Golden Retriever's Ears Are So Expressive, His Owner Named Them

Newsweek

10-06-2025

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Fingers, a Labrador-golden retriever mix with a flair for facial expressions, has become the latest four-legged internet star—not for tricks or treats, but for the unexpected contortions of his ears.
In a now-viral TikTok video shared on April 28 by his owner, under the handle @fingersthegoldador, the 5-year-old dog showcased his surprising talent: an ever-changing array of ear positions that has captivated millions.
Viewed more than 1.4 million times and liked by over 230,000 TikTok users, the lighthearted video features Fingers flashing what his owner Julia affectionately calls his "cup ear," "turn signal ear," and "mouse ears"—a catalog of comical contortions that has left viewers in hysterics.
"He is a very goofy and lovable dog," Julia told Newsweek. "One day I noticed that every time I came home from work, he would greet me with a new ear shape.
"I started to record them because I thought it was so cute how he could bend his ears in so many different ways!"
The post has sparked a wave of laughter and recognition among pet owners, many of whom jumped into the comments to share the names they have given their own dogs' unique ear movements.
"My favorite comments were from other dog owners explaining the names they have for their own dog's ear shape," Julia said. "There were some clever and funny names mentioned in the comments, and it made me laugh to think other dog owners have also named the specific shapes their dog's ears make."
But behind the hilarity lies a subtle form of communication. Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian contributor for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that ear movements can offer real insight into how dogs feel.
Fingers the Labrador golden retriever moves his ears in different ways in a TikTok video.
Fingers the Labrador golden retriever moves his ears in different ways in a TikTok video.
@fingersthegoldador
"A dog's ears and its movements can reveal a lot about how the dog is feeling," Vasudevan said. "Ears that are pinned back often indicate the dog is feeling some anxiety, fear, or submission—especially when the ears are paired with other body language cues like a lowered head or a tucked tail."
By contrast, ears that are forward or perked typically signal interest or alertness.
But Vasudevan cautioned against overgeneralizing: "Because ear shapes vary widely between breeds, it's important to interpret ear position in the context of the dog's overall body language and temperament and their natural ear posture."
For Julia, Fingers' viral fame is less about the anatomy of expression and more about the joys of pet ownership. Whether folded, flopped, or flying high, his ears have become a daily surprise that has now brought smiles far beyond their front door.
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