Dogs are amazing. They come in different sizes, with different personalities, and various traits. Also, they appear with different physical characteristics.
Some of them have long puffy tails; others have multiple-color fur, while some have incredibly long ears.
Without a doubt, ears are one of the most defining characteristics of a dog. They are also a substantial body part of understanding the dog’s needs.
For example, if dogs ears are triangular and erect, it could mean that your dog is alert and ready for action. That’s at least the case with dogs with short and medium ears and straight ears.
In dogs with long ears, spotting triangular ears is not so easy. They are too floppy. Some dog breeds have long ears, and they serve specific functions. As you know, dogs and humans have a long history together.
Thanks to breeding we have so many dog breeds today.
Humans bred dogs for various purposes, for specific tasks. Thats why some dogs are great with cattle, others are amazing swimmers, while some can spend hours guarding the house.
Interestingly, based upon what function they carry out, each dog breed is separated explicitly into specific groups, such as working, hound, non-sporting, herding group, and so on.
When it comes to dogs with long ears, many of them are categorized as hound dogs, which are a group of dog breeds primarily used for hunting. Here is the list of the most popular dogs with long ears.
Beagle
Beagle is one of the most popular dogs in the States. Initially, they were bred to hunt, so they belong to the hound group.
Smaller dogs of this breed were used to track smaller animals, such as rabbits, while taller dogs were designed for hunting bigger animals, like deer.
Since this breed has the history as a pack hunters, this breed prefers the company of either other dogs or humans.
Since they have a strong drive to explore and ‘search for the prey’ they can easily be distracted with unusual smells. Therefore, while in a walk, always have the leash on your dog.
Bloodhound
Bloodhound is one of the oldest hunting breeds. They can find almost anything or anyone by merely knowing their scent.
Originally, Bloodhound spends his time with royals and aristocrats. Since they were spending time with the elite, a great effort was undertaken to keep the breed pure.
Bloodhounds can weight between 80 and 110 pounds, while they can grow up from 23 to 27 inches. Overall, Bloodhound is considered to be a large dog.
As a true pack dogs, Bloodhounds love to spend time with other dogs and children. Long walks are mandatory, next to the strong leash, because their nose tends to lead them to trouble.
They are also droolers, and obedience training is a must, because they know to be stubborn if not trained on time.
Basset Hound
Basset Hound is known for its extremely long ears. However, a minimal number of people actually understand that this fluffy looking dog is actually an exceptional hunter.
Originally, Basset Hound is from France, and the breed is an ideal walking companion, at least when it comes to following hunters on foot.
This breed has an exceptionally keen sense of smell and gentle dispositions that makes this breed an efficient hunting dog.
This breed loves being alone as much as loves being in a pack. This dog loves to be outside and be busy. Equally, the breed loves to rest hard as well.
In a nutshell Basset Hound is a work-hard-play-hard dog. They are also known for being vocal and occasionally stubborn, so they require firm and consistent training. Basset Hound is also a real foodie in the canine world, so obesity is a common problem in this breed.
Papillon
Papillon is one of the oldest breeds nowadays. This small-breed with dropping ears was known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels.
Aristocrats usually had this breed, and the race was trendy among French and Spanish noblewoman.
Surprisingly, this breed is relatively easy to groom, and they are easy to train. They are huge people-pleasers, and they are eager to learn. Moreover, they thrive on mental stimulation and work. They also have excellent tracking abilities.
If you have Papillon already, then you know that this breed hates being alone, so having another pet around, dog or a cat is desirable.
Black-and-Tan Coonhound
This breed is known for its incredible ability to track and tree raccoons. They are named Black-and-Tan Coonhound for its coloring. This dog can weigh between 65-110 pounds, so its a pretty large breed who loves hunting or working at night.
Overall, they are friendly, easygoing, and they love the company. This breed is also very social, and if you leave this dog alone often and for a long time, you can expect a lot of complaints from the neighbors.
When lonely this dog will bark a lot. They are no strangers anxiety if neglected emotionally.
Since they have such a strong hunting sence, they love being outdoors, so think about your lifestyle before you welcome this breed to your home.
