Few things are more heart-melting than watching a pup race across the yard, floppy ears bouncing in the breeze like little velvet wings. Those soft, droopy ears are part of what makes certain dogs so irresistible, especially to kids, who can’t resist snuggling them.
But how did dogs end up with those adorable floppy ears when their wolf ancestors had sharp, alert ones? Science points to something called “domestication syndrome.”
As dogs grew closer to humans, their survival instincts softened, and so did their features, transforming once-alert ears into the silky, relaxed look we know and love today.
In this article, we’ll explore the dog breeds with the most endearing floppy ears, pups whose gentle charm, loving nature, and family-friendly personalities make them favorites among children and adults alike.
Dog Breeds with Soft Floppy Ears That Kids Love
1. Basset hound
Meet the low-key charmer with a long body, short legs, and a slow-paced trot, the basset hound is here to rule the list of dogs with floppy ears, as these hunting assistants are not only excellent companions to humans but also patient, mild, and agreeable dogs with a bit of added stubbornness and spunk.
But that all fades away when these dogs spend time snuggling beside you on the couch. The heavy boned basset hounds are versatile dogs who enjoy some peaceful, long walks and tediously long hunts, but also love to chill and snooze off from time to time.
PetMD says these sad-faced pups with wrinkled brows, soulful eyes, and floppy ears are deliberate and effortless in their movements and take over an owner’s heart in a heartbeat.
With an uncanny scenting ability, wildly demonstrative grand gestures of affection, a loud ringing voice, and steadfast loyalty. These pups have managed to become the perennial favorites of dog lovers all over the world.
P.S. These pups with packed strength and stamina can get quite stinky, hence it is advised to give them some extra spa care and baths from time to time.
2. Beagle
These extremely cute pack hunting dogs and trackers appeared on the mainland before the Civil War and are curious, merry dogs with floppy ears that are also called nose on paws for their incredible scenting skills.
Beagles are a popular, sturdy, happy-go-lucky, and pleasant dog breed with some quite irresistibly huge hazel or brown eyes.
The fun fact about beagles is that the long ears they are equipped with do not merely contribute to their good looks but are used to catch scent particles, which makes their olfactory information much more precise.
These lovable peanuts have all the companionable qualities that you could ever search for in a dog. Beagles are curious, clever, energetic, and the most delightful puppies you’ll ever find.
3. Golden Retriever
These exuberant yet serious golden search and rescue dogs with floppy ears are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. These sporting dogs are not only the most famous devoted canines in the entire dog world. But also the best probable hunter, field working dog, and guide for the blind that you’ll ever find.
They make the list for being the cutest, friendliest dogs ever, and will need some daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, just like all the breeds out there. But Purina states that their lustrous coat of gold and the outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please puppyish behavior is to die for.
These gentle giants are unique among many breeds and love to spend time with their favorite Hoomans. Moreover, the floppy-eared Golden Retrievers require some extra care and attention because these pups love to swim and stay in the water. Hence, they can be prone to ear hygiene issues.
4. Afghan Hound
This stealthy member of the hound group is aloof, dignified, and strikingly beautiful. The Afghan hound happens to be one of the most ancient dog breeds that is eye-catching due to its thick, silky, flowing coat and glamorous exterior.
These relentless hunting champions that march to the beat of their own drums love their humans and are renowned for their power, agility, and endurance, due to which they can even hunt and take down large animals like leopards and antelopes in the field.
These pups, which are also the canine companions of the famous Barbie, are a spunky breed that thrives in harsh climates and punishing mountainous terrains. Hence, they are the crowning glory of all floppy-eared dogs known to be loyal companions with a fierce love and possessiveness for their pet parents and an incredibly sweet disposition.
It is advised to clean the long ears of this puppy during their grooming session. Moreover, their beautiful floppy ears can be tucked safely in a snood while these vivacious dogs eat or drink to prevent moisture and debris from entering the ear canals.
5. Irish Setter
Just take one good look at the gloriously red curly or wavy coat of the Irish setter and you’ll surely fall head over heels in love with this Irish breed. These floppy-eared dogs make excellent family dogs for active households because they have an inherent hunting spirit.
But this smart, kind, and loving breed is a great companion for pet parents. The Irish setters excel in dog sports like obedience and agility, and are also a great pet to bring along on a hunting expedition.
