This gene may determine if dogs have long, floppy ears or short, study ones

image via New Scientist

January 17, 2026, 12:00 PM

• •MSRB3 gene linked to ear length.
• •Study included over 3,000 dogs, wolves and coyotes.
• •Variants near MSRB3 influence ear cell proliferation.
• •Selective breeding has shaped dog ear characteristics.

A recent genetic analysis of over 3,000 dogs, wolves, and coyotes has identified a gene, MSRB3, linked to ear length in dogs. The study, presented at the Plant and Animal Genome Conference, found that DNA variants near MSRB3 correlate with ear length, potentially influencing the proliferation of ear cells. This research builds upon previous findings and offers insight into the evolution and selective breeding of dog ear characteristics. Further studies on single breeds like golden retrievers are planned to explore the genetic variations in more detail.

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