Big, floppy ears—those soft, velvety flaps that bounce when dogs run and droop when they nap—have a special kind of magic. Now imagine them paired with a sleek, black coat and soulful eyes, and you’ve got a pup that’s practically begging for a cuddle.
Floppy-eared black dog breeds have a timeless charm. They often come with affectionate natures, loyal personalities, and an irresistible hound-like appeal.
Some are known for their gentle dispositions, others for their playful goofiness, but all of them share one thing: velvety ears that make your heart melt.
Here, we’re putting the spotlight on black dog breeds with adorably droopy ears. Whether they’re bounding through fields or curled up on the couch, these floppy-eared dogs bring a soft, sweet energy to every home they enter.
So get ready to meet the floppier side of the dog world—you might just find your new best friend.
Black Dog Breeds with Floppy Ears
1. Poodle
When you think of a black dog with floppy ears, this most popular dog breed instantly comes to mind—and for good reason.
Weight: 10–70 pounds (depending on size)
Height: 10–24 inches
Don’t let their fancy grooming fool you; beneath those perfectly sculpted curls lies the most intelligent dog breed, who is an athletic dog and an endlessly playful companion. Whether you opt for a Standard, Miniature, or Toy, Poodles bring a mix of elegance and energy that’s hard to beat.
Their floppy ears frame a face that’s as expressive as it is charming, ready to melt your heart or command the room—sometimes both at the same time. Poodles are famous for being one of the smartest breeds in the dog world, meaning they pick up tricks faster than you can say “sit” (and they look fabulous doing it).
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), their hypoallergenic coats make them a top pick for allergy sufferers who still want that loyal, loving four-legged friend.
The Poodle’s coat requires diligent care. While they shed very little, their curly fur is prone to matting. To keep their coat healthy and free of tangles, daily brushing all the way down to the skin is essential to prevent mats from forming and wrapping around their body.
2. Newfoundland
Meet the Newfoundland: a black-coated, floppy-eared giant who’s basically the doggy equivalent of a warm, fuzzy bear hug.
These large breeds were bred to rescue people from icy waters, so you know they’ve got hero vibes built right in. Their floppy ears add a touch of sweet, lovable charm that balances out their impressive size.
Weight: 100–150 pounds
Height: 26–28 inches
These majestic dogs combine power with patience, making them one of the most beloved family companions in the U.S., especially for those who want a loyal protector with a soft spot for kids. Newfoundlands are famously good swimmers, thanks to their thick, water-resistant coats and webbed feet.
Newfoundlands have a dense double coat featuring a coarse, water-resistant outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. Their coat colors typically include black, black and white, gray, and brown.
They shed throughout the year but go through heavy shedding periods, known as “blowing their coat,” twice annually. Regular brushing is important to keep their coat healthy, though they don’t usually require extensive grooming or frequent professional appointments.
Newfoundlands are calm and laid-back dogs who don’t require enough exercise, but they still need regular activity to stay healthy. Daily walks, occasional hikes, or swims help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent weight gain.
3. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is basically America’s best friend—floppy ears included. These dogs are the gold standard of friendly, reliable, and energetic companions.
Weight: 55–80 pounds
Height: 21.5–24.5 inches
Labs are known for their outgoing personalities, endless enthusiasm, and those irresistibly soft ears that flop charmingly when they’re in full “let’s play” mode.
Labradors are incredibly social dogs that thrive on human interaction and form deep bonds with their families. Labs aren’t just couch potatoes; they’re built for action—whether it’s fetching a ball, swimming laps, or accompanying you on a weekend hike.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, allowing them to excel in obedience and take on important roles such as service dogs, therapy companions, and skilled hunting partners.
Labrador Retrievers are smart and naturally eager to please, which makes them highly responsive to training when guided with the right techniques. Starting training and socialization early is key—it helps shape them into confident, well-behaved companions who are a joy to have around.
Their floppy ears help them hear every call (or snack rustle) loud and clear, making them the ultimate attentive sidekick. And yes, those ears will flop around as much as their wagging tails, delivering maximum heart-meltdown potential.
4. Shih Tzu
Don’t let the Shih Tzu’s dainty size fool you—this floppy-eared little charmer knows how to command attention.
Weight: 9–16 pounds
Height: 8–11 inches
These small dogs pack big personalities wrapped in a luscious, silky coat and those iconic floppy ears that frame their sweet, expressive faces. Bred as royal lap warmers, Shih Tzus have been winning hearts for centuries with their loving nature and undeniable cuteness.
Their floppy ears often get a little fluffier and more playful with age, and combined with their short snout and big eyes, they look like little clouds of cuddly royalty.
Shih Tzus are perfect for city living and smaller spaces, but don’t underestimate their spunky spirit—they love a good play session and plenty of bonding time with their favorite humans.
