Did you know that small dogs with long ears aren’t just adorable—they also have enhanced hearing abilities? Their floppy ears help capture sound waves, making them extra attentive and alert. But let’s be honest, it’s not just their super-hearing that makes them special—it’s their undeniable cuteness and charm!
From the silky-eared Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the playful Dachshund, these small breeds with long ears have stolen hearts for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion, a cuddle buddy, or a dog with a little extra flair, these breeds have it all.
So, if you’re ready to meet the most adorable floppy-eared companions, let’s dive into our list of the top 7 small dog breeds with long ears!
Small Dog Breeds with Long Ears
1. Havanese
The Havanese is a small but lively breed with a history as rich as its silky coat. Originally from Cuba, these affectionate dogs were once the companions of aristocrats. Today, they remain one of the most popular dog breeds, loved for their playful nature and unwavering loyalty. Their expressive eyes and charming personality make them a favorite among dog lovers.
Standing at 6–14 inches, the Havanese boasts a compact frame wrapped in a long, flowing coat. But what truly sets them apart? Their floppy ears add to their irresistible appeal! These soft, feathered ears not only enhance their adorable look but also make them one of the most enchanting dogs with long ears. Their silky fur requires attention to keep it tangle-free.
Beyond their looks, Havanese dogs are social butterflies with an affectionate and playful temperament. They thrive on companionship and adore being the center of attention. Whether they’re snuggling in your lap or prancing around the house, their cheerful energy is contagious. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners, making them ideal family pets.
Despite their small size, they have an energetic spirit and love to stay active. Short walks, interactive games, and indoor play keep them happy, as AKC mentioned. While they don’t require intense exercise, they do enjoy bursts of zoomies and fun challenges. Keeping them engaged prevents boredom, ensuring a happy and well-behaved pup.
Their dog’s ears may be adorable, but they need regular care. The long fur around their ears can trap moisture, increasing the risk of ear infections. A gentle cleaning routine and routine vet check-ups help keep their ears healthy. Additionally, their luxurious coat demands frequent brushing to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
2. Lhasa Apso
With a history stretching back over a thousand years, the Lhasa Apso isn’t just a cute face—it’s a legend in the dog world. Originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, these tiny but fearless watchdogs took their job seriously. Despite their small size, they had the spirit of a lion, alerting monks to any intruders with their sharp senses and surprisingly loud bark.
One glance at a Lhasa Apso, and you’ll notice their most distinctive features—a long, flowing coat and those luxurious, floppy ears. These floppy-eared dogs might look like royalty, but their fur isn’t just for show—it once protected them from the harsh Himalayan cold. Their silky ears frame their expressive face, adding to their charm.
Lhasas are known for their independent streak, but they still love their humans, as stated in Royal Canin! While they might not be as clingy as some companion animals, they enjoy attention on their own terms. Affectionate yet confident, these little watchdogs will gladly cuddle up after a long day of ruling the household with their quirky personalities.
Grooming a Lhasa Apso is no small task. Their flowing locks require frequent brushing to prevent tangles, and their dog’s ears need regular cleaning to stay healthy. Dirt and moisture can get trapped, leading to issues if ignored. A well-maintained Lhasa is not just a happy pup but also a showstopper wherever they go!
Training these pups requires patience. While they’re smart, their stubborn streak means they need plenty of mental stimulation to stay engaged. Early socialization is key to making sure they’re well-mannered around strangers and other pets. Once trained, they’re fantastic family dogs with a personality as grand as their history!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Once a favorite of kings and queens, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has never lost its regal charm. These little aristocrats were often seen lounging in royal courts, soaking up attention and stealing hearts. Today, they continue to reign—not over kingdoms, but over couches, laps, and just about anywhere they can snuggle up!
With their adorable appearance, expressive puppy-dog eyes, and long, silky ears that frame their face like a masterpiece, it’s impossible to resist their charm. Their luxurious ears aren’t just for show, though—they’re part of what makes them so uniquely elegant. One head tilt, and they’ll have you wrapped around their paw!
Cavaliers are the definition of affectionate. They thrive on human company and will follow you from room to room like a fluffy little shadow. Unlike large dogs, they don’t take up much space, but they sure take up a lot of your heart! They get along wonderfully with other dogs, kids, and just about anyone willing to shower them with love.
Don’t let their royal past fool you—these pups love to play! While they don’t need hours of intense activity, daily walks and a bit of playtime keep them happy and healthy. A game of fetch or a casual stroll? Count them in! Just don’t expect them to pass up a cozy nap afterwards.
Those flowing ears and silky coats require regular grooming to stay in tip-top shape. Their ears, in particular, need frequent checks to prevent tangles and keep them clean. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your Cavalier looking (and feeling) like the royalty they truly are!
4. Dachshund
Don’t let their short legs fool you—Dachshunds were born to be fearless hunters! Originally bred in Germany to track badgers and burrow into tunnels, these little warriors are part of the elite tracking breeds. With their keen noses and sharp minds, they’ve swapped hunting for couch cuddles but haven’t lost their curious spirit!
One of their most striking features? Those iconic, droopy ears! More than just an adorable accessory, their long-eared dog design plays a crucial role in sniffing out clues. Their ears help trap scent particles, making them excellent at following trails. Whether it’s tracking a treat you dropped or figuring out where you’ve been, a Dachshund’s nose always knows!
Loyal, playful, and packed with personality, these pups are big dogs in small bodies. They form strong bonds with their families and love being the center of attention. Don’t be surprised if your Dachshund takes charge of the house—they may be small, but they have the confidence to spare!
