All canine breeds are adorable in their own ways, but dogs with long ears seem to have a certain charm that makes them even more lovable.
Most canine owners don’t really think about the length of their pets’ ears, even though it’s hard not to notice big ears in dog breeds such as Beagles, Coonhounds, and Bloodhounds.
Long and droopy ears have become trademarks of such dog types, and one of the features that everyone knows them for.
However, you’ll be surprised to read about other dog breeds that probably wouldn’t even come to your mind when you think of dogs with long ears!
Dogs With Long Ears
1. Cocker Spaniel
Long ears are a distinguishing feature of both English and American Cocker pups.
Still, it’s important to mention that the ears of the English Cocker Spaniel are a bit shorter than the ears of its American counterpart.
Both male and female Cocker Spaniels were once highly sought after due to their valuable skills in bird hunting, although these days, they are a rather common sight in conformation events.
As an owner of a Cocker Spaniel, you should be careful not to be too strict with them, especially during training sessions, as they’re quite sensitive doggies.
Therefore, it might be best to approach them calmly and avoid any harsh tones while giving commands. Instead, you can try going with positive reinforcement, which always works like a charm.
Cocker Spaniels might also bark more than other pups, but it’s mostly a sign of separation anxiety, which is why they’re usually suitable for families that can provide these pups with plenty of attention and love.
2. Basset Hounds
These pups are probably one of the most popular dogs with long ears.
Their ears are so long that they make the Basset Hound’s face even gloomier, even though they still look adorable to plenty of dog enthusiasts (including me!).
However, their ears aren’t the only interesting physical feature on them. Most people are intrigued by the body structure of these pups as they have a long and sturdy body, but very short legs.
Actually, this is what makes their ears look even longer and floppier!
Basset Hounds are also recognizable for the shades of their coat and their heavy shedding, although they don’t have long coat hair.
American Vs. English Basset Hounds
In case you’re wondering if there’s any difference between American and European Bassets… the answer is simple:
The only differences are a few more wrinkles and muscles on the American pups.
The Basset Hound was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1916, although they started the registration process thirty-one years before.
They are “work hard, play harder” pooches, to use a cliché. When they’re enjoying their time outside, their strong sense of scent may take them anywhere, leading them to investigate both people and other animals.
But, after a busy day, they like to turn into lap dogs and enjoy cuddles with their owner.
3. Otterhound
The Otterhound’s ears resemble those of other types of hounds. However, their long and curly hair might cause them issues with their already long ears.
Their ears often look more draped and floppy because of their coat hair, but that doesn’t steal away any of their cuteness!
Still, these types of ears might cause some health problems, including ear infections; however, almost all dogs with long ears are prone to them.
Otterhounds are exceptional swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet that is a characteristic of the breed.
Unfortunately, dog breeds that swim well and have floppy ears tend to develop a condition known as “swimmer’s ear.” This is a condition that occurs when water remains trapped in the ear.
Because Otterhounds have drooping ears, it is difficult for the inner ear to dry up, which can lead to the health issues mentioned above.
4. Beagles
This is one of the most famous types of hound dogs, which gained fame because of its excellent hunting skills. Their keen sense of smell and hearing is what makes them great companions during hunting.
Some might question whether Beagles are hunting canines at all, but just one day with them will be enough for these pups to prove their skills.
Beagles are often compared to Basset Hounds because of their colors and the category they both belong to, but these two dogs are quite different.
They might have some physical similarities, but Beagles have shorter ears, even though they’re floppy as well. Actually, Beagles have quite long ears, but they don’t necessarily change the appearance of their whole face.
However, these pups are appreciated for their solid temperament as well. Because of this, Beagles are excellent family pets, especially for families with young children.
They have plenty of energy, and will find ways to spend it, but they will require you to take them outside on a daily basis.
Beagles are highly intelligent canines, so they prefer mental stimulation as part of their everyday activities, but they still need to be physically active.
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraners, commonly known as the “Gray Ghost,” have typically been the hunting partners of choice for aristocracy due to their noble looks. This is also one of the reasons why Weimaraners were quite costly in the past.
Both male and female Weimaraners are quite intriguing pups that have equally interesting shapes of ears, which might seem a bit similar to the shape of a Beagles’ ears (or it might be just me).
They’re not so uncommon today in the United States, although many people still don’t consider them a choice for a family pet.
Weimaraners might have long ears, but they also have a magnificent appearance, especially in their gray coat shade.
When it comes to their temperament, these pups are highly intelligent and lovable doggies. However, they might be strong-willed from time to time as well, so don’t be mad if they don’t always obey you.
