My dog is half dalmation half great dane, and recently one of his ears has begun to smell. I can't figure out why they smell so bad, but when he walks by, that stench is all you can smell. Does anyone have any suggestions as to why this is or how i can fix it? The smell is just so horrible.

Take him to the vets to get it checked out

HTH
Chloe

I was told by my vet that if there is a terrible smell it could be an infection. Shirl

Often a foul smell accompanied by a dark brown waxy discharge is a yeast infection in the ear. Although ear mites are also a possibility.

A yeast infection by itself can be trouble enough but if left untreated can get a secondary bacterial infection and then infect the middle and inner ear as well (very bad)

Yeast are a normal inhabitant of the ear and though you can treat with fungicides, the yeast are never completely removed nor would you want to as they keep the ear protected from other less friendly critters. In your dogs case, like a house guest who invites all his friends over, it has become a trouble to you. Yeast like to eat wax and like a moist basic (pH) environment. So to get rid of them a wax dissolving, drying, acidic flush (avail OTC or through vet, usually called ear otic or some such, containing acetic/malic acid, propylene glycol, and maybe alcohol) twice daily for a week and then every other week will usually beat them back and keep them at bay. Many vets also recommend a fungicide during the acute phase but it is changing the environment that really does the trick. If the condition continues you should definitely see your vet as a secondary infection especially salmonella can be a real bummer.

This by the way is not a professional opinion as I have not seen the dog in question. I also reccomend seeing your vet.

my spaniel oftern gets smelly ears and we give her ear drops that you can buy over the counter, this usually works. but i would recommend seeing your vet tough.