well to any livelihood.
Manchester Terrier
Weighing only 12 pounds, this is yet the smallest terrier in the breed family. It has a very small appearance including small feet, a small head, and small button ears.
The Manchester Terrier named after its ancient home in an English city, the breed belongs to the toy group. This means they enjoy playing and just playing silly and jolly all day.
Even with all the play, the terrier can still howl and hunt. It has the terrier’s ratting instinct and the graceful contours of coursing hounds.
The best-known thing about this racy creature is its spirit. A very energetic and jolly dog that would brighten anyone’s mood.
American Hairless Terrier
Weighing just 16 pounds, the American hairless terrier is very well known for its lack of hair. Well, it’s not unlikely to have no hair on a dog’s body, but for this particular breed, the lack of hair really stands out, more especially since terriers have a lot of hair.
Originating from the USA, this breed is derived from the rat breed; a descendant from way back in the ancient days. The American hairless terrier has erect button ears, and a dense coat available in a variety of colors and patterns with white.
The dog breed, however, is very energetic, alert, and intelligent. Even with impeccable hunting instincts, they, unfortunately, remain to play the role of domesticated pets.
Airedale Terrier
This is the largest terrier from its breed. Weighing around 60 pounds, the king of terriers is a multi-purpose working dog. Very well known for its hard work in the ranch and farm guarding the home, controlling vermin, among many other activities.
Also referred to as waterside or Bingley terrier have medium-sized button ears helpful for their hunting and guarding expeditions.
Back in the days, Airedales killed badgers, water rats, and otters hunted small game, and also kept track of livestock and cattle in general.
The coating on the Airedale is subject to change throughout its life cycle. From a soft and fluffy coat to a wiry and hardtop coating.
Its color ranges from a Black and tan to a grizzle and tan. This terrier is best known for being versatile thanks to its stamina, speed, and imperviousness.
Giant Schnauzer
Not all button eared dogs are terriers, or at least they don’t carry the name. As for the Giant Schnauzer, they have a rigid personality; bold, regular, active, reliable, clever, and free-spirited.
Bigger than the standard Schnauzer, this giant has many more desirable qualities including the undying loyalty of its owner, easily trained, courageous, and amiable.
The giant Schnauzer has a thick, rugged, and weather-resistant coat that has a soft undercoat. The color is true black easing down to a black pepper color.
Banded hairs on its outer coat are primarily white and black with an intermix between the two almost giving it a grey color. It has other great qualities but its best known for its hunting capabilities.
Australian Shepherd
If you’re looking for an outdoor partner with the perfectly crafted button ears, eagerness to please, and the strength of two dogs, the Miniature American Shepherd or Mini Australian Shepherd (mini Aussie) is the way to go. This breed has a well-proportioned body.
That is triangular ears for a streamlined body, almond-shaped eyes, medium-length muzzles, short and straight tails, plus slightly domed heads.
Their coat is very tense covering some resistance to different types of weather conditions. Its texture is formed like that of a mane, but the undercoat is very soft especially around the head, ears, and hind legs.
The color segment is very interesting; it can be found in black, blue merle, red merle, solid red or red with white and tan markings. Finally, the Australian shepherd has a very easy-going temperament where they simply love to play.
Button Ears vs Rose Ears
There isn’t much distinction between the button and rose ears. They both erect, however, the button ears feature a tipped ear that faces to the front, while the rose ears tip to the back. Furthermore, the bottom ears simply fall forward covering just a quarter of the ear.
Rose ears move differently; the tipped part of the ear doesn’t just lie to the back, the ends also coil to the base like the leaf petal of a rose.
Button ears seem in many terriers as you have read about extensively from the upper segment. Rose ears are seen other dog breeds like the pug, greyhound, whippets, and the bulldog. That’s it for the distinguishing features.
As for similarities, the button and rose ears are both variations of the prick and drop ears. The tipped part of the ear still leaves about three-quarters of the ear open for hearing.
Secondly, dog breeds with this ear type fall under the same work characteristics; they are either tracking or hunting dogs who have the ear shape to help protect them from potential infestation from bugs, mites, or insects.
Lastly, both ears can actually be trained. A good example is the shetland sheepdog. Whilst it has pricked ears, the dog can also have button ears through training from being of tender age; a puppy.
Further Reading