They look so adorable that you’ll forgive them for everything, even the occasional shedding they’re prone to!
6. Dachshund
Dachshunds are known as big barkers with floppy ears, a long body frame, and very short legs.
This description sounds quite similar to the body description of a Basset Hound, although these two pups have quite different facial features.
Essentially, these pups don’t have the longest ears on this list, but their small head makes their ears look even bigger.
That is why, in most cases, a Doxies’ ears seem to be even longer than they really are.
These small German pups are quite smart, but they may be equally difficult to train, especially if they have not been trained since early puppyhood.
Doxies have a lot of outstanding qualities, especially when it comes to their hunting skills.
Their personality is positive, although they can become quite needy from time to time, so make sure that you pay them enough attention on a daily basis.
7. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds seem to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the hound group of canines. They’re known for their hunting skills, but most people will agree that their fame is due to the long floppy ears they possess.
Actually, it might be said that these pups have one of the biggest dog ears among the hound canines.
However, they have plenty of other dog qualities, which make them extraordinary canines.
First of all, they have been considered one of the best scent hounds among hound canines for centuries, even during the Middle Ages!
According to estimates, their nostrils are a thousand times more sensitive than a human’s.
If a Bloodhound picked up your scent, best of luck trying to hide! They only need a bit of time to get on your track.
Nevertheless, despite all of this, they are quite gentle dogs with a genuinely kind and loving personality, so even if they get to you, they won’t do you any harm.
RELATED: The Complete Guide To The Bloodhound Colors And Patterns
8. Papillon
Even though these pups don’t actually have especially long ears, they are a part of our article about dogs with long ears because the fur that grows on these parts of their body gives them the appearance of having big ears.
Their name comes from the French word for ‘butterfly’, so it’s no surprise that their ears even have the name “butterfly ears”.
The exact length of their ears (as well as their hair) can vary depending on each individual canine, but it’s definitely one of the distinguishing characteristics of this cheerful toy dog breed.
Papillons are inherently mischievous and lively, so it is essential to begin their socialization with other humans and animals from a young age.
If not, these pups may become suspicious of other animals and humans, and might even attack them in certain cases.
However, with good training and a gentle approach, Papillons will have a great chance of becoming amazing family dogs.
9. Spinone Italiano
Hunting dogs and hounds are very popular on this list as the majority of the breeds have quite long ears. The Spinone Italiano is one of the breeds that is considered to have droopy ears, just like the rest of the pups in their group.
The Spinone Italiano is highly successful in whatever endeavor that it sets its mind to.
They are excellent in hunting, diving, and playing due to the fact that their paws are equipped with webbed pads, and they have close-lying, wiry hair.
Still, once inside the house, they become exceptional caring buddies.
However, even though they are capable hunters and love to spend time outside running around, once they’re inside the house, there are high chances that these pups will prefer to just lay around and get some rest rather than play.
Most importantly, the Spinone Italiano is good with children, and doesn’t mind them, even if they make any kind of mess.
This does not imply that one should take advantage of their mild manner for whatever reason. It only indicates that they function at their best when surrounded by others who move at a pace that is consistent with their own.
This kind of dog is ideal for those who lead a life that is neither very active nor overly sedentary.
10. Irish Setter
These beautiful dogs are well-known for their long, luxurious coat hair and long ears, which look just as pretty, too.
The Irish Setter’s ears probably look even droopier because of the long and curly hair that grows on them. However, this distinctive feature makes them recognizable among other breeds similar to them.
They are gundogs (categorized under English Setters), so it’s no surprise that they have a dash of stubbornness, but for the most part, they’re amiable canines that respond fast and do well when they are trained in obedience.
Despite the fact that Irish Setters are inherently attentive, they do not make good watchdogs because of their size. These pooches are more inclined to approach an unfamiliar person and welcome them (with greetings and cuddles) than they are to activating an alarm system.
On the other hand, that is one of the reasons why they make such wonderful companions for families.
They are friendly to everyone they meet, including strangers, and they normally get along well with both kids and other animals.
A predatory drive may exist in them as a result of their breeding and working history; therefore, it is important to use caution whenever they are in the presence of smaller animals.
RELATED: The Eight Best Bloodhound Breeders In The U.S. In 2022
11. Coonhound
This large dog has long droopy ears, which don’t seem too different from the ears of the majority of canines from this list.
However, the American English Coonhound seems to have one of the largest sets of ears among long-eared dog breeds. That is why some experts decided to measure the ears and make the final verdict.
