Canines come in all sizes, and so do their ears. Dog breeds with long ears are known for their keen sense of smell, which is why many of these dogs were originally bred for hunting. Keep reading to learn about ten dog breeds with astonishingly long ears.
Bloodhound
This list wouldn’t be complete without perhaps the most famous long-eared dog, the Bloodhound. Although many breeds fall within the “hound” group, Bloodhounds are often thought of as the original hound dog. Bloodhounds have been around since the Medieval times and are hunting pros. Their impressive sense of smell was utilized in previous centuries to hunt deer and wild boar. Bloodhounds were often used to track other humans as well. Despite their large stature and hunting nature, Bloodhounds are friendly and affectionate creatures. These lovable pups make great and skillful companions.
Beagle
Although Beagles are the smallest of the British hound breed, they are nonetheless a member of the hound group with large ears. Their long, floppy ears make them adorably endearing, which may be why they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. This breed was bred to hunt hares and still maintains strong hunting instincts. Beagles are known for being great family pets, and rightfully so. This breed is carefree and adaptable to a variety of environments, making them perfect for country or city life.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are known for their famous cartoonish build, which includes their long ears. Although they are one of the smallest breeds on this list, dachshunds have plenty of hunting skills. These pups excel at capturing and tracking scents, making them excellent hunters. Dachshunds make up for their size by being lively and mischievous. They serve as a great source of entertainment for their owners and are wonderful companions.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are an ancient dog breed, making these dogs the oldest on our list. Since they’ve been around for so long, their exact origins are unknown. However, their roots have been traced back to Afghanistan, where they were used for hunting. Today, these pups are known for their long, luscious coats and distinguished appearance. Afghan Hound’s human-like coat requires a lot of maintenance due to its tendency to tangle. Experts recommend that owners of this breed make time to take proper care of their pup’s long coat.
Corgi
What these dogs lack in height, they certainly make up for with the size of their ears! Corgis are easily distinguishable due to their long ears that stand upright on their head. Corgi’s ears, sometimes called “bat ears,” are large compared to their compact head and body. These pups can be stubborn but are very intelligent, making them easy to train. Most of all, Corgis love to be around their humans and strive to make their owners happy.
Basset Hound
This breed’s excellent sense of smell is the runner-up to the Bloodhound breed. Basset Hounds are best known for their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and excellent sense of smell. This breed originated in the Middle Ages and was bred for hunting in packs. These pups are medium-sized, but their ears rival the size of much larger dogs. With their long ears and short stature, it makes sense that Basset Hounds are often illustrated tripping over their own ears.
Cocker Spaniel
Many dogs in the Spaniel group boast long ears, including Cocker Spaniels. Not only are their ears long, but they also have lush, silky fur. These pups are known for their friendly temperaments and sweet faces. Cocker Spaniels are great with kids, which is why many families choose to adopt these canines. It’s easy to see why these beautiful pups are a popular pick.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters’ deep red, flowing fur sets them apart from other dogs. In addition to their beautiful chestnut fur, these majestic dogs have long and droopy ears. These ears fit right in with their long neck and legs, which make them great running partners. Irish Setters are a hunting breed that enjoys physical activity and needs plenty of daily exercise.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are yet another working breed with long ears. In fact, these dogs are close behind Bloodhounds for the record for longest dog ears. Treeing Walker Coonhound’s velvety ears are often long enough to reach the tip of their nose. Coonhound dogs were initially bred to help with hunting and have a great sense of smell and hearing. These pups are intelligent and brave, making them great companions.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are the smallest breed on this list, but their ears are large enough to make up for it. This breed originates from Tibet and has been traced back over 2,500 years. These tiny pups have a seriously thick coat, which includes their ears. Similar to Afghan Hounds, these pups are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Owners of Lhasa Apsos need to regularly detangle their pup’s ears and check them for any debris caught in their dense fur.
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