Is there anything more irresistible than running your fingers over a dog’s soft, velvety ears? Floppy-eared dogs appear in nearly every breed group, ranging from tiny toy breeds to massive working dogs. Long, drooping ears are particularly common among hounds, which are often the first dogs people picture when they think of large, hanging ears.
Some dog breeds have ears so luxuriously smooth that you can’t help but pause for a snuggle every time they walk by. It’s not just about looks—those plush ears seem to radiate comfort, making these dogs even more endearing to their humans.
From floppy-eared charmers to silky-coated companions, velvet ears can be found across a variety of breeds. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful gaze of a Basset Hound or the silky smoothness of a Cocker Spaniel, these dogs bring both tactile delight and endless affection into any home.
We’ll explore the breeds that boast the softest, most touchable ears in the canine kingdom. If you’re a dog lover who finds comfort in every pet and ear scratch, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s discover which breeds deliver the ultimate snuggle factor, one velvet ear at a time!
Dog Breeds With Velvet Ears
1. Bloodhound
If Sherlock Holmes were a dog, he’d absolutely be a Bloodhound. With a nose so powerful it can track scents for miles, and those signature long, droopy velvet ears that practically sweep the ground, the Bloodhound is part detective, part snuggle specialist.
Purina says Bloodhounds are employed around the world for tracking in criminal investigations and search-and-rescue missions.
Physically, they’re big, wrinkly, and downright adorable — like a living, breathing, oversized stuffed animal. But don’t let the slow, droopy eyes fool you. As pack animals, Bloodhounds thrive in the company of others, getting along well with children and other pets, especially when socialized early.
With the right family, they make excellent companions. However, they can be quite stubborn and are among the most vocal breeds, often using their deep baying howl to “chat” with their family.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Gentle giants — sweet, patient, and great with kids.
✔️ Scent-obsessed — their noses are basically GPS on paws.
✔️ Independent thinkers — sometimes their nose has its own agenda.
Grooming is fairly simple thanks to their short, moderately shedding coat, but their signature droopy ears require regular care. Because these long ears are prone to infections, routine cleaning with a vet-recommended ear cleaner is essential to keep their ear canals healthy.
Fun Fact: Their nose is so accurate, Bloodhound tracking evidence has even been used in court cases! Basically, your socks are never safe if you drop them — they’ll find them before you do.
2. Coonhound
The Coonhound is basically nature’s version of a search-and-rescue expert wrapped in silky, long, flowing ears. These American working dogs are famous for their long, velvet-like ears that practically drag on the ground — and that’s not just for style.
Their luxurious ear drapes help waft scents toward their super-sensitive noses, making them expert trackers out in the wild. When not following a scent trail, Coonhounds are laid-back and surprisingly chill companions.
But once they’re on a trail, good luck calling them back — their brain basically switches into “hunt mode,” and their recall skills suddenly vanish like your last slice of pizza.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Scent-driven detectives — noses always on duty.
✔️ Gentle and friendly — big hearts in big bodies.
✔️ Strong-willed — “selective hearing” is their specialty.
The American English Coonhound is moderately affectionate — while they may not be as cuddly as some breeds, they enjoy playing with their owners and usually get along well with children and other dogs.
They are also fairly accepting of strangers, though their naturally protective instincts can make them effective watchdogs. While they can handle moderate changes in their environment, they may struggle with significant or sudden changes.
Fun Fact: Coonhounds have a signature howl-like bark that can carry for miles — perfect for the woods, slightly less perfect for your apartment neighbors.
3. Beagle
Don’t let the Beagle’s cute face fool you — under those big brown eyes and floppy velvet ears lives a curious explorer with the nose of a professional sniffer.
Originally bred for hunting, Beagles are driven by their sense of smell and are always on the lookout for the next interesting scent (or snack crumb on the floor). Today, they’ve also become popular companion pets. They’re fairly low-maintenance, needing only routine grooming and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their soft ears help waft scents right into their nose, making them perfect scent hounds. And while their tracking instincts are strong, their goofy, friendly, and endlessly playful personalities make them an absolute favorite for families everywhere.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Happy-go-lucky — always smiling, always tail-wagging.
✔️ Incredibly social — loves people, other pets, and anyone who gives belly rubs.
✔️ Escape artists — fences must be Beagle-proof!
Thanks to their adaptability, Beagles can do well in apartments as long as they get multiple on-leash walks every day, rain or shine. They thrive on about an hour of daily exercise, and without enough physical activity and attention, they may develop destructive habits when left alone for too long.
Training is important for Beagles, and while their intelligence helps them pick up commands quickly, their independent nature, especially when they catch an interesting scent, can make them a bit stubborn during sessions.
