Let’s face the facts:
The cutest dogs in the world have long ears. Period.
You simply can’t deny this fact – in fact, I’m going to prove it to you over and over (12 times) until you’re convinced.
I’ve assembled a list of 12 dogs with long ears that will showcase some fantastic earness, and I’m going to present them to you.
Enjoy!
Last Updated: [todaysdate format=”F 1, Y”]
1. Basset Hound
Why is your tongue out, Bobby? ????
Well of course – when talking about dogs with long ears, Basset Hound is the one everyone thinks about first.
An absolute recorder in ear length (up to 11 inches -27.9 cm of length on average), Basset hound will often seem like he’s dulled down to extreme boredom. On the other hand, the goofus
Don’t think they’re not intelligent; the simple fact is that they just don’t want to listen to you. They require careful training, and even the best-trained basset hound will occasionally need some serious coaxing to get it to do what you want.For the most part, they’re just as goofy as they look. They’re a fun-loving breed, eager to play and frolic despite their short stature.You’ll need to be careful though, these cute little guys can get to fifty or sixty pounds, and that can be a real job for you!You might run across the rare dignified basset hound once in a blue moon, but you can be sure that all of that seeming dignity will still be a barrelful of laughs when they get to their waddling.
For the special type of person who can handle the breed, they’re a perfect fit and make a loving companion. For the rest, they’re still a shining example of an amazingly cute canine.
2. Black And Tan Coonhound
Imagine this cute little fella trippin’ on his own ears while running… ????
In the fierce competition for the title of the longest ears – second place goes to…. B&T Coo!
The Black and Tan Coonhound is another breed which is famous for its nose and has the long ears characteristic of hound breeds without droopy of a face to go with it.
Their ears can go as long as the Basset’s (the longest-ear living dog in 2010 by Guinness was a B&T Coo), but on average they reach around 9 inches. Their ears are quite robust and thick when they grow up, but when they’re at puppy stages it’s important to check them regularly, because they’re sensitive.
They’re large dogs with a lot of energy, so be prepared for an active life if you choose to buy or adopt one. They’re one of the oldest lineages of American dogs and favored hunting dogs.
If you can get over their independent streak, you’ll also find that B&T Coonhound can be a great family dog. They’re quite friendly and get along with nearly anything and anyone who crosses their path. Some hunters like them simply for that fact – they get along with the family and serve their purpose in the field exceptionally well.
Like any other scenthound, they’re prone to extremely loud baying so they’re not a dog to have in tight quarters or if you mind some noise once in a while. They’ll also need to have their energy burned off pretty often, so don’t expect just to let them lie around and not face some consequences.
3. Bloodhound
“This is my happy face, Mum…
Here’s the third place winner – even though he doesn’t look like happy about it…
Bloodhounds are the perfect droopy-eared dogs. Their lazy looking face is only a cover, though – they’re great working dogs and renowned for their ability to chase the prey down no matter how muddled the scent trail may be.
Even though on a standard Bloodhound you won’t see ears longer than 10 inches, here’s a fun fact – the Guinness World Record for longest ears ever measured on a dog were recorded by a Bloodhound! Tiger (that was his name) had 13.5-inch ears!
An average Bloodhound reaches around 9 inches of ear length give or take, and his ears tend to be massive. Expect a lot of flapping and messing around, following by a lot of running, sniffing, and hunting – it’s in their nature.
Don’t be confused by the typical portrayal of them as bumbling, lazy hounds that aren’t up to much but melting into the carpet. Bloodhounds are active, big dogs and they require plenty of activity to keep them healthy, just like any other big working dog.They tend to be quite stubborn, and it takes patience to handle them. They act quite dignified for the most part once they’re no longer puppies, and they’re generally of good nature.
They’re one of the classic dogs, and for a good reason. They are great pets and even better working dogs. If you’re up for the challenge and want that “hound” look in a big, useful package then owning a bloodhound might be exactly what you want.
4. Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Source: dogbreeds.wiki
From France, we have another long-eared hunter, ready to catch any ball you throw or dig dozens of holes in your yard.
