The 10 Dogs With The Biggest Ears (So Cute!)

Written by Sadie Dunlap
Updated: November 23, 2022
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Big ears dogs are some of the most extraordinary canines on the planet. While their large ears can help them hear better, you might be surprised to learn they can even help some breeds smell better! 

Let’s jump right into our top ten dogs with the biggest ears and learn about what makes them so special! 

#1: Beagle

big ears dogs beagle

Beagles

use their long ears to kick up scents from the ground.

©iStock.com/Thanawath Seangsuriyapone

There’s no doubt that a beagle’s ears are its most easily recognizable feature. But did you know the scientific name for these drops ears or pendant ears? It’s true! Beagles’ ears are thin and floppy, too, since they are made of a semi-soft tissue called cartilage. 

A beagle’s ears are used for more than just hearing. This dog breed was bred for hunting, which means they use their sense of smell often. The size of their ears comes in handy because they can also be used to trap scents around the animal’s nose. This ensures that they are able to catch their prey easier since the chances of losing the scent are diminished.

Their ears are also used to kick up particles on the ground they hunt on. Beagles do this by crouching close to the ground. Then, they drag their ears along the ground, which helps to stir up scent particles. This is useful for tracking down prey that would be otherwise quite difficult to locate.

#2: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

pembroke welsh corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis

make amazing pets.

©iStock.com/Ирина Мещерякова

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well-known for many of its features. For example, they have long, meaty bodies, a sturdy build, a nubby tail, and large, upright ears. While some dogs perk their ears up at signs of excitement, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has permanently erect ears that give them their signature “look”. 

Even though adult Pembroke Welsh Corgis have permanently perked-up ears, they aren’t always that way. In fact, as babies, they have floppy, relaxed ears. It typically takes around a year for their ears to perk up completely. It is also at this age that the ears are done growing. 

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the big ears dogs that make the best pets. They are well-loved for their loyalty and good temperaments with families. They are high-energy dogs that love a job to do and are extremely intelligent, which makes them ideal for owners who wish to teach tricks. 

#3: Cocker Spaniel

big ears dogs cocker spaniel

The main character in Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” was a

Cocker Spaniel

!

©iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography

There’s no doubt that the Cocker Spaniel’s ears are one of the most adorable traits about them. They were bred to be gun and hunting dogs, but they also make amazing pets. Among all the big ears dogs, it is the Cocker Spaniel that has the most varied litter. 

From the late 1930s to the 1950s, the Cocker Spaniel was among the most popular breeds of dogs. Because of this, it’s no wonder that Disney chose the breed to star in their motion picture Lady and the Tramp. Today, the breed still remains in the top 15 most popular pets, according to the AKC.

Even though these dogs are undoubtedly cute, they have many other interesting traits about them. For example, they have timid, shy personalities. Additionally, their large ears are prone to infection. Veterinarians suggest checking their ears once biweekly to ensure their health.

#4:Dachshund

dachshund big ears dogs

Dachsunds come in two different sizes and three fur types.

©iStock.com/grase

The Dachshund is among the most versatile big ears dogs in the animal kingdom. They come in two different sizes (standard-size and miniature) and three coat colors (smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired). Perhaps their most well-known trait is their energetic personality and eagerness to please. 

Dachshunds are truly famous among purebred animals. They are easy to identify with their elongated bodies, tiny legs, and of course, large ears. Although they were bred as hunting dogs, they also make great show dogs and even pets. They are incredibly smart and can be trained in a variety of show activities. 

According to the American Kennel Club, Dachshunds are extremely vocal. They have deep, loud barks that are often attributed to much larger dogs. Consequently, Dachshunds make great guard dogs. They are eager to please with an average energy level, making them amazing pets.

#5: Bloodhound

bloodhound dog

Bloodhounds

have the best sniffers of all the canines in the world.

©iStock.com/sansara

Bloodhounds are world-famous for their amazing skills in finding lost people and things. They have an extraordinarily amazing sense of smell and strong legs that allow them to follow a scent for miles. They are also extremely eager to please, so they won’t back down from a challenge. 

Some of the Bloodhound’s most defining features are its wrinkly face and large, droopy ears. Like the Beagle, they will use their large ears to kick up scents on the ground. Although they have easy-going personalities, when they catch a scent, they can become quite difficult to control. Consequently, trainers say that Bloodhounds can be difficult to obedience train.

