10 Dog Breeds With Long Ears (With Pictures)
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Dog breeds come in a variety of characteristics that make each one unique, from facial structure down to eye color. Each breed has its own set of confirmation rules, which are great guidelines when you’re buying a purebred puppy. Some dogs require certain show cuts, while other dogs must be a certain height to be considered purebred.
Dogs with long ears also have rules to follow, usually pertaining to ear length. Long-eared dogs are popular around the world for a multitude of reasons. Let’s look as some of them below.
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The 10 Dog Breeds with Long Ears
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are a popular breed of dogs with long ears, and they’re also known for their droopy eyes and loose skin. These hounds have a strong sense of smell, making them suitable for search and rescue work. Though quite intelligent, they can be stubborn to train and somewhat lazy.
Basset Hounds are known for being calm and quiet dogs that enjoy the company of people, as long as they are treated respectfully. Basset Hounds are also notorious beggars, often found searching for crumbs or scraps even after they’ve just eaten.
2. American & English Cocker Spaniels
Although American and English Cocker Spaniels have some differences, both variants sport their trademark long, floppy ears. Cocker Spaniels are playful dogs that are easy to train and have enough energy to keep up with kids.
American and English Cocker Spaniels have a few differences, including overall size and skull shape. While they are different, both Cocker Spaniels have easy-going personalities. These dogs with long ears enjoy fetch and long walks in the woods.
3. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are large scent dogs mostly used for search and rescue work, with incredibly long ears and heavy-set bodies. They require lots of room to roam around to prevent boredom and weight gain. They also can weigh over 90 pounds.
Bloodhounds are patient and gentle, especially around children. While their booming barks and loud howling may sound intimidating, these long-eared dogs are usually friendly and mild-mannered. These dogs need consistent food-based training to avoid dominance issues.
Related Read:Â How Much Does a Bloodhound Cost?
4. Irish, Irish Red, Irish White, English & Gordon Setters
The Setter group of gundogs consists of four subgroups: Irish, Irish Red and White, English, and Gordon Setters, each with their own breed standards. Until 2009, Irish Red and White setters were not considered their own breed.
All four Setters have long, floppy ears, usually feathered with soft, wavy hair. These are active hunting dogs that require a lot of exercise to stay happy and easy-going. Setters are generally happy and sociable dogs.
5. Black and Tan Coonhound
With their elongated ears and long snouts, Black and Tan Coonhounds are the most popular of the Coonhound dog group. Their ability to pick up cold trails can rival the Bloodhound, but they’re used more for hunting than anything else.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are confident and outgoing, with an eagerness for playtime. These hounds have a loud bark and even louder howl, so they’re not suitable for apartment living. They’re also prone to weight gain if they aren’t exercised properly.
6. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are hunting dogs with soft coats and long, feathered ears. They have two separate lines for breeding—working and showing. Dogs from the working line tend to have more energy, while the showing lines require more grooming.
Through careful research and finding professional breeders, it can be possible to avoid aggressive Springer Spaniels. Unfortunately, backyard breeding can lead to aggressive dogs. Always look for a reputable breeder when buying a Springer Spaniel pup.
7. Beagle
Beagles are a popular breed of long-eared dogs that are highly driven to hunt by scent. Don’t be fooled by their long, droopy ears—these dogs will block out all sounds to follow an interesting trail. They are natural pack dogs that prefer to hunt in groups.
With proper exercise every day, Beagles can be excellent companions. They require time outside to sniff and romp around, but not as much as other hunting dogs.
8. Weimaraner
Weimaraner dogs are skilled hunting dogs with velvet grey-beige coats and long, floppy ears and were once bred by royalty for hunting big game.
Weimaraner dogs can be excellent family pets, but their daily need for intense exercise may be too much for some to handle. These dogs can be sociable and friendly, with early socialization and strong leadership.
9. Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are popular pet dogs that have long, upright ears and fluffy coats. These small herding dogs come in a variety of colors and markings, ranging from solid fawn to black and white patches. Both variants are similar in breed standards but are recognized as separate breeds.
One of the most desired breeds of dogs, Welsh Corgis are playful and outgoing. These little dogs will attempt to herd their families, so it’s important to deter nipping early. Corgis are also athletic and are often seen excelling in agility competitions.
10. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are aristocratic dogs with luscious coats and long ears, mostly recognized by their curl-tipped tails. These hounds are agile and fast, making them great athletes and even better escape artists. They require daily brushing to prevent their hair from matting.
Afghan Hounds may appear serious and indifferent towards people, but they’re friendly and almost silly with their owners. They have independent natures that can make training difficult for new dog owners and require confident training with positive reinforcement.
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Conclusion
There are tons of long-eared dog breeds to choose from, and all have their own adorable appearance that adds to their long-eared appeal. Most long-eared dogs were bred for scent work or hunting but still make wonderful companion animals too.
See also:
- 13 Common Types of Dog Ears – A Complete Guide
- Dog’s Ears Are Cold: 4 Reasons Why & What to Do About It
Featured Image Credit: raywoo, Shutterstock