Fun Fact: Their powerful sense of smell means Beagles often work in airports and customs, sniffing out forbidden items (and sometimes, accidentally, snacks).
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With their soulful eyes, constantly wagging tails, and soft, velvet ears that seem designed for maximum petting, Cavaliers are basically royalty wrapped in fur.
Originally bred to warm laps in royal courts, these little charmers still carry themselves like tiny monarchs — gracious, affectionate, and always ready for cuddles.
Cavaliers are small dogs, typically standing 12–13 inches tall and weighing between 13 and 18 pounds. Their gentle, friendly personalities make them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Currently, they rank as the 14th most popular breed.
Their long, silky ears frame their sweet faces perfectly, giving them an almost storybook appearance that melts hearts instantly. Whether lounging on your lap or prancing through the park, they do everything with elegance — and just a tiny bit of diva attitude.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Ultimate lap dogs — snuggles are their full-time job.
✔️ Gentle and affectionate — loves everyone (seriously, everyone).
✔️ Adaptable — happy in apartments or sprawling mansions.
However, their long earflaps can make them prone to ear infections. If an infection occurs, frequent scratching or head shaking may lead to ear hematomas — pockets of blood caused by ruptured blood vessels in the earflap. These hematomas can often be treated by addressing the infection or, in some cases, may require surgery to correct.
Fun Fact: The breed was named after King Charles II of England, who was rarely seen without at least one of these dogs by his side.
5. Cocker Spaniel
They are the classic heart-stealers of the dog world. Their velvet, waterfall-like ears are practically iconic — the kind you see in movies, commercials, and countless Instagram reels. Combine that with big, expressive eyes and a perpetually wagging tail, and you’ve got a dog that could charm the socks off anyone.
Originally bred as bird hunters, Cockers still have that joyful, energetic bounce whenever they’re outdoors. Cockers are now popular companion pets thanks to their friendly and affectionate nature. But don’t be fooled — after a fun day of sniffing, running, and fetching, they transform into expert snugglers ready for prime couch time.
The average Cocker stands 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall and weighs between 20 and 30 pounds, making them the smallest of the sporting spaniels. They’re known for their long, adorable floppy ears and come in 15 standard coat colors, including black, brown, black and white, red, and golden.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Playful and energetic — always up for a game of fetch.
✔️ Sensitive souls — they thrive on love and positive vibes.
✔️ Grooming divas — regular spa days are a must to keep their glorious coats tangle-free.
However, their signature long, floppy ears can be prone to infections. The shape of their ears tends to trap moisture in the ear canal, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Fun Fact: Cocker Spaniels were immortalized as the stars of Lady and the Tramp — spaghetti dinners never looked so romantic.
6. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel may not be the first breed that comes to mind, but once you meet one, you’ll never forget those droopy eyes and gloriously soft velvet ears.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), built like a fluffy little tank, Clumbers are the largest of the spaniels. They have big heads, broad chests, and short, sturdy legs that make their leisurely waddle totally irresistible.
These mellow sweethearts are low-key couch potatoes with occasional bursts of playfulness. They adore a good stroll, plenty of belly rubs, and some serious nap time. But don’t underestimate their nose—they were originally bred as hunting dogs and can still follow a scent like pros when the mood strikes.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Chill vibes only — basically the yoga instructors of the dog world.
✔️ Affectionate and gentle — loves to lounge close to their people.
✔️ Comically expressive — those droopy eyes say it all.
Their dense, flat coat needs to be combed two to three times per week to prevent matting, and regular baths are important to maintain a clean, well-groomed appearance.
Despite their large size, Clumber Spaniels are gentle and well-behaved, making them excellent family pets. With a keen sense of smell and strong retrieving instincts, they’ve even played a role in the development of several other spaniel breeds.
However, their love for the outdoors and hunting may make them less suited for city life. These intelligent dogs thrive on regular outdoor exercise and play to keep both their bodies and minds active.
Fun Fact: The Clumber Spaniel was a favorite of British royalty — King Edward VII was a big fan!
7. Basset Hound
If Sherlock Holmes were a dog, he’d be a Basset Hound. Known for their world-class noses (second only to the Bloodhound), Bassets use their extra-long velvety ears to help stir scent particles toward their noses as they track down everything from lost snacks to missing socks.
Originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares, they are short, sturdy dogs, standing no taller than 15 inches and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. Their name comes from the French word basset, meaning “low” or “short.”
With their short, stubby legs, big, soulful eyes, and eternally droopy expressions, Bassets are walking, sniffing memes. They may look lazy — and yes, they do love their naps — but give them a scent to follow, and suddenly you’ve got a four-legged sleuth on your hands.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Calm but curious — always ready to investigate… eventually.
✔️ Stubborn streak — selective hearing when it comes to commands.