Similar to the Bloodhound in stature yet a bit more easy-going and joyful, Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of the best scent hounds in Europe. Furthermore, this doggo’s heritage is among the oldest – this breed is one of the original hunting dogs, from which most modern hound breeds developed.
Now let’s talk about ears – they’re among the widest of all dogs mentioned today, very low-attached and quite thin. They can reach 8-9 inches, although some bigger specimen have grown even larger. This is a considerably large hunting breed, so those big ears don’t look oversized on him.
When talking about Grand Bleu de Gascogne’s behaviour, the first thing that comes to mind is – gentle giant. They love to play, and are of high energy, so regular exercising is necessary. When treated well with exercise, they turn into gentle and soft funbags – playtime with these long ears will be fantastic.
They are independent, intelligent, and can be quite stubborn. As every other hunting hound, picking up a scent will turn them into a tracking machine without remorse. In general, an apartment is a no-go, but it’s doable with enough space and experienced owners.
Honorable mention: Ariegeois, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Petit Bleu de Gascogne, Griffon Bleu de Gascongne
5. Cocker Spaniel
I’m one of the most loved breeds in the world! Yes, yes, I am!
Our next breed has a lavish title – the most beautiful, fluffiest ears.
Cocker Spaniels, the breed that has been among the most popular in the world for the last decade or so, needs no introduction. Just a fact that this sole breed won the most awards ever contributes to the fact how loveable and amazing these dogs are.
Their ears can be as 7 inch long, combined with the hair. Depending on the grooming style, these fluffers can be up to 10-inch long, and I promise you – you won’t be able to get your hands off them!
They’re amusing dogs with a surprising amount of integrity. Probably not the type of dog someone with a need for a dignified companion, but if you don’t mind general “doggy” behavior then they’ll be perfect for your home.
They’re extremely intelligent, so it’s not a good idea to let a Spaniel run roughshod over your authority as this will lead to a lot of behavioral problems. Still, they are considered as moderately demanding, so a regular walk schedule and a lots of cuddles with those fluffers will help a lot.
A Cocker Spaniel is that impressive, “dog lover’s dog.” If you enjoy canines in general, you really can’t go wrong with one, and the floppy, elongated ears are just a bonus on top of their great personalities.
6. Afghan Hound
You get the idea where this picture was taken… At a dog show, winning the 1st prize, of course.
Entering the show as a pure demonstrator of elegancy and aristocracy, the runway model.
Let’s take a slight turn in another way and take a look at some amazingly elegant long ears. Afghan Hound is a dog which you’ll get if you’re a fashion-oriented person, and love all things elegancy.
Everything about the Afghan hound screams nobility, from the bright coat to their lean, agile bodies. I mean, c’mon – look at that image above, if that’s not elegant I don’t know what is.
Even though his ears aren’t as long as those of other dogs on today’s list, Afghan’s ear hair can be up to as much as you’d want! This means a ton of fun and turned heads on the street, but a lot of work as well.
This means regular brushing, weekly checkups for infections and dirt, and a some smart solutions or accessories for everyday stuff. For example, if you don’t care about the ears, after every water sip they will be dripping wet.
They can be a bit hard to socialize, but if you pick an Afghan puppy and raise it properly, you’ll have a life-long companion. While the look of the breed makes you think that each would hold itself like a canine aristocrat they have widely varying personalities ranging from clownish to so aristocratic to seem like a doggy snob.
They can be a bit hard to housebreak, and the long, beautiful coat requires some extra work for their owners. Nevertheless, for a lot of people around the world, they’re the dogs to have.
They combine agility and nobility into one complete package and tend to be fairly clean as long as they’re appropriately groomed.
As a sighthound, they’re mainly prone to tugging on leashes, and they have a high prey drive so you’ll definitely need a leash if you go for a walk in the park. The last thing you need is your dog dashing off after every squirrel that it sees; it will take a superb athlete to keep up.
Similar reading: What Do You Do If An Off-leash Dog Approaches You While You Are Walking A Dog – How To Stay In Control
7. Irish Setter
Dirty & wet? I’m not dirty & wet.
