One of the most adorable things about dogs is when they come running to you with their big floppy ears moving comically. A dog’s ear is always one of the first things we notice. From short ears to pointy ears and then floppy ears, all dog breeds have their own distinct features.
Dog ears don’t just let our furry friends hear our voices and suspicious noises; there are many other interesting things about them. Dogs’ ears aren’t just very sensitive to touch; hounds’ ears even play a part in helping them catch the scent.
If you love pups with droopy ears, here are 7 breeds that have ears with puppy-like floppiness throughout their lives.
Best Dog Breeds That Keep Puppy-Like Floppy Ears Till Old Age
1. Beagle
Beagles are sweet and playful family dogs with a sociable nature. They’re small to medium-sized dogs known for their scent hound skills and ability to track prey. Apart from their other unique traits, they have floppy ears that always look adorable.
Beagles come in gorgeous short and smooth coats with tan marks and colors like reddish brown, lemon, white, and black. They have two size varieties, with one 13-15 inches and the other under 13. They weigh between 20 and 25 pounds.
Beagles are high-energy pups with a confident nature and make wonderful companions for active owners. They’ll come flapping their ears at you, with their tail wagging, every time you call them.
As they were originally bred as rabbit hunting dogs, they can retain a strong prey drive and might try chasing little animals.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These pups are one of the dog breeds famous for their good looks and pleasant demeanor. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent family dogs and perfect companions for owners who live in small spaces.
These pups don’t just have fluffy, floppy ears that look too cute to ignore; their soft, lush coats are also a sight to behold. With tan markings and colors like black, white, ruby, and blenheim, these pups are hard not to adore. Cavs can be 12-13 inches tall, with a weight range of 13-18 pounds.
Cavs are adaptable pooches that can live with both active and easygoing pet parents. They’re amazing around children, especially when given early socialization training. While their gorgeous coats need regular grooming, their distinct ears should also be regularly checked for ear infections.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are literally “all ears”! While their tender gaze, long, low-slung, and muscular body, and fascinating short coat with tan marks catch our attention, their long ears are undoubtedly their most distinct feature.
Basset Hounds are unforgettable due to their unique, compact build. These pups can grow to be up to 12 inches tall and weigh between 40-65 pounds. The American Kennel Club calls it “the sad clown” due to its distinct large head, wrinkled eyebrows, and sad eyes.
Though these doggos don’t need a lot of strenuous exercise, taking them on short walks and play sessions will make them love you forever.
They’re not everyone’s piece of cake when it comes to training. These tiny pups can be willful and need early training when they’re puppies. They’re food motivated; involving treats in training will make things easier for you.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds or “badger dogs” have muscled-up, long bodies, short legs, and big floppy ears. They were bred to hunt badgers (hence the name), among other prey, and are one of the most loved pets. These pups have a headstrong, confident nature and a penchant for digging.
These floppy-eared dogs come in different coat types: smooth, wired, and long-haired. All varieties have gorgeous colors like black, fawn, beige, and brindle, etc.
They’re energetic and cheerful dogs that love games like playing fetch. Their sizes range between 8-9 inches and 16-32 pounds (standard), and 5-6 inches and up to 11 pounds (miniature).
The standard Dachshunds have even hunted big game like wild boars. Their floppy ears actually help them keep off dirt when they go about some of their favorite activities, like burrowing. Healthy ears are important for these mutts, just like the other dogs. Keep checking and cleaning their ears periodically.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is one of the popular dog breeds with an affectionate nature and long, lion-like hair. These small dogs have origins that can be traced back to the Chinese emperors, who were their original human companions.
These petite pups have a sweet face and quizzical eyes that warm our hearts. Their long coat makes them look like walking hair. Their coat can be both blow-dried or trimmed, depending on how much time you have on hand for their upkeep. They stand 9-10.5 inches tall and weigh between 9-16 pounds, as per PetMD.
Their fluffy ears fall on both sides and are covered with silky hair. These pooches always possess a puppy-like personality and look. Shih Tzus are eager to please and really warm towards children, and get along well with other pets.
6. Bloodhound
Though their name sounds very serious, and their wrinkled faces and sad eyes make them look solemn, Bloodhounds are mutts with loving personalities. They’re robust dogs with determined minds and superb noses that helped as trackers.
These doggos have short and thick coat that comes in colors like tan, black, red, and liver, etc. They stand 23-27 inches tall and weigh between 80-110 pounds. Britannica notes that apart from daily exercise, these pups also require mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Bloodhound’s flap-down ears are its most prominent feature. It’s hard to overlook these fan-like ears on both sides, and they literally fly in the air when these dogs are sprinting. These active doggos are actually great family pets due to their even-tempered nature when they’re with their humans.
Bloodhounds can be heavy droolers due to their hanging lips and might need a bib. Their facial wrinkles also need to be kept clean; otherwise, they are prone to certain infections.
7. Havanese
Havanese is a really beautiful dog breed and the one and only native Cuban breed. They have silky, long coats cascading down their bodies and an adorable face you can’t help but want to put on your Instagram. These fuzzballs have floppy ears covered in long hair on both sides.
Havanese can grow to be 8.5-11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7-13 pounds. They’re very cheerful and bright-natured dogs that help you de-stress just by being around you. Their child-like, sweet temper makes them one of the most loved lap dogs and family pets.
Havanese are very intelligent dogs that love to learn new tricks and entertain you with them. Despite their comical nature, they’re not loud dogs and will bark minimally.
Conclusion
These adorable dog breeds can’t be missed due to their puppy-like, unique floppy ears. These pups won’t just entice you with their affectionate nature and other breed-specific talents; they’re also gorgeous dogs, amazing to take pictures with.