The left ear of the American Coon was measured at 12.25 inches long, while the right ear was 13.5 inches long, making it the canine with the largest ears recorded so far when it comes to the dog breed.
That means that this dog’s ears measure over 26 inches in total length.
In addition to receiving praise for its ears, this is one of the best dogs for hunting raccoons as well as other species that are capable of climbing trees during a hunt.
On the other hand, they were incredible workers and proved themselves to be extremely helpful during fieldwork.
Black And Tan Coonhound
This is one of the American canine types that you don’t often hear about, but they’re definitely worth mentioning, especially in an article about dogs with long ears.
These pups have exceptionally long ears, which might seem to be even longer because they’re dark.
They resemble Dobermans in terms of coat colors, even though their facial features are completely different.
Even though Coonhounds are still not a very popular breed, this type of dog has been around for several centuries, and it is considered one of the older canine breeds in the United States.
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12. Afghan Hound
This is one of the long-haired types of canines in which it’s challenging to tell where its ears end and its hair continues, as well as for the rest of the body, which is covered in long, luxurious coat hair.
Afghan hounds have been placed on this list as dogs that have long ears, even though their fur makes their ears look droopier than they really are.
Because of the Afghan Hound’s one-of-a-kind flowy fur and stately bearing, this breed of show canine has a long and illustrious history of achieving remarkable success.
When it’s playtime, they love to go silly, having their long and fluffy hair bounce around, but once the playtime’s over, they’re back to being overly serious and independent.
When it comes to training, however, they pick up orders more slowly than other animals partly because they’re quite strong-willed and aren’t used to being trained and dominated by others.
There are some proprietors who view this not as a frustrating obstacle, but rather, as an exciting opportunity. Be mindful, though, that it may take them up to a hundred iterations before they completely comprehend a new instruction.
13. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Although this might come as a bit of a surprise to some, Corgis definitely have their own place on this list of dogs with long ears. Their ears might not be the longest, but they’re far from short, too.
After giving it some thought, we’ve come to the conclusion that the Welsh Corgi should be included on this list. Just because their ears aren’t floppy doesn’t mean that they’re not long.
The ears of Welsh Corgis maintain an upright posture, which is why they might appear shorter than the long, droopy ears we see in the majority of the breeds mentioned in this article.
Both male and female Corgis have longer ears. They’re also very energetic and agile canines that love to spend time outside, even though that might seem a bit unusual because of their short legs.
Herding chores, which they were produced for, in addition to dog sports, are both areas in which they excel. In addition to that, they are ranked as the eleventh most intelligent breed of dog.
Therefore, Corgi owners should be aware of the fact that these pups will demand a significant amount of physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis.
14. Gordon Setter
This large and beautiful dog breed isn’t as common as its English and Irish counterparts, but its beauty makes it even more of a unique dog breed on this list.
The Gordon Setter, which originated in Scotland, often has significantly darker hair, which would be best described as a black and tan coat hue, similar to the coat shade of Rotties.
These pups have quite long ears, which are similar to the ears of Irish Setters, although it’s impossible to say what kind of shape they possess as both pairs are covered in a great amount of hair.
These doggies do best in surroundings where they are showered with a great deal of affection. You’ll find that they have a strong desire to acquire new skills and to make their owner happy.
The fact that these dogs tend to keep their puppyish demeanor for a longer period of time as opposed to the majority of breeds is one of the many appealing characteristics of this breed. This is due to the fact that they reach adulthood at a later age than other breeds of dogs.
And, even when they have gained adulthood, they often continue to have the mentality of a pup far into their later years.
15. Havanese
The Havanese is a breed of little toy dogs that originated in Cuba. They have a round head, long ears, and lovely long hair that can either be wavy or straight.
Havanese come in several coat shades, including tobacco, black, Havana brown, white, and other hues, which make their coat look even prettier.
These dogs have temperaments that are both playful and affectionate. Because of their intelligent personality and pleasant demeanor, they make excellent furry friends.
The Havanese is one of the more compact types of canines on this chart.
These intelligent canines have ears that are quite long according to the size of their body, and silky hair that has to be groomed on a constant schedule.
Dog owners who suffer from allergies frequently choose one of these breeds as they’re considered to be a hypoallergenic breed.
16. Pharaoh Hound
This unusual dog breed is considered a purebred hound type of canine by the American Kennel Club. However, unlike the majority of hound dogs, such as Beagles or Coonhounds, this dog has long ears, but they rather stand straight up.
Pharaohs always have particularly long ears, even though they might not seem that way just because they’re upright.
On the other hand, these dogs are sighthounds, which means they use their eyes to track rather than their nose.
