There is no secret that dogs are one of the most diverse species in the world! There are so many different dog breeds globally, each one with its unique appearance and character. As of today, more than 190 dog breeds exist, ranging from cute pocket-size Chihuahuas to graceful and muscular Great Danes. But how about these cute dogs with long ears?
Undoubtedly, the dog breeds with long, floppy ears have a special place in the dog breeds list. They have this unique funny look – big hanging ears make them look just like Dumbo, the elephant from a Disney story!
We’ve put together a list of the most popular dogs with long ears in case you are looking for a sweet floppy-eared puppy.
Why Are Some Dogs Born With Long Ears?
Some dog breeds are fortunate to have long, floppy ears – but is it just a good fortune, or did they evolve like this for a reason?
If we take a closer look, we will notice that the dogs with long ears are mostly hunting breeds, notably scenthounds.
The long floppy ears help the hunting dogs to:
- Scoop the scent particles on the trail and direct them towards the nose
- Block the far-off sounds; which forces the dog to count on its olfactory sense
Dogs With Long Ears
1. Basset Hound
This funny-looking dog with the longest floppiest ears in canine history has originated in France and is one of six recognized “basset”-type breeds in the world. Basset Hound is a hunting dog, like most of the dog breeds with long ears. It has a powerful sense of smell and, as a result, the ability to track the game.
Basset Hound has a friendly and easy-going personality and will fit perfectly in the families with other pets or small children. One of the smartest breeds in the hound family, Bassets, however, are loud barkers who can be stubborn and mischievous.
2. Bloodhound
Another elegant dog from the hound family, Bloodhound is a scenthound bred to hunt large games such as deer and wild boar. It is a powerful yet easy-going breed that is eager to please its owner.
Bloodhounds are energetic dogs that require spending time outdoor and plenty of exercise. Therefore, they might not be suitable for apartment living. It is essential to remember that, although Bloodhounds are a friendly and intelligent breed, they tend to be shy with strangers and occasionally show signs of aggression towards other dogs.
3. Beagle
A much-loved Beagle is the next in our list of dogs with long ears. This little fellow also belongs to the group of hounds, namely scent hounds. Its original purpose was to hunt small game such as hare and rodents.
Like the Basset Hound and the Bloodhound, Beagles have one of the most developed senses of smell, making them perfect hunters. As well as that, Beagle makes a good watchdog due to their tendency to bark at strangers.
Beagles are friendly and intelligent dogs, but they can sometimes be stubborn and hard to train because of their hunting instincts.
4. Afgan Hound
Another member of the hound family, the Afgan Hound, is a visual showstopper due to its dignified manners and aristocratic appearance.
It is indeed a high-maintenance dog that has a long flowing coat that requires regular grooming.
The Afgan Hound is an independent, strong-willed, yet well-mannered dog with a stubborn streak that can be easily overridden with obedience training. However, this dog with long ears might not be the best choice of dog for apartment living as they have a high level of energy and require a substantial amount of exercise.
5. American Cocker Spaniel
The most popular dog in the United States in the middle of the last century, the American Cocker Spaniel, originated from England’s Spaniels.
The breed belongs to the sporting group- the dogs that help hunters locate and retrieve the quarry. American Cocker Spaniel is, in fact, the smallest dog in the sporting dog family, only between 13.5 and 15.5 inches (34 and 39 cm) high.
An intelligent and highly trainable breed, the American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect choice for families with children and other pets. However, these dogs with long floppy ears have a sensitive nature and sometimes get stressed in unfamiliar surroundings.
6. English Cocker Spaniel
Originated in Spain in the 14th century, the English Cocker Spaniel is the oldest breed in the Spaniel group. It is a friendly dog with cheerful disposition, ready to please its owners at all costs.
Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colours, the most popular being black, red, and brown. They are generally low-maintenance dogs, but regular brushing is required to keep their coats silky and smooth.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Another Spaniel group member, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, stands out from the rest due to its gorgeous coat that comprises silky, long, and straight fur. This dog with long ears comes in a few colours, including red, black and tan, Blenheim (chestnut markings on a white coat), and Tricolour.
Cavalier King Carles Spaniels do well among children and other dogs; they are affectionate and easy to train. On the downside, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long time.
8. Bracco Italiano
One of the most prominent dogs with long ears, the Bracco Italiano, originated in Italy as a hunting dog. This powerful dog has earned the title of the oldest European Pointer, as its origins trace back to the 4th century BC.
An interesting fact is that Bracco Italiano was bred by Italy’s noblest families, including Medici and Gonzaga. It is an affectionate and intelligent breed that requires a lot of daily activity. These dogs love human interaction and can sometimes develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Bracco’s are very responsive to training and are the perfect addition to families with small children.
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9. Spinone Italiano
Another breed from Italy, Spinone Italiano, is a muscular, strong-built dog initially used to point, track, and retrieve game. It is a rough-haired dog with an intelligent expression and big puppy-like eyes.