English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog who is known for being energetic, responsive, and overall extremely merry.
Due to their spirit and energy level, this breed is one of the best-known dog breeds within a sporting group. If we must use one word to describe this breed that it would be the word – balance.
This dog breed is balanced and compact. English Cocker Spaniel is balanced in movement, body proportion, construction, and temperament. They are energetic, especially if they have something to work, like being in the field.
The lovely Cockers are descended from the original spaniels of Spain, and they were mostly used in retrieving games.
Most English Cocker Spaniels have a profuse coat that requires constant care, including regular brushing and grooming.
To keep English Cocker Spaniel coat clean, unmatted, and shiny, brushing two times per week is a must. You can expect occasional shedding with this breed.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The famous Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a fox-shaped face, straight hair, and erect, big ears. They are one of the most popular house dogs, and thanks to their energy and willingness to learn, they are often seen in dog sports, including obedience, herding, and conformation.
You may not expect this from a small dog, but this breed is actually a member of the herding group. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is athletic, intelligent, and extremely strong.
They may seem fluffy and cute, but they are not needy at all. Moreover, they are incredibly independent and outgoing. They are also sensitive and fearless.
With this breed, you will always be on the run, because they are highly energetic. They love spending time outside, being with other dogs, or merely paying inside the house.
This is no couch potato dog, so make sure that you provide enough toys and mental stimulation.
French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds nowadays. They are playful, compact, and great for city life. Moreover, they are real people-pleasers, and they and they are so entertaining.
They are highly friendly and adaptable, and great with children is raised right – both dogs and children. Their pointy ears are one of their most recognizable physical traits.
Their long and straight ears add to their clownish nature. They don’t need a lot of exercises, and they are known for having specific health issues. Overall, they are easy to maintain breed when it comes to physical activity and grooming.
Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest of the pointing breeds. This breed is known for following hunters for decades already.
Overall, this breed is adapted to all types of hunting, and surprisingly the breed is easy to train. In English, he is the Italian Pointing Dog.
They are calm and affectionate, and they need at least 30 minutes a day to remain happy and healthy. This famous hunting dog has a low tendency to bark but has an average to high social and attention needs.
Their dangling ears are always close to their face, and their coat is shiny and short.
This ancient breed from Italy is excellent for individuals and families. It’s just essential to train them on time and mind their ears.
Because their ears are so long, they can quickly get dirty, and many need to be wiped clean from time to time. This is a general rule for all dog breeds.
Now that you know the most common dog breeds with large ears, let’s see why some breeds have long ears, and some don’t.
Why Do Dogs Have Long Ears?
As you know, not all dogs have long ears. In fact, just a small percent is blessed with long or super-long ears. So, is there a specific body or physical trait that made these breeds have long ears? The truth is that all scent hounds have long ears.
If the breed was designed for hunting, the chances are that they have long ears. Hounds were bred to sniff and track a scent.
Still, how are long ears connected with tracking? Well, the truth is that long and floppy ears act as a mitten. Their role is to catch and scoop up scent particles and send them toward the nose.
Next to that, long ears also can hinder the dog’s hearing. As a result, these dogs have developed a heightened sense of smell.
Scientists also have a rather exciting opinion on dogs and their smell skills.
Since dogs have originated from wolves, the theory is that humans are actually responsible for long ears. How? Humans started breeding dogs for specific skills, traits, and temperament. Therefore, their interference led to a change in stem cells.
Scientists believe that change in canine development leads to genetic mutation as long floppy ears.
Since these floppy and long ears aren’t like in dog’s ancestors erect, they are considered to be a defect.
The Bottom Line
Without a doubt, there is something unique about dogs with long and floppy ears. They may seem floppy, goofy, and one thing is for sure – their long ears make them irresistible.
These long ears not only cute and different, but they also have a serious function – they are designed to dogs hear noises and discover new scenes both near and far.
Did you know that dog ears have more muscled than human ears? Still, dogs with big ears come in all sizes, colors, and shapes.
Whether you are interested in small, large, or a miniature dog with long ears, you will find it. Just make sure that you put extra attention to your dog’s ears since those floppy ears get reach dirt easily.