It is said that the Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence today. In fact, historians think that the first animals of this kind were produced at least five or six thousand years ago.
In spite of the fact that they originate from a “royal” ancestry, Pharaoh Hounds are rather relaxed, and like engaging in playful activities.
These canines have a kind personality that makes them friendly with anybody, especially their owner. They get along well with everyone, and they are very obedient pups.
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These pups are the favorite choice among family pups as they’re great furry friends and adorable lap pups that could cuddle for hours without stopping.
Due to their small head, the long, floppy ears that these doggies have are brought to the forefront, which contributes to their hound-like appearance.
Many will agree that these ears make them look even more adorable. However, if you want to melt from cuteness, you need to check out teacup Cavaliers, which will sweep you off your feet with their beauty and adorable appearance.
This is one of the most ideal breeds of a dog for families with young children. They have a cheery and upbeat attitude that spreads quickly across any home since it is so easily contagious.
These canines are also quite jovial and affectionate, and there is nothing more that they would enjoy than spending time with their human companions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have quite a long lifespan as they can live up to 14 years, so they’ll be by your side for quite a long time.
18. Saluki
This is one of the unique dog breeds that have short coat hair everywhere, except on their tail and ears, which is why their ears look even longer.
Although they are not difficult to groom, these pups are difficult to train, and are often unwelcoming towards strangers because of their shyness.
These pups require space to explore, preferably in some kind of garden with a tall fence due to their high prey drive. That is why they are not suitable for living in an apartment or being left alone in an indoor space for the entire day.
On the other hand, due to their tendency to be submissive and placid, Salukis are wonderful with young children.
They are aware of the vulnerability of youngsters, and will often handle them with care as a result.
These pups are great as family pets since they get along well with other animals, including cats and even different canines.
19. English Setter
These pups might have a similar appearance to their Irish and Scottish relatives, but they’re rather a distinctive breed that seems to have a bit shorter ears than other long-eared breeds, but they still deserve to be on this list.
The English Setter’s history as a working dog gives them a strong will, and makes them occasionally mischievous, but if they are nurtured as companion dogs, they tend to become more subdued.
They come in beautiful coat colors that make them stand out among other breeds.
They have a high level of intelligence, and can complete most jobs in an organized and systematic manner, with the exception of herding.
They’re considered as a good bird dog hunter, although they can be easily distracted by other things from their surroundings, including certain noises or colors from their environment.
And, despite the fact that they look to be full of energy, English Setters are generally fairly calm and relaxed when they are inside the house.
When educating them, it is important to keep in mind that they’re sensitive pups, so they respond badly to severe criticism. The most effective method is to provide positive reinforcement.
RELATED: The three Best English Setter Breeders In The U.S. (2022)
20. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of hunting dog that is characterized by large, feathered ears, and fluffy, curly hair.
These pups are typically bred in two distinct bloodlines – working and showing canines, which is why there might be possible differences between the two, even though they belong to the same breed.
Dogs descended from working lineages have higher energy levels, while pooches descended from exhibition bloodlines require more frequent grooming.
These pups have beautiful shades of coat hair as well, but they often include certain patterns, such as bicolor and tricolor hues, as well as certain markings and spots that are similar to the merle pattern, although they’re not the same.
When looking to purchase a Springer Spaniel puppy, it is imperative that you only do business with reputable breeders in order to get the best pup for your household.
21. Chihuahua
Even though this might come as a bit of a surprise, the Chihuahua deserves to be on this list as one of the dogs with long ears.
Of course, if their ears were measured, they wouldn’t be any longer than the average ears, but if you take their size into consideration and the size of their head, then a Chihu’s ears can definitely be considered long.
Their ears are actually the heritage of their ancestors, which lived in desert areas and found their ears to be a good cooling system.
Unfortunately, Chihuahuas have been labeled as aggressive pups, although they might be quite adorable and good family pets.
Keep in mind that Chihuahuas have a very long life expectancy, living up to twenty years, which is extraordinary for a canine.
Final Thoughts
Dogs with long ears are mainly hound dogs and hunting canines, even though there are other groups of canines that might have ears above the average size.
German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and plenty of other famous dog breeds also have big ears, but they haven’t managed to get on our list yet.
One of the main reasons for that is that these canines are already famous and well-known for their traits, so it was time to shine the light on other canine breeds.
Keep in mind that long ears might have an impact on the canine’s life quality mainly because of certain health issues, which include various ear infections.
The best way to avoid these health issues is by cleaning your pet’s ears regularly and keeping them dry.