Meet the Adorable Dog Breeds with the Longest Ears

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and that’s what makes them so great. They are adorable in almost every respect, from the moistness of their snout to the tip of their tails. Even their ears are adorable and also often quite large. Many people don’t immediately think about how large and long the ears on many dogs really are, but it’s quite spectacular. If that’s an attribute that you look for in a pup, then you’re in luck. We have listed the dog breeds with the largest ears, along with other interesting facts that you may want to know before you adopt your next furry friend. The entries on this list are in order from the shortest to the very longest of the large ears. Keep in mind that every dog can be a bit different, so these are just averages. Enjoy!

8. Afghan Hound

The dog with the smallest of the largest ears on this list is the Afghan hound. Although they are smaller than the other breeds mentioned here, they are still quite long. The leather of the Afghan hound’s ears can reach nearly the end of the dog’s ears. Typically, this means the ears are approximately 5-6 inches long.

The Afghan hound is an astounding breed with many other remarkable features. They are lovely dogs with a long, silky coat, a strong build, and a pleasant temperament. Though they are lovely, you’ll need plenty of time for grooming. The longer the coat gets, the more brushing will be required, which sometimes amounts to hours each week. The breed is also very energetic, so if you love a dog that you can run and play with at the park, this is the pup for you. However, the breed can be a bit challenging to train, so keep your expectations in check and seek help if necessary.

7. Beagle

Next on our list of canines with the largest ears is the beagle. On average, a beagle’s ears will measure around 6-7 inches. Like the Afghan, the beagle’s ears are also long enough to reach near its nose. The ears are set moderately low, and they’re fine in texture, making them one of the standout characteristics of the breed. 

Beagles are lovely dogs that are shorter in stature, barely reaching 13 inches tall from the ground to their shoulders. The breed comes in a variety of colors, from black, red, and white to tan to a bluish color. Their ears are only one reason the beagles are so adorable. They also have big hazel or brown eyes and that distinctive broad head. The beagle’s coat gets heavier in the winter to protect it from the elements. Even with longer hair, the breed is relatively easy to groom. Beagles love exercise and require at least an hour of daily exercise, making them ideal for active owners.

6. Irish Setter

Though the ear length may differ slightly per dog, the Irish Setter also has long ears that reach near the end of their nose. From where they are attached, the ears of this breed are typically about 7 inches long. Compared to other dogs on this list, the setter’s ears are moderate in size, but still large. The ears may appear larger because they are typically set a bit below eye level, so they look to hang lower. Overall, with their cute ears, soft expressions, and almond-shaped eyes, they’re as cute as a button.

There’s a lot more to love about the Irish Setter as well, such as their fun but even temperament. This breed is a sporting dog, so they love to run around and have fun, so you’ll love throwing the ball and going to the park with your furry friend. Irish Setter dogs are also eager to please and easy to train. Early socialization and puppy training classes are key. After that, you’ll have a well-behaved dog. The other standout attribute of the Irish Setter is its stunning red coat; however, note that it requires regular grooming and brushing at least twice a week.

5. American Cocker Spaniel

One of the defining features of the American cocker spaniel is the large ears that hang delightfully from the side of their head. At an average of 7-8 inches, this breed undoubtedly has some of the largest ears of all the dog breeds, especially when you consider that most spaniel breeds don’t reach over 16 inches tall when measured up to their shoulders.

American spaniels are amongst the most beloved dogs, and they come in a variety of gorgeous colors, from golden to brown and tan to black and silver. In addition to being adorable, American spaniels are also fun to engage with in the yard. They like running after a ball or accompanying their owners on a walk, but they don’t require extensive exercise. The breed is also fairly easy to train because spaniels are people-pleasers at heart. Grooming is also pretty easy, making them one of the easier dogs to care for.

4. English Springer Spaniel

The English springer spaniel also has some of the largest ears, with ears that are typically about 8 inches in length, which is typically long enough to cover the tip of the nose. The ears may appear longer because the top of the ear is set at their eye level. This spaniel is relatively small, at around 20 inches tall at the shoulders. However, they are a strong breed with solid muscle and bone structures.

The English springer spaniel is perfect for just about any family or age group because the breed is very friendly, affectionate, and eager to please. Training is also relatively easy due to the spaniel’s intelligence. Provide gentle guidance during training, and you can teach the spaniel many new tricks. This spaniel loves to run and exercise, but it doesn’t need a lot of space to do so, making it a great addition to apartments and small homes.

3. English Cocker Spaniel

Another delightful spaniel breed is the English cocker spaniel, which has a similar face with ears that are typically about 8-9 inches long on average. This gorgeous breed comes in a variety of lovely colors, from red and golden to black and white. No matter which one you have, their silky coat and beautiful faces, complete with those long ears, make them great pets that you can adore for hours. 

The English springer spaniel is a smaller dog, typically no taller than 15-17 inches at the shoulder. This spaniel is a very even-tempered breed that is easy to train and work with at home. Most work will be devoted to grooming, as the breed has a fairly profuse coat. This breed also enjoys exercise, whether it be running around the yard or accompanying you during a hike. Like most spaniels, the breed is friendly and a joy to have around the house. 

2. Basset Hound

One of the defining attributes of the adorable basset hound is its long ears. This breed’s ears will reach their maximum length when they’re only two years old. At that point, most ears are between 7 and 12 inches. Because of the long length of their ears, you may need to take special care of your basset hound by cleaning them at least once per week. When bathing your hound, watch to prevent water from splashing directly into their ears. Avoid using Q-tips, cotton swabs, or similar objects in the ears. If you have a question, contact your veterinarian.

Of course, the ear length is only one of many fetching attributes that the basset hound has to offer. This breed comes in a variety of colors, from brown, black & white to lemon and mahogany. The breed is quite short. Rarely reaching over 14 inches tall at the shoulder. However, it’s a charming breed that can be a bit stubborn at times. However, that can be worked out with training and advice from a vet. The hound’s hair is short, but it still requires regular grooming, along with occasional baths, to keep its coat shiny. This breed loves to exercise, so bring your dog to the park for the movement it requires to prevent it from becoming overweight.

1. Bloodhound

The breed that arguably has the largest ears is the amazing bloodhound. Though not the case with every dog of this breed, the ears can often reach between 12 and 13 inches long. In fact, one bloodhound by the name of Tigger holds the Guinness World Record for the dog with the longest ears. One of his ears was 27.20 in length. The other was 13.75 in. They were so long that they often dragged on the ground during walks outside. When that happens, the dog can often move the dirt and stir up scents that other dogs never notice. Naturally, that makes them great for hunting. Not every bloodhound’s ears will be quite this long, but they’ll still be longer than most.

The bloodhound is a fantastic breed for many other reasons as well. This breed is incredibly affectionate, making it an ideal choice for families with young children. It’s a larger breed that often weighs close to 110 pounds and stands approximately 27 inches high at the shoulders. Along with their ears, their face are also quite recognizable due to the wrinkles, deep-set eyes, and loose skin. Training is essential at a young age, and obedience classes are key, but once they learn, they are an amazing breed.