Every dog has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from others. Where some dogs have a special personality trait, others may have a distinguishable physical feature. Today, we’ll talk about dogs that are easily recognisable owing to their long ears! Their ears are not just to hear even the slightest sound, they also sniff around the house and make sure to spot even the smallest mold hidden under a carpet.
These dogs have ridiculously long ears. During the peak winter season, these ears turn into their natural covers and protect dogs from the harsh cold wind. These oversized ears are not only functional but also extremely adorable in appearance.
In this article, we shall talk about the dog breeds with ridiculously big ears and how they use their ears functionally.
Dog Breeds With Ridiculously Big Ears
1. Beagle
Beagle, also known as fabulous scent hounds, has some of the longest ears out there. As a matter of fact, these dogs are distinguishable through their long ears that are droopy and floppy.
The length of these ears is as much as 3 inches and hangs down the nose of this dog.
Oh, and let us clarify, these ears are not just to make these dogs look adorable. They are highly functional, which is the main reason why this dog is an exceptional scent hound.
Thanks to these long ears, the dog is able to track the scent at longer distances. They are the major contributors to offering this dog a strong olfactory sense.
Beagles that work outdoors have a chance of getting ear infections. As they are long, the chance of debris entering and getting stuck in them is high. So, you need to regularly clean them to ensure the removal of any trapped dirt.
Weekly inspection of the ears and removal of dirt is mandatory to ensure these dogs don’t get sick owing to an ear infection.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has super-long ears. People opting for this dog as a pet mostly choose it owing to its adorable ears and pretty appearance.
Thanks to these ears, Cavaliers can easily be distinguished from afar and have a royal appearance. Silky hair surrounding their ears further gives them an elegant impression.
While hugging this dog or having it in your lap, you’ll love to tap their velvety ears and they’ll give you a fluffy feel. Truly, these dogs are a lapdog luxury with their silky ears.
But PetMD says these silky hairs come with a lot of maintenance needs. You need to brush it regularly to avoid intricate matting and tangling. If not cleaned properly, these ears can have moisture trapped in them, leading to infections and inflammation.
If your dog loves to play outdoors, there is a great chance that it is trapping grass or food particles in its ear. Give special attention to scrubbing off the dirt to keep this royal dog healthy.
3. Cocker Spaniel
If you think the floppy ears of a Cocker Spaniel just perform the function of making it appear cute, you’re wrong!
These dogs are exceptional hunting dogs, and one reason why they are so respected for their hunting skills is their large ears.
Picking up scents and tracking the prey over longer distances is possible only through these long ears. As soon as the dog senses its prey being close, its ears stand (metaphorically). The dog would then hunt the prey and won’t rest until it succeeds!
Originally bred to lift scents from the ground and act as an exceptional hunting dog, these active dogs are definitely great partners for hunters.
The long, silky fur on the ears also contributes to a characteristic look, but can make the American cocker spaniel prone to ear infections.Â
4. Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel dogs have adorable, well-feathered ears, which make them appear gentle and intelligent.
They are excellent family pets owing to being incredibly loyal, and their long ears are a prominent feature.
It is necessary for the pet owners to routinely check the ears for indications of infections, as dogs with long ears are more prone to catching them when compared to other dogs.
The best way to keep the ears clean is by checking them every time the dog comes back from an outdoor activity and removing the trapped debris.
Get your hands on a Field Spaniel, especially if you have kids at home. Hills Pet says this is an affectionate breed and surely a great fit for a happy home.
5. Clumber Spaniel
The ears of a Clumber Spaniel are not only long and floppy, but they are also quite distinctively shaped.
With their short legs, vine-leaf shaped ears, and super dense coat, this dog breed is quite endearing.
These ears are triangular in shape. This means their appearance is wide at the top, but as the ears come down, they appear rounded on the edges.
Though these ears make this dog cute and fun, their placement actually creates a moist atmosphere. This has great potential to lead to ear infections.
If you ever come across some redness or swelling around the ear area of your dog, make sure to visit a vet as soon as possible, as these are signs of infection.
6. Basset Hound
The droopy ears of a Basset Hound make them exceptional hunters in the dog world.
Yes, you read that right!
Their ears help them track the scenes, no matter how faint they may be.
The primary function of these long ears is to pick up scents from the ground. Once they spot and pick up an unusual scent, they hold it close for the dog to sniff and track the prey efficiently.
Originally bred with the sole purpose of hunting small game, these dogs still retain their exceptional hunting skills.
Just like their big ears, they possess big hearts as well. Hence, they are a great choice as house pets as well!
7. Bloodhound
With their pendulous ears that contribute to their exceptional scent-tracking abilities, Bloodhounds are definitely a hunter’s favorite!
These dogs are massive in size, and their ears are equally big.
Their long ears are exceptionally functional. They are given the responsibility to not only gather and direct scents but also hold them intact for long periods. These dogs are able to track the prey for long distances, thanks to their long ears.
One main reason why the scent tracking of this dog is so good is that its ears are sensitive and concentrate on scents properly. Hence, whenever required, a Bloodhound performs exceptionally well as a tracking dog.
8. Coonhound
Yet another hound known for its exceptional scent-tracking skills, owing to its long ears, is the Coonhound.
AKC mentions this dog has ears so long that they even reach the tip of their nose, making them appear really funny and adorable.
Their ears are velvety. Whenever you move your fingers through them, you’ll experience a fluffy feeling.
As a matter of fact, the Black and Tan Coonhound has some of the longest ears in the dog world. They can easily stir up the invisible particles and make the scent last long for the dogs to hold and sniff.
9. French Bulldog
If you think only big dogs have long ears, you’re wrong!
The French Bulldog comes with a small stature, yet it has large bat ears.
However, they are not floppy or hanging. Rather, these dogs possess erect ears that are naturally upright.
While hunting, these pointy ears help the dogs hear clearly and go after the prey in the right direction.
Pet owners who have a French Bulldog often notice this dog’s ears rising up and going down. Actually, they have a “flying nun” muscle installed in their ears that lifts and drops their ears.
10. Afghan Hound
Known for its beauty and grace, the Afghan Hound is one of the most gorgeous dogs out there.
It also comes with super-long ears that are pendulous in shape. On top of that, they are completely covered in long hair that is silky and gives this dog a regal appearance.
This ancient dog breed stands out due to its looks.
However, its long hair has the tendency to get tangled. This is why there is a need for regular grooming, brushing, and cleaning.
If you own this sighthound, make sure to focus on the cleanliness of its ears, as this is where it is most likely to catch infections.
Conclusion
Dogs with long ears are easily distinguishable in the dog world. At times, they are covered in silky straight hair, and other times, they are erect and uptight. Breeds like German Shepherd, Irish Setter, and Chihuahua are also known for their funny yet adorable ear shapes.
Just make sure you keep these long ears clean, as they can easily have a lot of debris stored inside of them, leading to infections and diseases.
