[gemy]

I think a number of factors are involved, not the least of which is breed pre disposition to ear wax build and or infections. It does really depend on the heaviness of the inside ear hair. I think as a puppy it is good to get them used to having their ear hair plucked because you won't know how heavy will be the ear hair as they grow up.

Dara our puppy is getting a few hairs plucked every other day, just in case right now she looks like she will mature to not have heavy inner ear hair.

Magics' is very heavy and plucking is quite necessary for him.

Also ear cleaning is a must for all dogs. I use a dual system, a liquid form and then an drying agent for the ears.

For Bathing you can put in small cotton balls to help keep the inner ear canal from water. And then learn how to wash the ears without drenching the inner ear. For example I use a washcloth on both large and small dogs for their inside ear flap.

After swimming I use the ear cleaning agents and thoroughly dry out the inner flap.

This is a topic with many opinions, and there might not be one answer fits all dogs of all breeds.