These require a lot of love and patience, along with some considerable TLC, because their long ears are susceptible to ear problems and hygiene issues. Hence, proper care, cleaning, and drying are important.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels can be defined as medium-sized, tried and true Velcro dogs with silky ears, a happy personality, and some dreamy eyes. These hunting dogs with long ears are nowadays popular as all-around companions.
Equipped with a sturdy and solid, well-balanced body that is big enough to be sporty yet also compact to be portable. The cocker spaniels are durable gundogs that happen to be the prettiest puppies on the block. The AKC defines these pups as having a frolicsome yet impish personality.
We bet you won’t be able to resist petting these lusciously fluffy long-eared canines who have a strong sense of smell and a constantly merry disposition.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Royal, graceful, beautiful, possibly the apple of every dog owner’s eye, and the canine equivalent of Mr. Darcy, meet the most adorable frolicking toy spaniel who is a welcoming, gentle, and sophisticated aristocrat in the world of reckless zooming tornadoes.
Equipped with just the right amount of physical prowess, verve, and athleticism to make dog lovers swoon, combined with an unmatched bouncy yet sociable mingling personality, which always gives this whiff of warmth and coziness to every lucky person who owns them.
These therapy dogs with floppy ears have a magically enchanting aura that brings peace, calm, and serenity to anyone who meets them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are little bundles of joy who seem to shadow your every step, so devoted that it feels like they’ve made it their life’s mission to adore you even more than you adore them.
P.S. Life with a cavalier will surely be a story of lasting love written in gold and cherished for infinity.
8. Boxer
Daunting, goofy, and constantly in tow, the boxer is the canine equivalent of Will Turner from Pirates of the Caribbean, who was both a charming pirate and an endearing lover. This boxer is similarly a bright, fun-loving sweetheart who is naturally born with floppy ears and has this upbeat, playful yet smooth and graceful gait.
Amusingly enough, the boxers who happen to be highly protective, watchdogs, and guardians don’t have a sober temperament despite their high intelligence, dedication, work ethic, and fearless traits.
Boxers are big-hearted goofballs; muscular, curious, and endlessly entertaining with their clownish prance and playful antics toward their favorite people.
You would be amazed to know just to what extent these puppies go to get attention from their owners. They are surely an entertaining factor in every household they place their paws in, and are one of the most loyal breeds with good looks.
9. Shih Tzu
Are you one of those people whose idea of relaxing includes a cozy armchair in front of a fireplace with a soft plush throw blanket, a cup of hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows, and a sweet, cuddly companion snuggled in your arms while you read those classic novels from Jane Austen and William Shakespeare?
Hey! Everyone loves a bit of soothing peace, calm, and comfort, and we assure you, this tiny fella that hails from a royal Asian household is here to fulfill your dream leisure time requirements just by being himself.
The Shih Tzu, or chrysanthemum dog, with its elegant appearance, soft as cloud long fur, teddy bear looks, and velvety ears, is the ultimate ideal pet for gaining some cuddly warmth.
VCA Animal Hospitals says these lion dogs are an ancient dog breed that preside over households with their flowy lion mane and elegantly folded ears. Shih tzu’s were originally bred to be lap dogs for royalty by Tibetan monks who were trying to impress the emperors. But it has now won the world over by being a favored fluffy companion for people of all classes.
P.S. It is our great fortune that some military personnel brought over this gorgeous historic breed with floppy ears over to the States, which was then accepted in the American Kennel Club’s toy group in 1969.
Conclusion
These dog breeds with floppy ears can have ear issues. Hence, regularly trimming excessive hair from the ear canal and cleaning wax and debris can help. These pups do have better hearing due to their droopy ears, which also prove to be a cover from rain and dust.
If these puppers aren’t given some proper TLC, they might contract allergies and ear infections. Thus, always make sure to keep your dog’s ears clean.
Moreover, these floppy-eared breeds make great family dogs as owners prefer their pendulous ears and say that they add to their charm. Therefore, if you are keen about bringing home some floppy-eared beauties, try the German dachshunds with a long body, or the puppy-like, ever cheerful Havanese dogs, the glamorous yet rugged Australian shepherds, or the sweet German shorthaired pointer that is quite often used for bird hunting.