Spinone Italiano is quite a rare breed, and only about 500 dogs are being registered in Italy each year. Spinone’s are compassionate and loyal dogs that thrive on outdoor activity. They get along with other dogs and children but can be destructive if not adequately exercised.
10. Dachshund
Our favorite, the Weiner dog or dachshund, has a tiny body but larger than life personality. Dachshunds come in three different sizes and multiple coat colors, making then the most diverse looking breed in the world.
As well as other dog breeds with long ears mentioned above, dachshunds are hunters, initially used for tracking small game like rabbits and badgers. These little goofballs with long floppy ears are full of life and mischief; they are loyal to a fault yet have a stubborn streak.
11. Irish Setter
Another hunting dog with long ears, the Irish Setter, first appeared in Ireland in the 19th century. This breed boasts a stunning long silky coat of a red or chestnut color. To be maintained in good condition, the fur requires daily brushing and regular bathing.
It is an intelligent and well-trainable breed that requires a considerable amount of exercise. Lack of regular activity can result in destructive behavior and excessive barking.
12. Gordon Setter
Another member of the Setter family, Gordon Setter, looks pretty much like his Irish brother, apart from the coat color. This dog with long floppy ears has a long glossy Black & Tan coat – the only color combination allowed by the kennel clubs. The breed first appeared in Scotland in the 16th century and was named after the Duke of Gordon.
Loyal, graceful, and active dogs, Gordon Setters, get along well with children and other dogs. On the downside, Gordon Setters are prone to separation anxiety and are not easy to train due to their stubborn streak. Besides, it is a high-maintenance dog with daily grooming needs.
13. Coonhound
This beautiful dog with long ears was initially bred in the US to hunt raccoons and other small to medium game. There are six breeds in the Coonhound group – Red & Tan Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, English Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and Plott Hound.
The Coonhounds are an easy maintenance breed – they have a short coat that is effortless to care for. They are very active and outgoing dogs and require adequate training to keep their hunting instinct at bay.
15. Havanese
Originally from Cuba, the Havanese is a charming dog breed with long flaccid ears. This dog has a luxurious silky coat that can be trimmed and clipped in many styles. The most popular coat colors include Chocolate, Cream, Black, Black & Tan, Red, Silver, and White.
These little goofballs are intelligent and extraverted; they thrive on human interaction. Havanese are excellent companion dogs that are easy to train with positive reinforcement.
16. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a gorgeous large dog with long floppy ears and a silky white coat.
Utterly elegant and powerful, this breed is a mountain working dog that was used to guard the sheep and goats against predators.
As house pets, the Great Pyrenees are devoted companions that make excellent guardian dogs. Placid in nature, these dogs do not require a high amount of exercise. Affectionate and gentle, Great Pyrenees can be, sometimes stubborn and not respond well to training.
17. Newfoundland
This gorgeous, hard-working breed did initially help fishermen pulling the nets out of the water. However, nowadays, Newfie makes an ideal family dog. This breed is one of the biggest and most powerful among all and comes in black, brown, grey, and white-and-black coats.
The Newfoundland is called a “nanny” dog for a reason – not many other breeds can match the Newfie’s sweet and peaceful nature. Loyal to a fault, this well-mannered, muscular giant will be the perfect addition to a family with kids.
18. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another large-sized breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog, originated as a farm dog in Switzerland. It has a powerful muscular body and a beautiful tri-colored long coat, black with white chest and brown markings. The Bernese is a sweet and well-mannered dog and gets along well with children.
Unfortunately, The Bernese is one of the shortest living breeds of purebred dogs, with an average lifespan of 6 to 9 years. It also has a much higher rate of death from cancer to compare to other breeds. Nevertheless, the Bernese Mountain Dog remains one of the most popular dogs in Germany and Switzerland.
19. Dalmatian
This Yugoslavian dog with long floppy ears is a multitasker. Dalmatian is equally good at many jobs – patrolling the borders, herding the sheep, pulling carts, and hunting.
A high-energy breed, the Dalmatian, requires at least 2.5 hours of daily exercise. Otherwise, it can become anxious and destructive. Overall, Dalmatian is a perfect breed for families as it is loyal, friendly, and eager to please.
20. Chesapeake Bay retriever
Like the other family members – Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Flat-coated retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever is among the most popular dog breeds with long ears. Belonging to a hunting group, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a water dog that retrieves game from water, as the name suggests.
It is an intelligent, easy to train, and friendly dog that needs early socialization. On the downside, Chesapeake Bay retrievers can be a bit shy and aggressive to other dogs.
Dogs With Long Ears: Final Thoughts
The majority of dog breeds with the longest droopiest ears come from a hunting family. This attractive physical trait helps them to be the most effective scent trackers.
However, dogs with long ears also make wonderful family pets, devoted to their human companions!
In fact, many of the breeds that are on our list; also feature in the list of the world’s most popular dog breeds!