There’s so much to love about a dog – its loyalty, beauty, protective nature, floppy ears.
Wait, what? Floppy ears?
Oh yes, indeed!
Floppy eared dogs, large and small, are some of the most popular dogs in society at large.
There’s just something special about dogs with long, floppy ears.
Fortunately, floppy-eared pups are many and varied, giving you lots to choose from when you’re ready to add a new pup to your household.
So, what dog breeds have floppy ears?
Floppy Eared Dog Breeds
Quite a few of the floppy eared dog breeds on our list come from the hound family and are bred for hunting.
These include the beagle, blood hound, basset hound and others.
But they’re not the only ones.
For a peak at some of the most popular dog breeds with floppy ears, read on!
Beagle
Beagles are what’s known as scent hounds bred mainly for hunting.
Their amazing sense of smell enables them to track their prey for miles.
Beagles are also extremely vocal (the French name is actually translated as “loudmouth”).
They simply love to bark, which may not go over too well with neighbors who live close by.
Add to that a voracious appetite, an adventurous spirit and amicable personality and you’ve got one lovable, floppy-eared pup.
Beagles are very energetic, so be prepared to spend lots of time outdoors with your pup.
They like being around people and other dogs and will play for hours if you’re up to it.
Generally, beagles are cheerful pups that thrive on affection.
They may howl nonstop, however, or become destructive if left on their own.
Basset Hound
There’s no mistaking the endearing look of a basset hound – certainly one of the most famous dog breeds in the world.
Bassets possess an uncanny sense of smell surpassed only by that of the bloodhound.
They’re bred for hunting and excel in this field.
Their sturdy, low-built body, powerful legs and massive paws give them the strength and endurance they need for tracking and rooting out small burrowing animals.
As a pet, you couldn’t find a more laid-back, lovable creature.
Their floppy ears appear even longer when paired with their long, droopy face, sad-sack eyes and wrinkled brow.
Bassets are by nature low-key dogs although they have a stubborn streak which can at times tax your patience, particularly on the trail.
These dogs aren’t overly affectionate, but they’re smart, easy-going, good with children and loyal – what more could you ask for in a family pet?
Dachshund
The Dachshund, often called “sausage dog,” “wiener dog” or “hot dog”, is surprisingly, another type of hunter dog, originally bred for tracking small animals like rabbits, badgers and foxes.
These dogs may be small in size, but they’re quite tough, and have been known to chase their prey with ferocity.
Dachshunds come in a variety of colors, fur lengths and coat textures, giving you a wide selection to choose from.
They have a bold, outgoing personality and are full of energy, ready and willing to engage in challenging outdoor games.
Before adopting a Dachshund as a pet, make sure you’re capable of keeping up with your furry friend.
Dachshunds are loyal to family but have a distrust of strangers and may even be aggressive around other dogs.
They’re affectionate pups by nature and love attention.
At the end of a tiring day, you may find your floppy-eared Dachshund quite amenable to some cuddly lap time before heading off to bed.
Bloodhound
Don’t let that old, mournful, wrinkled face of a bloodhound fool you into thinking he’s on his last leg.
Bloodhounds are world-class trackers possessing a nose like no other in the dog world.
A trained bloodhound can follow a scent for over 100 miles and track a trail that’s over 10 days old.
That’s how powerful their sense of smell is.
The bloodhound’s tracking abilities make him an asset in helping with search and rescue missions.
His long, floppy ears only contribute to his tracking skills, not to mention enhance his personal charm and appeal.
On the flip side, your hound’s sleuth nose may pose a bit of a problem when out on walks, as your dog may want to sniff everything in sight before moving on.
Bloodhounds make good pets as they’re easy to get along with and are good with children and other dogs.
Be forewarned, however, that they like to “sing” and may start howling at the most inopportune times, especially if they haven’t had sufficient stimulation during the day.
Bloodhounds also don’t do well in small spaces, as this breed needs ample room to roam.
Afghan Hound
When it comes to dog breeds, the Afghan hound is truly unique.
Its long, luxurious fur coat, slender body and droopy, velvety ears give it a glamourous, picture-perfect appearance.
Referred to as the “King of Dogs,” this breed is often used in photo shoots for marketing purposes.
Despite their regal appearance, Afghans are still hunting dogs, although they hunt more by sight than by smell.
They also make good racing dogs, with running speeds up to 40 miles an hour.
Afghan hounds are intelligent yet sensitive creatures that need to be handled with care.
Their independent nature can make them a challenge to train.
Once this dog bonds with its owner, however, it’s extremely loyal.
You and your prestigious Afghan pet will be admired by family and friends alike.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniel owners simply adore this breed and it’s not hard to see why!
Cocker spaniels are beautiful, docile, mild-mannered pups that are easy to love.
Although this dog was originally bred as a bird hunter, they’ve adapted beautifully to family living and make excellent pets.
There are basically two types of cocker spaniels: the American cocker and the English cocker.
Both are agile, intelligent and playful with energy to spare.
Cockers have by nature a gentile disposition and a desire to please, which simplifies their training.
They have a big heart to match their doe eyes and long, floppy ears, which make them a hit with children.
Whether you’re looking for a companion dog or family pet, you can’t go wrong by bringing one of these beautiful creatures into your abode.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel gives you the best of both worlds in a family pet – the love and gentleness of a lap dog combined with the zeal and agility of a spaniel.
The Cavalier’s small size qualifies him as a toy breed, according to the American Kennel Club, but don’t be fooled by his puppy dog cuteness.
The Cavalier can be just as athletic as other sports breeds and greatly enjoys running, hiking and romping in the great outdoors.
Cavaliers are affectionate, playful, eager to please pups that are fun to have around.
They thrive around people and don’t like to be left on their own.
In fact, they may even suffer separation anxiety if left alone or are not getting the attention they need to feel safe and secure.
Golden Retriever
Now here’s a dog breed EVERYONE is familiar with and one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the U. S. today.
There’s no doubt that the golden retriever is a beautiful dog.
It’s also an extremely versatile dog that can be trained for multiple jobs ranging from military and police work to search and rescue, therapy dog, blind guide dog and more – in addition to being a loving family pet.
This breed is adaptable, highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a favorite among dog lovers everywhere.
Goldens are high-energy dogs with a gentle disposition.
They’re also natural swimmers.
The golden retriever is considered a large dog breed, weighing up to 75 pounds.
He’s a big eater, a constant shedder and requires lots of exercise to keep him healthy and happy.
Routine grooming is also a must, from his floppy ears to his fluffy tail, to keep this dog looking his best.
Setter
Setters come in diverse breeds, which include the Irish setter, English setter and Gordon setter, and they all possess floppy ears!
These dogs hail from England and Ireland and make excellent companions for people who love the great outdoors.
Setters are high-energy dogs that love to bound through woods and up and down grassy knolls exploring the unknown.
They make good guardian dogs, keeping watch for strangers or trespassers onto your property.
Setters can be easily distinguished by their gorgeous coats, lean bodies and semi-dignified floppy ears.
They’re lively, fun-loving, inquisitive dogs that need plenty of space to roam.
The right ambiance will fulfill their desire to explore, learn and grow.
Depending on their breed, they come in a multitude of colors.
Final Word
From the playful beagle to the sleuth-nosed bloodhound to the regal Afghan, floppy-eared dogs are here to stay.
Many dog lovers consider floppy ears one of the most attractive features of a dog.
If you’re one of them, you’ll have no trouble finding a floppy-eared pup to call your own.