There is just something incredibly warm about a dog with floppy ears. It’s almost as if they radiate kindness. It is a trait that makes them look exceptionally passive and friendly. While their body language may speak volumes about how friendly they are, in most cases, these dogs are very amiable and slow-paced. Many of these breeds are compatible with large families, frequent visitors, and adventurous outings.
We chose 10 out of many breeds that have delightfully floppy ears. If you’re a fan of long, droopy ears, you’ll want to check out these adorable picks.
The 10 Dog Breeds With Floppy Ears
1. Cocker Spaniel
The love for Cocker Spaniels likely began in many childhoods thanks to Disney’s movie The Lady and the Tramp. These adorable little dogs are mild and docile, happily adhering to the family lifestyle. There are two types of Cocker Spaniel: the American and English versions. Their long-crimped ears and flowing coats will make anyone go, “Aww…” at first glance.
Cockers are extremely friendly, both with strangers and children. They have very adaptive and mild personalities. Their gentleness is what’s made them a fan favorite to families with children and seniors alike. Housebreaking may be a task, but they are worth working with if you want to have a wonderful dog who will give you many years of joy.
2. Bloodhound
These big guys are notorious for their dangly jowls and floppy ears. As scent hounds, they have some of the most powerful noses in the dog world, making them excellent trackers. They are one of the friendliest breeds and get along with people of all ages.
Bloodhounds are pretty large dogs, and they adore the outdoors, so having them in a city apartment is probably not ideal. Even if you live in the country, beware. If you don’t have proper fencing, your Bloodhound can wander off if they pick up a scent and travel for miles.
3. Irish Setter
This beautiful dog with floppy ears was bred to perform as a bird dog. Irish Setters have an explosive talent for hunting and other outdoor activities. Their lively nature and extreme desire for escapades limit their housing opportunities. They do not fare well or adapt properly to a small house or apartment. Irish Setters prefer a large yard, or even a few acres, to keep them happy.
They are extremely lively and fun-loving. If you want a dog to go the distance, you couldn’t pick a better breed. They are fiercely intelligent with a desire to learn new things. You may find it difficult to train Irish Setters according to your liking because they are quite stubborn with a mind of their own. However, if you meet in the middle, they should comply.
4. Beagle
This instantly recognizable breed has a profound reputation for being docile. They have a very familiar howl, and they are incredibly affectionate and happy-go-lucky. They are playful, so they make excellent dogs for children. They are also ready to wind down at a moment’s notice, so you can cuddle with them while watching TV.
Because they have hunting dog instincts, if they have the opportunity, Beagles can wander off. If they see a smaller animal that sparks their interest or pick up a scent, they may not deny their curiosity. They aren’t the best guard dogs, either. Sure, they bark and howl, but they will likely greet an intruder with a wagging tail.
5. Basset Hound
Arguably, a Basset Hound is one of the cutest puppies with floppy ears. As adults, they are laid back and very gentle. They don’t require a lot of exercise and love to eat. While they make excellent snuggle buddies, Basset hounds can easily become overweight. Providing a well-balanced diet and daily exercise is vital for keeping them healthy.
If they don’t have frequent attention, they can exhibit bad habits such as digging or excessive barking. Initially, Basset Hounds were bred to be slow-paced so hunters could walk along with them. They would sniff out rabbits, showing them the way. Their tracking instincts are still strong, and their prey drive is high, but they aren’t aggressive dogs.
6. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a breathtaking sighthound and probably one you don’t see often. Their long fur requires intensive grooming, and if it’s neglected, their hair can tangle or mat, so they need to be bathed and brushed frequently.
Afghan Hounds are also fiercely independent, and they may be resistant to training. They especially don’t do well with harsh punishment, so if you become frustrated in the process, they are less likely to obey. They are hard-headed and can even be timid. They aren’t good with smaller animals due to their prey drive, and they don’t like listening to basic commands. However, they’re affectionate with their owners.
7. Sussex Spaniel
This handsome Spaniel may look much like their Cocker cousins, but they have their own unusual quirks. They are moderately friendly towards strangers, so if you have houseguests, they will likely greet them with no issues. This is especially true if they have been well-socialized. Because they are fun-loving and playful, they also love children, making them a perfect candidate for a first childhood dog.
Like many sensitive pups, they can get their feelings hurt quite quickly, so you have to consider this when reprimanding them. Sussex Spaniels care about what you think, and they will quickly show remorse if they have done something to displease you. You are better off rewarding good behavior than focusing too much on the bad.
8. Spinone Italiano
While Spinone puppies tend to be moderately rambunctious, adults are usually very laid-back. They look incredibly wise, intelligent, and slow-paced. They have long, coarse hair with a very dapper-looking beard. They began as a pointing breed and have come quite a long way from where they started.
Spinones may look a bit rough around the edges. They were used in the field and are impeccable hunting companions. Off the job, they are kind, passive dogs who love naps on the front porch or on the couch. Because of their bloodlines, they love the outdoors. So, while you may have no trouble coaxing them inside for a midday cuddle, they need plenty of time to explore their surroundings.
9. Dachshund
Dachshunds have a lot going for them. They have insanely cute floppy ears, extra-long bodies, and short little legs. They come in a variety of colors and coat patterns, and you can practically get any look you desire. They are highly entertaining pets as well, having outlandishly bold personalities. You will never have to wonder who the boss in the house is because they’ll clearly hold the title.
While they may be stubborn and a little too courageous, Dachshunds are also incredibly loving and devoted. They love to snuggle with their humans, but they also love to bark! They’ll be the first to let you know if something is going on. Training can be difficult because of their inflexibility, and they are pretty bright, so they’ll frequently try to outsmart you.
10. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Coonhounds are massive dogs, and they’re even bigger babies. They have an incredibly sweet disposition, making them gentle giants. They have an impeccable sense of smell, which is what makes them so fantastic on the hunt. They take their work very seriously, unrelenting when on the scent trail. However, Coonhounds are laid-back, even borderline lazy, when lounging around the house.
Because of their incredible sensory abilities, having an enclosure for Black and Tans is an absolute must. Unattended, it’s hard to tell where these floppy-eared dogs could wind up. It’s in their nature to seek out smaller animals, and they won’t rest until they’ve finished the job. They are otherwise excellent with strangers, children, and other pets.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that a dog with floppy ears is adorable and desirable. It makes them look even more cuddly and approachable. All the dogs on our list share an amiable nature, making them as friendly as they seem. If the rest of their personality traits fit your lifestyle, perhaps it’s time you consider making one of these sweet pups a member of the family.
- See Also: Dog Breeds With Pointy Ears
Featured Image Credit: Bill Anastasiou, Shutterstock