When he’s not chasing the ball or an interesting bug or something he finds amusing, here’s our ‘gracious’ #7
One among the most beautiful dog breeds out there due to its unique mahogany coat, Irish Setter is both a family’s pet or a hearty companion. Irish Setters are fantastic hunting dogs, excelling at bird hunting.
With up to 8 inches in length, their ears are impressively long as well, and the long-haired nature of the breed only extends their elongated look. Combined with the hair, those floppers can reach up to 12 inches!
They’re an active breed, and rather large, best suited for someone who’s ready for a lot of hiking, playing, and running with their pet.
Keep in mind that if you own one as a puppy, it’s going to be awhile before you can get out their destructive nature – they like to chew on things a lot.
When they’re young, they also tend to be quite hyper so keep that in mind. As they age, however, they take on a noble characteristic and eventually you’ll find yourself with a calm and gentle dog that you can enjoy the great outdoors with.
Despite their hunting dog origins, Irish Setters tend to be pretty much fine with any other animals you might keep in your home, and they love people so you shouldn’t have any worries there.
The main problems you’ll encounter is the need for frequent grooming and the fact that they’re prone to separation anxiety which can end in a lot of chewed furniture and slippers if you don’t break the habit.
If you’re looking for a highly intelligent, friendly, and outgoing dog, then you might want to see if you can get yourself an Irish Setter puppy.
8. Hungarian Vizsla
OMG How cute this Vizsla is
Now, here we have a breed mostly described as Velcro dogs, and a very cute one, if I might add.
Vizsla’s origin finds it with Hungarian hunters in central Europe, especially affectioned by the nobles and the like. Often recognized as the Hungarian Pointer, this medium-sized dog is an active person’s ideal companion.
They value affection and praise by their owners the most, and are very sensitive. On the other hand, they’re energetic and can be quite demanding, so if you’re considering getting Vizsla as your new pet, have this in mind.
Their ears can go around 13 cm (5.1 inch) in length, so expect goofing around and floppiness to the max. They can be quite sensitive, so make sure to check them for mites and infections every month.
Caring for Hungarian Vizsla includes regular exercise, walks, games, a lot of cuddling. Like every energetic dog, Vizsla will become destructive, simply because it will get bored. So – learning tricks and finding time for exercise is a must.
Should you keep it in the house/apartment – yes. But keep in mind that they need space and you should invest in an electric dog fence to secure your Vizsla’s play area. They love company, and shouldn’t be in a yard. Some cases of yard life are plausible, but a lot of companionship and care is required.
9. Saluki
Kudos to the collar selection, honey! ????
Here’s one elegant beauty queen – nimble & gracious Saluki.
Before we get too far off the subject of sighthounds, which are long-eared as a general rule, let’s take a look at one of my favorites.
This beauty’s ears can go as long as 7-8 inches, and the hair can extend it up to 12 inches easily. Depending on the style you prefer, it might take a lot of recurring work or not – they aren’t parasite prone as others on this list.
Saluki is a dog of Persian origins, and in addition to its unique look, it’s one of the fastest dogs on the planet and one on the list of dog breeds that don’t shed. One of them has been recorded running as quickly as 45 miles per hour, making them an easy rival to the more common greyhound.
If you choose to own one you need to be aware that they do have some special requirements. The first thing to note is that, as puppies, they’re extremely active and destructive. They’ll require a lot of discipline at this point, and sometimes it might feel like a war of attrition on the various furniture, toys, and other chewables around the house.
Once they mature, their demeanor will change almost entirely. They act as noble as they look. Saluki tends to be a calm dog that likes to spend a lot of time lounging, which can make him apartment-suitable, but with regular walks and runs.
Like any sighthound, you should never take your dog outside without a leash. It’s even more imperative with a Saluki than most breeds because their prey drive is naturally tremendous and pretty much nothing will be able to get away from them once they’re in pursuit.
Despite their fragile-looking bodies, they’re powerful dogs and their legs doubly so. They can easily jump over fences of six feet or more!
If you’re up for the specialized care, though, they’re both a unique and beautiful looking dogs with a long history in the Middle East, and a sight to behold.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
What is it buddy? You hear something?