Did you know that Bloodhounds can catch a scent up to 130 miles away? What about that they can catch the scent up to 300 hours after the person enters an area? It’s true! It’s no wonder these amazing canines are often used to track down lost or hiding people. 

#6: Papillon

papillon big ears dogs

Papillons

are tiny animals with huge ears!

©iStock.com/Andybir

When it comes to tiny big ears dogs, Papillons top our list. These fluffy, high-energy animals are at the top of our list. These tiny canines are considered a toy breed and are extremely high-energy animals. As adults, they measure a tiny 8 to 11 inches from shoulder to shoulder. 

The word “Papillon” is French for “butterfly”. The animal’s pointy, wing-shaped ears are responsible for this name. Most people associate papillons with erect ears, but not all of the breed’s members have perky ears. Some have Phalene type ears that droop. 

Because of their tendency to be eager to please, they are easily trainable.  Their high energy and speed levels make them perfect contenders for competitions. Owners who don’t wish to compete can still count on teaching this tiny canine all sorts of tricks since they are so intelligent! 

#7: French Bulldog

french bulldog ears

French Bulldogs

are also called Frenchies.

©iStock.com/goo.gl/73nyq6

With their bat-like ears and easy-going disposition, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular big ears dogs to keep as pets in the world. They are small dogs, standing at just a foot tall and weighing anywhere from 16-28 pounds, which makes them ideal for city living.

Even French Bulldogs aren’t known for constant barking, they are very alert. Consequently, they are a popular choice for people looking for watchdogs. Unlike other big ears dogs, they were not bred for hunting. Instead, they were bred to make great human companions, so it’s no wonder they’re truly man’s best friend! 

According to the American Kennel Club, Frenchies are incredibly social animals who love to spend time with their humans. They are hailed as being affectionate with their families and do well around small children and other dogs. 

#8: Boston Terrier

boston terrier big ears dogs

Boston Terriers

are nicknamed “The American Gentleman” for their good manners.

©iStock.com/Carmelka

Boston Terriers are big ears dogs that love being a part of the family. They are highly trainable and easy to get along with, so it comes as no surprise that they’re well-loved in the pet community. Their small stature and maximum healthy weight of around 25 pounds make them the perfect pint-sized best friend.

The Boston Terrier’s easy-going personality and extraordinarily good manners earned it the nickname “The American Gentleman.” They are distinguished by their black and white coat, which resembles a tuxedo, which is another characteristic that their nickname hails to. 

Anyone looking for an energetic companion would do well to choose a Boston Terrier. They are playful, quirky animals who love to take walks and play games with their owners. They are also extremely intelligent, which makes it easy to train them to do many tricks! 

#9: German Shepherd

German Shepherd GSD

German Shepherds

are some of the best watchdogs on the earth.

©iStock.com/VictorRicoFoto

When it comes to intelligence and character, German Shepherds are the big ears dogs that fit the bill. They are muscular, energetic, and easy to please. One of the things that makes them the most famous is their fiercely protective nature over their families, which explains why they are among the most popular guard dogs! 

GSDs are large dogs, standing anywhere from 22-26 inches tall. Males can weigh up to 90 pounds. However, their size doesn’t make them lazy. Much of their mass is attributed to their muscles; they are among the strongest dogs in the canine kingdom. 

As their name suggests, German Shepherds were bred to be herding animals. Consequently, they are extremely vocal and use their voices often. They are also notorious for chewing and mouthing things around them, so it’s vital to train puppies to break them of this behavior. 

#10: Basset Hound

basset hound

Basset Hounds

noses are second only to Bloodhounds.

©iStock.com/artisteer

Basset Hounds are big ears dogs that are known for their loyalty, calm demeanors, and patience. Originally bred to be hunting dogs for small animals like rabbits, Basset Hounds love to stay busy. They are high-energy animals that love to run and play. 

Basset Hounds are small in stature, standing at just 14 inches high as adults. However, they are heavy, with most of their weight being muscle. They have large paws and huge, velvety ears that are part of their iconic look. They also have an incredibly good sense of smell, which is second only to the Bloodhound. 

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/goo.gl/73nyq6

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