Hearing

Canine ears are much keener than ours

Sharp hearing is important for all canines, domestic or wild. Dogs are able to hear sounds that we cannot. Their super-sensitive ears respond both to lower volumes and higher pitched sounds.

Have you ever seen a dog prick up its ears? Dog ears are more mobile than ours are, and a dog can adjust them to maximize reception. Eighteen or more muscles tilt, raise and rotate a dog's ears for the best possible sound reception.

The shape of a dog's ears helps with hearing too. Just as we cup our hands around our ears so we can hear better, a dog's upright, curved ears help direct and amplify sound. Erect ears, like those of wild canids, hear better than the floppy ears of many domestic breeds.

Dogs hear higher frequency sounds than humans although not quite as high as cats can. Frequency, the number of sound wave cycles every second, is measured in a unit called Hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency, the more sound waves per second, the higher pitched the sound.

In the wild

Foxes, jackals and other wild canines can't always get a glimpse of their prey -- mice and other small creatures. Instead, they might use their ears to find it. For a fox, a rustle of grass or a tiny squeak is an invitation to dinner. Once found, the mouse doesn't have much of a chance. The eager fox pounces, pinning the mouse with a paw before snatching it with sharp teeth.

Here at home: guard dogs

Dogs' excellent hearing was probably one of the first reasons we tolerated wolves and early dogs near our camps. For centuries we have used them as sentries and guards, alerting us to possible danger. This is especially important at night when it's hard for us to see.