✔️ Champion nappers — professional couch warmers.
Although they were once active hunters, Basset hounds are now known for their laid-back nature and are mostly kept as companion pets.
They are prone to certain health issues, including allergies and seborrhea, which can lead to ear infections and recurring skin problems. Due to their skin folds, they are also susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections.
Fun Fact: Bassets have over 220 million scent receptors, making their sense of smell nearly unrivaled.
8. Irish Setter
Originally bred for bird hunting, these noble redheads are known for being friendly, affectionate, and full of boundless energy. Famous for its silky, mahogany coat, the Irish Setter is often regarded as one of the most strikingly beautiful dog breeds. But this breed offers much more than just good looks.
The average Irish Setter stands 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 60 and 70 pounds, classifying it as a large breed. With its long, powerful legs, the Irish Setter is among the fastest and most agile members of the sporting group.
They form strong bonds with their families and absolutely thrive on interaction and exercise—expect at least an hour of play or run daily.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Affectionate charmers – Always ready with a tail wag and a warm snuggle.
✔️ Playful energy bombs – Perfect for active families who love frisbee or long walks.
✔️ Social butterflies – Great with people, dogs, and usually cats — but may chase small critters
As a member of the gundog or sporting group, the Irish Setter is full of energy and charm, making it a wonderful companion and one of the top choices for family pets, says WebMD.
Irish Setters are known for their friendly nature, so don’t count on them to serve as guard dogs — they’re far too welcoming and non-aggressive. These alert and intuitive dogs get along well with most people and other pets, but above all, they thrive on being part of the family.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer (or GSP for short) is basically the canine version of a professional triathlete, with the bonus of velvety ears that are made for snuggling after a long day of zooming, swimming, and chasing tennis balls like it’s a full-time job.
Physically, GSPs are built for action. They have lean, muscular bodies, short and sleek coats (usually spotted or ticked in liver and white), and those soft, floppy ears that just beg for head scratches. And let’s not forget their expressive eyes, which always seem to be saying, “Adventure? When do we leave?”
Originally bred as hunting dogs, GSPs are jacks-of-all-trades: they can point, retrieve, and track with laser precision. But even if you don’t hunt, they’ll happily turn your backyard into their personal obstacle course.
They thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity — and if you forget to provide it, don’t worry, they’ll invent their own… which may or may not involve your flowerbeds.
Personality & Demeanor
✔️ Boundless energy — like a coffee-fueled marathon runner with four legs.
✔️ Extremely affectionate — they’re convinced they’re lap dogs, despite their size.
✔️ Super smart — easy to train, but always thinking two steps ahead.
If you’re looking for a dog who can keep up with every hike, run, or game of fetch you can throw at them — and then crash on the couch like a floppy-eared dog — the German Shorthaired Pointer might just be your perfect partner in crime.
10. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd (or “Aussie” if you’re on a nickname basis) is a medium-sized marvel with a brain that never quits and ears that are soft enough to double as stress relief pillows.
While their name suggests otherwise, these medium-sized dogs are actually American-born and bred for herding livestock—and herding pretty much everything else, including children, other dogs, and occasionally shadows.
Physically, Aussies are stunning. Their lush, wavy coats come in show-stopping colors like merle and tri-color, often paired with piercing blue or mismatched eyes that seem to say, “Yes, I know I’m beautiful.” Their velvety, triangular ears are like the cherry on top of a very energetic sundae.
But don’t be fooled by the fluff. These dogs are turbo-charged workaholics. If they’re not kept busy with training, games, or tasks, they’ll create their own fun… and your furniture might not survive it.
Personality & Demeanor
✔️ Wicked smart — they learn tricks faster than most people learn Wi-Fi passwords.
✔️ Energetic and driven — the kind of dog that’s always got somewhere to be.
✔️ Loyal herder — you’re never alone, because your Aussie will be two inches from your heel at all times.
Aussies thrive with active families who love adventure, challenge, and probably don’t mind a little dirt tracked into the house. Give them a job, and you’ll have a happy, velvety-eared companion who’s equal parts genius and goofball.
Conclusion
Among the most popular dog breeds, many with velvet ears include the Afghan Hound, one of the most ancient dog breeds, as well as the Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, and American Cocker Spaniel. These floppy-eared dogs often make great family dogs and friendly dogs, perfect for the dog park. While some, like the Afghan Hound, were used for hunting birds or large game, and may have a high prey drive, most dogs with velvet ears are known for their intelligence and charm.
Unlike pointed ears, their dog’s ears require care to prevent ear infections. Whether they’re adult dogs or younger pups, these breeds love being part of the family. Their soft ears, charming personalities, and loving nature make them wonderful pets that bring joy both at home and during outings to the park.