As per WebMD, Shih Tzus don’t require much exercise since they were originally bred as indoor companions. Historically, they were royal pets who spent most of their time inside palaces.
While they shed minimally, their long, continuously growing coat—which comes in various colors like black, white, and red—needs regular brushing and trimming to stay healthy and tangle-free.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Don’t let their compact size fool you—Miniature Schnauzers bring big personality and plenty of charm, all wrapped up in a tidy, wiry coat and those adorable floppy ears that give them a perpetually curious look.
Weight: 11–20 pounds
Height: 12–14 inches
The Miniature Schnauzer descends from a rugged line of German working dogs once used for pulling carts, herding livestock, and hunting rats.
Today, this intelligent and friendly breed has found its place as a loyal, adaptable family companion. It’s also the smallest of the three Schnauzer sizes—the other two being the Standard and the Giant Schnauzer.
Often reserved around strangers at first, they usually warm up quickly once their owner signals the guest is welcome, at which point they become friendly and sociable.
Royal Canin describes that Miniature Schnauzers thrive in urban environments as long as they get their daily dose of exercise. Their floppy ears perk up at the sounds of the city, ready to alert you to anything interesting, whether it’s the mailman, a squirrel, or your neighbor’s late-night snack raid.
Miniature Schnauzers are generally easy to train and make excellent watchdogs, thanks to their strong territorial instincts. They’re more likely to sound the alarm with barking than resort to biting.
6. Pug
Don’t let their small size fool you—Pugs pack a big personality into a compact, wrinkly package. Those floppy ears and expressive eyes are like a permanent “please cuddle me” invitation.
The Pug is an ancient breed that dates back about 2,000 years to China. Loved by royals across the globe, Pugs have maintained their popularity through the centuries and remain a beloved companion dog today.
Weight: 14–18 pounds
Height: 10–13 inches
Pugs are the class clowns of the dog world, always ready with a goofy snort or an adorable head tilt to make you smile. Pugs are affectionate dogs who thrive on attention and love being part of the daily life with their families. They’re true people-pleasers who enjoy feeling included in all the action at home.
While they might not be the best watchdogs or guard dogs (they’d rather charm than charge), these floppy-eared breeds are fiercely loyal and make fantastic companions for city dwellers and families alike.
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs have short muzzles, flat faces, narrow nostrils, and compact airways. Many have an elongated soft palate, which can partially block the windpipe and cause the characteristic loud snoring and breathing sounds
PetMD noted that because of their unique facial structure, Pugs don’t handle extreme heat or intense exercise well, so it’s important to keep them cool and avoid overexertion.
Pugs thrive on human attention and love to be the center of your world (and your couch). Their playful yet laid-back nature makes them perfect for both lively households and cozy nights in. Just be ready for some snorts, snores, and endless affection!
7. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is like the ocean’s version of a friendly neighborhood watch captain—alert, loyal, and always ready to jump into action (or water).
Weight: 35–60 pounds
Height: 17–23 inches
With their thick, curly black coats and floppy ears, they’re not just eye-catching but built for work. Originally bred to help fishermen by herding fish and retrieving gear from the sea, these dogs are athletic, smart, and spirited.
These dogs are famous for their friendly, loving personalities. They generally adore kids and other dogs, and they thrive on giving and receiving affection.
Hillspet noted that while they make excellent watchdogs—alerting you to anything unusual—their medium size means they’re more about keeping an eye out than launching a full-on defense. They tend to be wary of strangers, making them cautious guardians who won’t just let anyone waltz in.
Highly eager to please, this breed is typically easy to train. They were bred as hardworking companions for fishermen; they have plenty of energy and need lots of exercise—especially activities like swimming—to stay happy and healthy.
If you want a canine companion who’s part lifeguard, part watchdog, and all heart, the Portuguese Water Dog is a fantastic pick for active families who love outdoor adventures, especially by the water.
Conclusion
In the canine world, black coated dogs with floppy ears range from gentle giants like the Great Dane and Bernese Mountain Dog to toy breeds and sporting dogs like the Cocker Spaniel and German Shorthaired Pointer. These floppy-eared dog breeds—such as the Golden Retriever, Basset Hound, and Flat-Coated Retriever—often have shaggy, silky, or coarse double coats and are known as great family dogs.
While their droopy ears add charm, pet owners should watch for ear infections, a common concern with long, soft dogs’ ears. Muscular dogs like the Black Russian Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and even the monkey terrier combine beauty and brains, often needing mental stimulation to avoid excessive barking.
Whether it’s the elegant Standard Poodle or the muscular Doberman Pinscher, these domesticated dogs—with thick or medium-length coats—come from groups like hounds and herders and remain beloved by families for their loyalty, looks, and lovable ears.