Training them can be an adventure. Smart but stubborn, they like to do things on their own terms, as per AKC. Consistency, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement are key. Treats help, too—lots of them! A little bribery never hurts when training an independent thinker.
With those adorable floppy ears comes a little extra maintenance. Keeping their ears clean is essential to prevent infections. A quick wipe and regular checks keep their ears fresh and free from trouble. After all, every great detective needs their best tools in top shape!
5. Papillon
Graceful, elegant, and full of life, the Papillon gets its name from the French word for “butterfly”—and it’s easy to see why! Their signature large, fringed ears fan out like delicate wings, giving them a look as charming as their lively personalities. Despite their dainty appearance, these tiny dynamos are packed with energy and always ready for an adventure.
Unlike some small breeds, Papillons are not prone to shyness or timidity. They’re confident, intelligent, and love to show off their smarts. Whether it’s mastering tricks, competing in agility, or just zooming around the house, they thrive on mental and physical challenges. If you’re looking for a pup that’s both brainy and bouncy, this little genius checks all the boxes!
Grooming a Papillon is surprisingly easy. Their silky coats don’t have an undercoat, making maintenance a breeze. However, those stunning ears need occasional brushing to keep them looking fabulous. Plus, since they don’t have the typical “doggy smell,” you won’t have to worry about frequent baths—just an occasional freshen-up will do!
These tiny charmers love people, including children, and are happiest when surrounded by company. However, early socialization is key to ensuring they get along with other pets and new faces. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but their enthusiasm sometimes gets the best of them, so patience and positive reinforcement work wonders.
With their joyful energy, striking appearance, and affectionate nature, Papillons are more than just a pretty face. They bring endless love and excitement to any home, proving that sometimes, the best things come in small, butterfly-eared packages!
6. Chihuahua
Small but packed with personality, the Chihuahua is proof that size has nothing to do with confidence! These tiny dynamos are famous for their unique appearance, with their large, expressive ears stealing the show. While many Chihuahuas have perky, upright ears, some sport adorable long, floppy ones—giving them an extra touch of cuteness!
Despite their pint-sized bodies, Chihuahuas have huge personalities. Feisty, bold, and incredibly loyal, they often believe they’re the biggest dog in the room (and will act like it, too!). This breed forms strong bonds with their humans, making them great companions for those who appreciate a devoted sidekick with a little sass.
When it comes to exercise, don’t let their small size fool you! While they don’t need marathon runs, they do love to play and stay active. They fit in perfectly with active households where they can zoom around, chase toys, and soak up attention. A few short walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them happy.
Since their ears are such a standout feature, they need regular care. Dirt and debris can sneak into those oversized ears, so routine checks and gentle cleaning help keep them healthy. Combine that with minimal grooming needs, and you’ve got a low-maintenance pup that’s as easy to care for as they are to love.
Chihuahuas may be small, but they come with big energy, big love, and even bigger ears. Whether they’re snuggling up in your lap or strutting around like they own the place (which they usually do), this breed knows how to steal hearts—and attention!
7. Shih Tzu
Once reserved for royalty, the Shih Tzu has never quite let go of its VIP status. These little charmers were bred to lounge in palaces, soaking up attention like true kings and queens. With their luxurious coats and long, floppy ears, they still carry that regal air—except now, instead of a throne, they’ll happily take over your couch!
If there were an award for the world’s most effortlessly elegant pup, the Shih Tzu would win paws down. Their silky hair flows like a mini runway model’s, and those long ears? Pure showstoppers. But don’t let the fancy looks fool you—beneath all that fluff is a pup that just wants belly rubs and playtime with its favorite humans.
Loyal, affectionate, and totally people-oriented, Shih Tzus form strong bonds with their families. They adore being the center of attention and will happily follow you from room to room, ensuring you never experience a moment of loneliness (or personal space). They’re small in size but big in heart, making them ideal lap warmers and lifelong besties.
That glorious hair doesn’t stay perfect on its own, though! Their long fur and floppy ears require regular grooming to prevent tangles and keep them looking their best. And since their adorable faces are prone to collecting crumbs (a true foodie problem), a quick wipe-down now and then keeps them fresh and fabulous.
Training a Shih Tzu can be a mix of “Wow, they’re smart!” and “Wow, they really don’t care.” They have a stubborn streak but respond well to positive reinforcement. Keep things fun, offer treats, and don’t be surprised if they master tricks just for the applause. While they may not be athletic dogs built for agility courses, they are champions of zoomies and enthusiastic tail wags!
Conclusion
Long-eared dog breeds, from the elegant Afghan Hound to the friendly Basset Hound, bring a special kind of joy to any home. Their signature ears aren’t just for show—they enhance their keen senses, especially in breeds like scent hounds, making them excellent hunting and tracking dogs.
But these dogs aren’t just talented—they’re also some of the most affectionate companions around. Whether it’s the playful energy of an Irish Setter or the gentle nature of an American Cocker Spaniel, these breeds fit right into family life with their loving personalities.
Their pendulous ears do require some extra care, but regular grooming keeps them clean and healthy. This is especially important for floppy-eared breeds like black and tan coonhounds, which are prone to ear infections if neglected.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a Cocker Spaniel or the spirited charm of a pup with pointed ears, one thing is clear—long-eared dogs are full of character. Their unique looks, playful nature, and strong bonds with their humans make them unforgettable pets.
So, if you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, why not choose a long-eared breed? They may require a little extra care, but the love and loyalty they give in return are well worth it!
