The occurrence of Malassezia pachydermatis in the ears of dogs with otitis externa, comparing both direct exam and growth on culture method was evaluated. Auditory cerumen/exsudate specimens of 50 dogs with otitis externa were analized for M.pachydermatis. Stained by Giemsa, were prepared and microscopically analysed for budding yeasts. Each sample was cultured on modified Sabouraud glucose agar incubated at 28ºC (82.4 F) for detection of M. pachydermatis. The frequency of M. pachydermatis from auditory meatus of otitic dogs was 79 percent (direct microscopy) and 88 percent (growth on modified Sabouraud glucose agar), and no difference between the results provided by both methods used in the fungus detection was observed