Fun fact category – this is a dog with unnaturally large ears for his head – which aren’t dropping.
Since the Corgi madness is quite present these years, I wouldn’t be as objective without including this cutie pie in the mix. My friend Angela has one, and I can’t help but play with his ears whenever I meet them.
Their ears go up to 5 inches up top, and are absolutely super-cute. This sole fact might be enough for your decision-making. Read more on why you should absolutely get one if you’re considering it.
Their ears aren’t nearly as long for some records or impressive facts, but they are quite large when compared to their stature and size. While they’re quite small dogs, they don’t seem to be aware of it, and historically they’ve been used as herd dogs.
They’re steady dogs, and quite faithful in their way. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are one of the cutest dogs around, making them a standout in the world of small dogs where many have behavioral problems of various degrees. They’re almost painfully polite for canines; they’ll get along well with guests and children.
Corgis are athletic, but prone to obesity if they don’t exercise, so it’s a good idea to get a regular walking schedule for them. While a obese corgi can be cute, it’s quite unhealthy for the dog, so be aware!
The only real issue they have is their herding instincts. They can be pushy when it comes to keeping their herd (i.e. you and the other animals in the house) together, but this habit can be broken pretty easily.
11. Papillon
So what if I’m filthy? My mommy will take care of me!
Want a toy dog with long ears? Here’s your best pick!
If you’re not a fan of bigger dogs, and want a smaller companion which ears will make you joyful every day, Papillon is the breed for you. Their unique visual appearance and stature make them simply adorable.
Papillon has the largest ears out of all lap dogs – they can measure around 3-5 inches, and there’s a Papillon with dropped ears as well, known as the Phalene type Papillon. The word “Papillon” in French means a butterfly, thus the name (hair color around eyes & ears makes a butterfly-like pattern).
History finds Papillon in a lap of noble women and royalty of Europe, where they warmed the laps and made great companions. Here’s a fun fact – Marie Antoinette was a big fan of Papillons. She had a dozen of them!
Despite their small stature and the universal nature of toy dogs, Papillons are generally quite intelligent, and they make great pets with one caveat: they aren’t a lap dog. It’s best to think of them as a small herding dog; they’re high-energy, inquisitive, and intelligent so they’ll need some work.
They’re quite polite, although they can sometimes be wary of strange people entering their home. They’re also not the best dogs for those with young children. They don’t like to be handled roughly – so be careful, and shower them with care and kindness – they will return it tenfold!
12. Gordon Setter
These ears really grab attention, aren’t they?
Our #11 is one of the biggest cuddlers on the list. His lavish, smooth & silky hair will be your everyday antidepressant.
One of the original hunting companions of Scotland, Gordon Setter is an athletic, vigorous, and agile fetcher, while being the biggest cuddler ever while in cozy environment.
His ears go around 6-7 inches in length, and are very hairy. Due to his energetic nature on the open, you need to take care of these fluffers every day when he gets them dirty. Ear infections are a moderate threat, because these dogs love to shake their heads in order to get rid of any mites or dirt.
As the name implies, this dog’s role was to “set” when he finds the killshot bird. The Fourth Duke of Gordon was the starter of the breeds’ dynasty, in 1800s.
Caring includes energetic daily sessions of running, fetch, and long walks. Their hair sheds moderately, it’s quite long, and requires weekly grooming. Keep this in mind -next time when you’re feeling lazy laying on the sofa, your Gordon Setter will force you to take him out. (and possibly lose a few pounds in the process)
When you’re back from a walk, endless petting and cuddling can begin. ????
Dogs With Long Ears – Summary
Dogs with long ears capture people’s hearts for a good reason, it’s simply a cute trait for canines to have. As you can see, there’s a wide variety of dogs with long ears, and they range from dignified sighthounds to hyperactive “toys”, so there’s definitely something out there for everyone.
Did I miss your favorite long-ears dog?
Share it with me in the comments below!
What a wonderful post! I forgot that long ears don’t need to be floppy so I was delighted to see Corgis and Paillons on your list. It’s pretty amazing the variety of breeds who have long ears….and to think your list didn’t even cover them all.
Your website is beautiful and I look forward to reading more!