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Why can dogs hear sounds that humans cannot hear?

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A Labradoodle dog runs energetically through grass with a stick in its mouth, ears flopping and tail raised. — dog A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, a mix intended to incorporate the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat with a Lab's energy and determination.

Dogs can hear sounds at higher frequencies than humans because of differences in their auditory anatomy and physiological specialization. While the human ear is generally sensitive to frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz, dogs have a broader hearing range, capable of detecting frequencies up to 46,000 Hz.123

The ability of a mammal to detect specific frequencies is determined by the mechanical characteristics of its ear, including the size and mass of its moving parts and the structure of the cochlea. In mammals, the ossicular chain acts as a mechanical lever to transmit sound from the air to the cochlear fluid. Because smaller masses encounter less resistance when moved at high frequencies, the specific dimensions and spatial relations of these otic structures allow dogs to respond to ultrasonic vibrations that are beyond the upper limit of human hearing.4

Ultimately, these anatomical variations reflect evolutionary specializations that enable different species to sense their environments, detect prey, or identify danger with varying degrees of precision.45