These 10 Dog Breeds Have Ears So Long, They Almost Touch the Ground!
If you’re drawn to a certain dog breed because of a standout feature—big eyes, a wrinkled face, or oversized, droopy ears—you’re not alone. And when it comes to dogs with long ears, there’s more than just cuteness at play.
Floppy-eared dogs, especially scent hounds, actually rely on those long ears for tracking. Their ears sweep scent particles toward their nose, helping them stay focused on the trail—though at the cost of some hearing ability.
But those adorable ears come with upkeep. Long, floppy ears trap moisture, making infections more likely, and can hide dangerous debris like grass seeds. Regular cleaning is a must. And when it comes to mealtime, specially designed bowls help keep those ears clean and out of the food.
Now, let’s meet 10 long-eared dogs you won’t be able to resist.
1. Black and Tan Coonhound

A hunting breed admired for its prowess in raccoon hunting and scent tracking, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a cross between the Foxhound and Bloodhound.
Black and Tan Coonhounds were developed in the Southern United States during the late 18th century and received recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1945. One of the most striking physical features of this friendly, intelligent, and active breed is their oh-so-long, floppy ears.
Interestingly, a 3-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound from Oregon named Lou (pictured above) became a Guinness World Record holder in 2022 for having the most enormous ears among all Coonhounds. At the time, each of her ears measured a staggering 13.38 inches (34cm).
2. Bloodhound

Considered the dog breed with the most powerful nose and scent-tracking abilities, the Bloodhound is a fascinating scent-hound breed that has served humans for centuries. With their wrinkled faces, sagging jowls, and overly large, droopy ears, Bloodhounds are one of the most distinguishable breeds.
Fun fact: Back in 2010, a Bloodhound from Illinois named Tigger won the Guinness World Record title as the Bloodhound with the longest ears (13.5 inches for the left ear and 13.75 inches for the right ear).
3. Afghan Hound

Just as their name suggests, the Afghan Hound traces its roots to Afghanistan. These elegant-looking dogs were bred as hunting companions for their humans.
Afghan hounds are hands down a stunning breed to look at, thanks to their luscious, silky-flowing coats, slender faces, dignified necks, and long ears covered in hair. Having an Afghan Hound under your roof means having the added chore of constantly inspecting their droopy ears for anything unusual.
4. Basset Hound

Originating from France, the Basset Hound is a true hunter thanks to their attuned sense of smell. This lovely scent hound was kept to hunt small game and flush them out of their hiding, a role that they execute perfectly to date.
Basset hounds have an effortless way of getting our attention, and that’s through their long-slung bodies, droopy faces, short legs, and long, floppy ears.
In fact, in 2004, a Basset Hound from Germany broke the Guinness World Record for having the world’s longest dog ears (both measuring a total of 33.2 centimeters long). According to the news outlet at the time, this dog’s ears were so long and droopy that he’d often trip over them.
Want more real-life examples of Basset Hounds with the longest ears ever? Check out this video of pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka sharing his discovery of a Basset Hound with ears measuring a whooping 23 centimeters in total. If you’re a sucker for short dogs with long ears, this video will leave you in awe!
5. Cocker Spaniel

Another long-eared beauty is the ever-sweet Cocker Spaniel, which was, like most of the breeds on this list, originally kept for hunting.
This energetic, happy-go-lucky breed — which derived its name from its prowess in hunting woodcocks and other small game birds — has droopy ears covered in silky hair that extends below its neck. Besides these oversized ears being part of the Cocker Spaniel’s “pretty dog package,” they also aid in trapping scent odors for a successful hunt.
6. Bracco Italiano

Somewhat intimidating on the outside but gentle on the inside, the Bracco Italiano is one of the most ancient Italian breeds.
Bracco Italianos — also called Italian Pointers — were prized hunting dogs held in high regard by Italian royalty. This athletic breed turns heads with its pendulous ears, long enough get in a food or water bowl as the dog bends to eat.
7. Irish Setter

Loved for their outgoing personalities, clownish antics, and luxuriant mahogany red coats, Irish Setters originated from Ireland, where they were kept as working gundogs (before the invention of guns) to help hunters track and find small game.
This hunting dog — a lover of all things outdoor adventures — is a show stopper to their big, droopy ears covered in silky hair.
8. Beagle

Originally bred to hunt through scent tracking, the Beagle may be small, but what they lack in body size is compensated by their ears. This intelligent, high-energy breed steals hearts everywhere with its massive, dangling ears that overshadow its other physical features.
A few years ago, a Beagle owner went viral for revealing that she often held her dog’s ears as it ate to prevent them from getting inside the food bowl. So, if your preference for an ideal canine companion is a small dog with long ears, the Beagle may be the breed for you.
9. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, a hunting dog of German origin, stands out with its blue eyes, shimmering silver-gray short coat, athletic build, and large, floppy ears that hang down to their necks. This fearless breed makes amazing family dogs for active households where they’ll receive adequate physical and mental stimulation.
10. Gordon Setter

Another breed that tops the list of dogs with long ears and curly hair is the Gordon Setter. Originating from Scotland, where they were bred as hunting dogs for game birds, Gordon Setters are noble in both heritage and appearance.
This playful, energetic breed—the largest setter among the rest, that is the English, Irish, and White Setter—is admired for its long, low-hanging ears covered in silky, wavy hair that gives it a regal look.