Which physical feature of the Beagle Shepherd mix can result in long, floppy Beagle ears or erect, alert Shepherd ears?

Ears

The physical manifestation of the Beagle Shepherd mix exhibits considerable variability because the genetic traits from both parent breeds are inherited unevenly. Ears are a prominent example of this physical variation. The Beagle parent contributes the characteristic long, floppy ears that hang down the side of the head, which are indicative of a hound optimized for scent trailing close to the ground. In contrast, the German Shepherd contributes the well-known trait of erect, alert ears that stand upright, which aids in situational awareness and listening for handler commands. A resulting puppy might display ears that are intermediate in shape, or strongly favor the conformation of one parent over the other, showcasing the unpredictability inherent in crossbreeding.