I took the puppy to the vet for a check up and he pointed out the dirty ears.  I've never been so ashamed.  I've never had a dog with dirty ears.  He said inside were clean though.  I bought some wipes and removed quite a bit and have been doing this every day.  The ears were black, like a tar substance.  I will ask what causes this next time I go but in the meantime what do you think it is?  Have your dogs had this?   Is it just dried ear wax?

If it's black I would have been worried about ear mites.  But guess that your vet has checked.  Tar like does sound a bit odd to me.