Ever wonder why long-eared dogs, such as Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds, have those ears that are so long and floppy? Their distinctive droopy ears aren’t just part of what makes them so cute: According to AKC, they also help sweep scents of prey toward their very sensitive noses, making them great hunters.
This remarkable trait has made breeds like the Bloodhound legendary in search and rescue and beloved at our feet at home. Whether you’re smitten by their velvet ears, excellent nose, or both, you’ll learn what makes these enchanting dogs capture the hearts of successful people everywhere.
But there’s more to these lovable pups than just their extraordinary noses and floppy-eared charm. This blog will explore everything from their quirky personalities to the special care they need. Owning a long-eared dog is a unique adventure.
Dog Breeds With Long Ears
Here are the top seven breeds with long ears:
1. Basset Hound
Only a few dog breeds have such a remarkable and lovable appearance as the Basset Hound. With its soulful eyes, droopy chief, and long ears, this breed has a devoted following worldwide. The Basset Hound originally came from France and was developed in the Middle Ages.
Their name is derived from the French word “bas,” which means “low,” referring to their short-legged appearance. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they were good at sniffing so they could locate small game such as rabbits and hares.
They have a fantastic range on a scent trail, and their noses are directed at the ground. Because they are so long, Basset Hound ears are susceptible to dirt, grime, and debris buildup and may become infected. They must be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup and keep their ears healthy.
2. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is among the most recognizable dog breeds because of its long ears and tracking abilities. Those long, floppy ears, heavily wrinkled skin, and that prominent dewlap are more than just for show. Their soft, velvet-like ears act like a scoop to channel smells into their well-developed nose, and they are considered one of the world’s best tracking dogs.
Their scent tracking prowess is so reliable that their evidence is admissible in court cases. Bloodhounds were originally bred in medieval France and Belgium and were classified as hounds, which were hunting dogs aimed at tracking deer and wild boar.
Eventually, their job became the contemporary scent-tracking used in search and rescue. These big dogs are hailed for their powerful sense of smell and commitment to tracking a scent for miles and days.
Their droopy ears also help capture scent from the ground, and their wrinkled coat further enhances their legendary scenting abilities. According to PetMD, nothing can compare to this breed’s tracking instinct.
3. Coonhound
Originating in the U.S., they were bred to hunt deer, raccoons, and boar and relied on their strong sense of smell and hunting skills to keep them on the trail of game in forests and over rough terrain. Other than the fact that the hounds are so outstanding at trailing scents.
There are their record-setting ears. Lou, the black-and-tan coonhound, hit the headlines when she broke the record for the longest ears on a dog, measuring 12.38 inches and 13.5 inches for the left and right ears, respectively.
These trademark velvety ears aren’t alluring to the eye but also help direct scent molecules into their nose, the second-best sniffer of all breeds, just behind the Bloodhound.
Although Coonhounds are elite hunters, they can also be extremely affectionate and enjoy much family time, making them great pets for active homes. They do best when they have room to wander and plenty of mental activity.
4. Beagle
One of the most popular dog breeds, the Beagle, is easily recognisable with its long, floppy ears, short legs, and expressive eyes. Their long ears are critical in scent work, allowing the dog to focus scents straight up to its nose. That makes them great scent hounds—in fact, they’ve got such great noses that people regularly use them to sniff for contraband at airports.
They’re social butterfly types and enjoy the company of dogs and humans, particularly at the dog park or on long walks. According to research, their ears require routine cleaning to avoid dirt and moisture buildup. With the proper care, your Beagle will be a happy-go-lucky, loyal, and inquisitive companion, always following his nose to adventure.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has always been a top dog for a dog with long ears and royal roots. This breed is cherished for its mild temperament, majestic beauty, and trademark long, well-feathered ears, which lend it a sweet face.
These dogs were loved by nobility throughout the Middle Ages and still maintain the air of canine royalty. Classy as their reputation, Cavaliers are an easygoing breed. They’re loving, playful, and in tune with their owners’ emotions.
Their upright ears enable them to collect and direct sound into their ear canal, straight to their very sensitive inner ear, contributing to their vigilant awareness of the world despite their charm and laid-back personality.
6. Cocker Spaniel
If there is a dog that has mastered the look of floppy ears with flair, it is the Cocker Spaniel. These are no mere long-eared dogs; they might have their zip code in those ears. Those luscious, velvety ears aren’t for aesthetics only; they’re nature’s built-in scent catchers, channelling every wonderful aroma from the ground in there.
This means Cockers are natural explorers, with a nose for sniffing out anything. Their noses are a legacy of their roots as scent hounds, first and foremost, developed to hunt deer and other game.
Cocker Spaniel is the world’s biggest-hearted hound, renowned for turning themselves from a serious scent detective to a bumbling family clown in seconds. They are insanely lovable, intensely loyal, and have a fun-loving spirit that brightens up any dog park.
7. Field Spaniel
A hidden treasure among dogs with long ears, the Field Spaniel has a shiny, slightly wavy coat and long, pendulous ears that are noticeably hound-like and frame the noble head. Developed in the Middle Ages as a general-purpose hunting dog, the Field Spaniel possesses a combination of endurance, superior intellect, and appealing nature.
Their silken ears, glistening with fine hair, are usually the first thing you see, like velvet drapes around a noble countenance eager to discover the world. PetMD notes that the Field Spaniel is affectionate to people and has a great sense of smell, so they are a fantastic option for active families that enjoy the great outdoors.
Conclusion
Whether you long for the graceful sweep of the Bloodhound breed’s silky ears or the drooping, soulful expression of the Basset Hound breed’s extra-long floppy ears, long-eared dogs offer a special mix of practical benefits and aesthetic appeal to the dog world.
They weren’t named for nothing: these ears are not only attractive, they are the trademark of breeds with a high prey drive, excellent scenting ability, and charming personalities that have made them the darlings of households worldwide.
So, if you require some serious charm, personality, and heart, a long-eared companion may be precisely what you’re looking for.
