Why Do Dogs Hear Better Than Humans? The Science Explained

As a loving dog owner, you don’t need help answering the question “Can dogs hear better than humans?”. The answer is an emphatic “Yes”, but why do dogs hear better than humans?

In this quick guide, we’ll look at the science behind a dog’s superior hearing and answer key questions like;

• Why do dogs hear better than humans?
• Why do dogs need superior hearing to humans?
• Which dog breeds have the best hearing?
• How far away can a dog hear?
• How can you support your pup’s sensitive hearing?

Our team of friendly experts are passionate about helping dog owners do more for their beloved pets, and education is a key factor. Here’s all you need to know about your pup’s superior hearing.

Why Do Dogs Hear Better Than Humans?

Firstly, let’s put one thing straight: dogs generally have far better hearing capabilities than humans. (Yeah, those times your dog ignores you suddenly feel a lot more personal don’t they?)

A dog’s superior hearing isn’t only supported by anecdotal evidence, such as when they notify you of something long before you’ve heard it. Scientific evidence shows that dogs typically hear sounds ranging from 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz. For comparison, the average human hears between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. In other words, dogs detect a far wider range of sounds - especially when dealing with higher pitches.

So, yeah, that’s why you can’t hear that dog whistle nearly as well as they do. 

Ultimately, a dog’s superior hearing is due to biology. Despite containing the same fundamental parts, anatomical differences between a human ear and a dog’s ear are quite noticeable. A larger outer ear allows dogs to collect sounds and direct them towards the ear canal with far greater efficiency. Understandably, dogs with larger ears typically boast very strong hearing skills.

Dogs also have longer and wider ear canals than humans. Likewise, the canine ear canal is typically more flexible. In turn, this ensures that sounds are transmitted to the inner ear with greater efficiency. This is supported by a middle ear that is shaped perfectly to amplify the sounds as they travel through the ear.

Once sound waves are collected and transmitted to the inner ear, they are converted into electrical signals. While this is true for humans and dogs alike, the latter are blessed with a better anatomical makeup. The structure of a canine’s inner ear is naturally structured to support a wider range of sound frequencies, ultimately allowing the brain to process more sounds. 

So, why do dogs hear better than humans? In short: their large ears are anatomically structured to pick up a greater range of frequencies and pick up sounds from further away. Even when you train the ears, humans simply cannot match up.

Why Do Dogs Need Superior Hearing To Humans?

Understanding anatomical science helps us understand how dogs have superior hearing to us. However, it’s equally crucial to ask “Why do dogs hear better than humans?” from an evolutionary and historical perspective.

It’s important to remember that dogs are specifically bred by humans. They were originally bred from wolves by hunter-gatherers from the late Pleistocene era. In other words, domesticated dogs have always been bred with a purpose of helping humans - no wonder they are man’s best friend!

The vast majority of those activities and functions require expert hearing. So, it should be no surprise that dogs have been bred with excellent hearing skills in mind. Examples of common ‘jobs’ given to dogs include;

• Guarding and protecting people, animals, or property.
• Herding other animals, such as sheep.
• Hunting for prey, also for the sport.
• Search and rescue, starting with locating lost people.
• Supporting humans with companionship and navigation.

When looking at the above ‘jobs’ fulfilled by dogs, it’s clear to see that superior hearing isn’t the only desired talent. Many dogs also boast excellent sight and superior smell. Depending on the breed, attributes like speed, strength, and an ability to squeeze into tight spaces are also found. 

Still, their super hearing is the attribute that stands out above all.

Which Dog Breeds Have The Best Hearing?

As with humans, all dogs are unique. So, even dogs in the same breed can have different hearing profiles - just like we do as humans. An individual pup’s hearing may be influenced by a range of factors. Genetics, age, exposure to noise, and illness are just some of the examples.

Nevertheless, when asking “Can dogs hear better than humans?”, the truth is that all breeds can out hear us. Still, some types of dogs are known for having even better hearing than other pups. The best hearing dogs are as follows;

• Boston Terrier - skilled hunters who need excellent hearing skills.
• Chihuahua - they remain alert to sound at all times, even when sleeping. 
• Cocker Spaniel - their long ears are a key for their hunting skills.
• French Bulldog - ears are up and primed to hear everything.
• German Shepherd - their pointed ears are always up and attentive.
• Labrador Retriever - they need it to retrieve things.
• Lhasa Apso - historically, they were bred to hear earthquakes and other warnings.
• Min Pins - another pup with upright ears for optimal attentiveness.
• Poodle - their long, floppy ears are finely tuned to pick up sounds.
• Schnauzers - their large ears are great at detecting a wide range of noises.

In reality, though, all breeds display superior hearing compared to humans. In fact, they are among the best hearers in the animal kingdom - although even they cannot compete with moths, which hear up to 300,000 Hz!

Still, if you have a dog, you must be aware of their hearing. Regardless of the breed.

How Far Away Can A Dog Hear?

The knowledge that dogs can hear better than humans (at least when they want to) is one thing, but how far away can a dog hear?

Once again, there are contrasts depending on the breed in question, as well as their age and general health. As a rule of thumb, though, it is suggested that dogs can hear sounds from about 4 to 5 times the distance as humans. That figure could be even greater if the human’s hearing has started to decline.

Incredibly, dogs have fully developed hearing by as early as three weeks old. For humans, the auditory system continues to mature throughout infancy.

So, how far away can a dog hear certain sounds? Ultimately, it depends on the type of sound and other environmental factors. It is believed that some breeds can hear thunder from up to 40 miles away. However, that 400% to 500% improvement compared to humans is witnessed in more common situations.

Dogs are also better at detecting sounds from noisy backgrounds, weather that’s windy weather or people talking. If you’ve ever wondered how your dog knows someone is approaching the house before you do, this is probably the reason why - and can largely be attributed to the larger outer ear, which is capable of collecting sounds from wide and far.

Like humans, a dog’s hearing will start to decline with age and can result in deafness in later life. Their stronger starting point does mean, however, that they can often hear as well as humans long after that regression has started. 

How Can You Support Your Pup’s Sensitive Hearing?

For the most part, a dog’s superior hearing is something of a superpower. However, as with everything in life, there are pros and cons to consider. 

While a dog’s heightened hearing capabilities deliver a host of benefits, sensitive hearing does make them prone to noise-induced anxiety. As a pet owner, you may notice a range of symptoms in your dog’s look and behavior. The most telling signs include;

• Barking to get your attention
• Body shaking,
• Hiding from the noise source,
• Destroying toys or items,
• Biting their paws,
• Restlessness,
• Panting and/or salivating. 

All of the above symptoms may be associated with other conditions or issues. However, if they tend to occur when around loud noises, it is very likely that noise-induced anxiety is the reason. So, what steps can you take to support your pup through this problem?

Firstly, it may be possible to avoid certain places where you know the noise is an issue for your dog. An example would be switching daily walks to a quieter park or route. Similarly, not using surround sound speakers when watching a film could have a positive impact.

Unfortunately, you won’t always know when loud noises will occur, especially out in public. Even when you do, this is oftentimes out of your control. With this in mind, investing in Doggie Hush Headphones is another wise move. It protects your pup’s ears, particularly in loud environments, to reduce any feeling of anxiety. They can be supported by other calming items.

Finally, you should be attentive to the signs that your dog feels at unease. Your reassurance and love can make a huge difference. When coupled with a proactive approach to reducing the impact of sound through items like headphones, you will see the difference in no time.

Happy pup, happy owner. Perfect.