Why do spaniels have floppy ears?

[lizness]

I was thinking the other day whilst walking winston, why do spaniels have floppy ears. They are docked to stop them getting tangled in stuff (or the real reason that winston has proved is that undocked spaniels chase/fetch their own tails regularily? So why have they been bred to have floppy ears to get caught in brambles etc?

 

[Bearsmum]

So they can soak up lots of smells and stink lots. LB keeps everything from gravy and bits of bone to burrs for a bit of roughage and even the odd slug for added interest in hers. I'm a cruel mummy and trim them regularly!

JDx

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

They muffle the sound so they can ignore you at will and they also use them to store stuff in for later use - it maybe a snack or Twig small life forms.....

 

[julieleach9]

I clip the inside, which reduces the weight considerably and cuts down gravy/water/fox exhaust drying time significantly!

They wouldn't be the same without them; mine might be able to hear me then!

 

[Elle123]

I think they're supposed to waft the scent towards their noses.

...either that or just scare you half to death when they but there nice soggy cold wet ears get put on your feet!!!!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

It's so they can dip them in their food and water and force you to buy specialist water bowls for spaniels at vast expense!

 

[Elle123]

Mine also uses hers as a sleeping mask!!

Hehe

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