Long ears can be found in a variety of dog breeds; but they're most common in hounds, where they act as a funnel to channel odors closer to their nose. In fact, hounds' floppy ears are credited for making them the most successful tracking dogs. Most dogs with long ears (except for dogs whose ears stand up straight on their head) were bred to follow prey over vast distances. The following dog breeds are known for their long ears.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a long-eared dog breed that belongs to the hound family. It is one of the earliest scent-hunting dog breeds. These dogs were named after their royal and aristocratic status, and considerable care was made to maintain the Bloodhound's purity. Bloodhounds are tall dogs that weigh between 80 and 110 pounds.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a hunting hound breed that originated in France and is suited for hunters on foot. They are known for their extraordinarily long ears. The Basset Hound has a keen sense of smell and a mild demeanor, making it an excellent hunting dog, whether alone or in a pack.
Beagle
The Beagle is one of America's most popular dog breeds. They are hunting dogs that are bred to be 13 or 15 inches tall; and they belong to the hound group. Hunters frequently utilize the smaller dogs of this breed to track and hunt rabbits, whereas taller Beagles were developed expressly to track larger animals such as deer. Beagles enjoy the company of humans and other dogs due to their historical roots as pack hunters.
English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels have long, silky ears that reach their snout. They are lively athletic dogs with a compact, robust body that nearly vibrates with excitement and vitality, especially when working in the field. The English Cocker Spaniel is descended from Spain's original spaniels, and they were used to flush and retrieve game under tight cover.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has grown in popularity as a lap dog and companion. Their long droopy ears are enhanced by their small heads, giving these spaniels a hound-like appearance.
Coonhound
The Coonhound can easily be recognized as one of several dog breeds with the longest ears. They are revered as southern gems, due to their dedication and dependability. Aside from ear-related honors, the Coonhound was originally bred to hunt raccoons and other animals that could climb trees during hunts.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners have long, graceful bodies, yet their ears are long and floppy, which makes them stand out in a crowd. While the majority of Weimaraners have short hair, longer fur is usually seen on their ears and tail, giving them their distinct ghost-like look.
Welsh Corgi
Corgis are all stocky, with a long back and a low stance. Their frame is ideal for flushing game from fields, which is one of the Corgi's many abilities. The ears of most of the dog breeds on this list flop around, but the Corgis, despite their length, stand up straight (in most cases).
Dachshund
Dachshunds aren't the first dogs that come to mind when you think of "long ears." However, due to the Dachshund's small head, their ears easily stand out as larger, when compared to the other anatomical features on their head. Relatively speaking, Dachshunds are among the dog breeds with the longest ears.
Papillon
While the Papillon's ears aren't very long, we decided to include this dog breed since the fur on their ears gives them a long-eared appearance. It's how the Papillon earned their name, which translates to "butterfly" in French. As seen in numerous art masterpieces, the original dogs in this breed had droopy ears. The erect ears did not appear until the 18th and 19th centuries.
Saluki
The Saluki is a quiet, reserved dog with a peaceful temperament. The Saluki's long, fluffy ears give the hound-type dog breed an added touch of elegance and grace. Originally, the dog was bred in the Fertile Crescent. Similar dogs exist in medieval and antique art, and the modern breed is often deep-chested and long-legged. The Saluki is most closely related to the Afghan hound, a breed that predates the 19th century. They have been purebred throughout the Middle East since at least that era, especially by royalty, and in Britain and Germany from the 1840s.
Pharoah Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Historians believe they were bred for the first time about 5,000 years ago! The Pharaoh Hound, unlike most common hounds, has erect ears rather than droopy ears like a Beagle or Bloodhound. A Pharaoh's long ears give them quite a unique appearance. These dogs are sight hounds that track with their eyes rather than their noses.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound's ears are long, with much longer hair covering them. In most cases, it's difficult to identify where their ears end and their bodies begin. Due to their unusual flowing hair and dignified posture, the Afghan Hound has a long history of success as a show dog.
Bracco Italiano
Originally developed as a hunting dog, the Bracco Italiano has a soulful appearance. Lean limbs, well-developed muscles, a sculpted head, and, of course, large, floppy ears characterize this breed.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an excellent family dog with a silky mahogany coat, long ears, and a feisty disposition. They are sociable dogs who enjoy making new acquaintances and who respond well to positive training methods. This distinct member of the Sporting Dog family has long been Ireland's pride and joy. There are a combination of different varieties of Setters and Spaniels, as well as a Pointer. Setters were initially intended to assist bird hunters, and they are still as popular as household pets as well as birding dogs.
Why Do Some Breeds Have Long Ears?
The long, floppy ears serve as a mitten, collecting and picking up microscopic scent particles before moving them towards their nostrils. Furthermore, the dog's hearing is hampered by the floppy ears. As a result, these dogs' sense of smell has been enhanced.
Nearly all current canines are thought to have descended from wolves at some point in history. Despite the fact that today's dog breeds are very different from wolves, practically all dogs may be traced back to wolves.
While people originally selected dogs for particular features, traits, temperaments, and skills, little attention was placed on their physical qualities. As a result, a dog's long ears could have been caused by a "universal defect."
Researchers hypothesized that there had been a change in canine embryonic development during the course of dog breeding's long history. To put it another way, cells that were supposed to help the ears grow, malfunctioned.
Long Ears are More Prone to Ear Infections
Ear infections are more common in dog breeds with floppy or long ears. This is due to the long ear's structure, which traps moisture, making it easier for dirt and bacteria to accumulate.
It's easier to prevent dog ear infections than it is to treat them; and understanding prevention can save your pet a lot of pain. Paying attention to the condition of your pet's ears is the greatest method to avoid ear infections and mite infestations. You'll be able to see negative changes sooner if you're familiar with how your dog's ears look when they're healthy. Weekly ear cleanings will keep the canals clear of dirt and promote air movement, thus preventing ear infections for your floppy-eared pup.
Who Can Resist a Dog With Long Ears?
Dogs with long floppy ears that don't stand straight like their ancestors' ears are most likely the outcome of a genetic mutation. As a result, these ears can be classified as "defects." Regardless of whether a breed has long, floppy ears or tall, stout ears, we embrace their differences. After all, who can resist a dog with long ears?
