The ASCA Standard calls for an ear set high on the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip, of moderate size with length measured by bringing the tip of the ear around to the inside corner of the eye. The ears, at full attention break slightly forward and over from one-quarter to one-half above the base. Prick and hound-type ears are severe faults.

The AKC standard looks for Triangular ears of moderate size and leather, set high on the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. Prick ears and handing ears are severe faults.

For some reason, a lot of emphasis is placed on ears. Aussies ears come in a variety of sets, and I am here to help you understand the different sets. There are disqualifying sets, preferred sets, and also "ok" sets for conformation. All of the sets are fine for an Aussie, but the prick ear set and the hound ear set are major faults. This is because the hound ear set does not allow for good circulation and the prick ear set is more prone to foxtails and bugs.

These images are an example of Australian Shepherd ears.

SEMI-PRICK- these are relatively rare, but quite acceptable

ROSE- these are common, and acceptable

BUTTON/TRIANGLE- It is unknown what the correct term for the ear is, but button is fairly accutare (the true button is the set of a folded Jack Russel Terrier ear). These ears are generally the most desirable, indicative of correct weight and size.

HOUND- (I admit it, that's really a beagle's ear) This is an example of hound. It looks very similar to the button, but notice the slight lift in the button ears' example, that small lift differs from a true hound ear. This ear set is unacceptable.

PRICK- (And again, that's a Belgian Tevuren's ear) it's straight, it's stiff, it's unacceptable.

Now, many people choose to tape their dogs' ears to give them the desired button shape. I've done it with two dogs, and it resulted in rose sets. So, basically, nothing happened. I don't advocate it, but should you desire button set, you can glue or tape the ear for the desired earset. I am not going to go further into this process, as I do not think ear taping lends itself to true repesentation of what your dog is. If you are interested, please contact your dog's breeder for more information.