There is something especially endearing about a dog with ears that hang, fold, or feather softly alongside the face. From the Basset Hound’s almost comically long ears to the silky ears of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these dogs turn a simple physical feature into part of their unmistakable charm.
“Floppy-eared” is a descriptive term rather than an official kennel-club category. This affectionate roundup includes scent hounds, spaniels, setters, retrievers, and companion breeds whose ears naturally drop instead of standing upright. Their personalities and care needs vary widely, so ear shape should be only one part of choosing a dog.
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14 floppy-eared dog breeds we love
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is the classic floppy-eared dog: low to the ground, long in body, soulful in expression, and equipped with extraordinarily long, low-set ears. When drawn forward, the ears can extend over the end of the nose, giving this scent hound its instantly recognizable silhouette.
Best known for: Powerful scenting ability, a distinctive low-slung build, and wonderfully mournful-looking ears.
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2. Beagle
Compact, cheerful, and sociable, the Beagle has low-set ears that reach nearly to the end of the nose when stretched forward. Beagles are energetic dogs with curious minds, strong noses, and a particular appreciation for food, so a charming face does not mean a quiet or effortless companion.
Best known for: Friendly energy, scent-driven adventures, and an expressive tricolor or bicolor face framed by soft ears.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound brings a dramatic, elegant look to the floppy-eared group. This large American scent hound has long, velvety ears that hang in graceful folds and may extend beyond the nose.
Best known for: A rich black-and-tan coat, a deep hound voice, and long ears with serious photographic appeal.
4. Bloodhound
With loose skin, a deeply expressive face, and soft, low-set ears, the Bloodhound is one of the most recognizable long-eared breeds. It is celebrated for its tracking work and exceptional scenting ability, although no tracking dog should be described as infallible.
Best known for: Its famous tracking heritage, dignified appearance, and folds of velvety skin and ear leather.
5. Dachshund
The Dachshund’s long body and short legs are its signature features, but its naturally hanging ears complete the look. Smooth-, wirehaired-, and longhaired Dachshunds all have drop ears, although the longhaired variety adds extra feathering around the ear.
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- Developed in Collaboration with Veterinary Dermatologists: Recommended for the routine cleansing of sensitive ears in dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens of any age.
- Ideal for Allergic & Active Pets: A powerful yet gentle ear cleaner for dogs and cats with allergies, frequent swimmers, and breeds with floppy ears that are prone to moisture buildup and microbial overgrowth.
- Soothing, Non Irritating Solution: Designed to be sting free with a neutral pH, this solution is well tolerated by sensitive skin and won't interfere with other ear treatments; Can be used 2–3 times per week.
- Cleans Ear Canal: Limits the bonding of microorganisms to the ear canal surface by removing debris and excess wax.
- Patented Anti-Odor Technology: Features a patented formula that doesn't just mask smells but eliminates them, leaving your pet’s ears smelling fresh and clean.
Best known for: A bold personality in a small package, three coat varieties, and a memorable sausage-shaped silhouette.
6. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a small, merry sporting breed with heavily feathered ears and a bright, expressive face. Those beautiful ears are part of the breed’s appeal, but they also deserve regular attention: long or drop ears can trap moisture, wax, and debris, increasing susceptibility to ear problems.
Best known for: Silky ear feathering, an affectionate expression, and an upbeat sporting-dog personality.
7. English Cocker Spaniel
Although it shares a name and general spaniel outline with the Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel is a distinct breed recognized separately in the United States. It has lush, close-lying ears, a compact athletic build, and the lively character of a dog developed for sporting work.
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8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has silky, feathered ears that frame its gentle, attentive expression. Cavaliers are popular companion dogs, but their soft appearance should not be mistaken for zero-maintenance care: regular grooming and weekly ear checks belong in the routine.
Best known for: A sweet expression, silky ears, and a people-oriented companion temperament. Middle-ear infections are among the health concerns associated with the breed, so persistent symptoms warrant veterinary advice.
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9. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel combines long, lush ears with a strong desire to participate in family life. This is an energetic bird dog—not simply a decorative floppy-eared companion—and it generally suits people who enjoy exercise, training, outdoor activities, and interactive play.
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Best known for: Athletic enthusiasm, kind eyes, and ears that bounce along on active adventures.
10. Clumber Spaniel
The substantial Clumber Spaniel offers a very different spaniel silhouette. Its broad, thick ear leather is set low on the skull, complementing a heavy build and a white coat commonly marked with lemon or orange.
Best known for: A mellow presence, sturdy body, low-set ears, and an unmistakably thoughtful expression.
11. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have classic pendant ears alongside a broad head, dense water-resistant coat, and enthusiastic retrieving instinct. Their ears are less exaggerated than a Basset Hound’s or Bloodhound’s, but they clearly hang naturally and contribute to the breed’s familiar, friendly look.
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Best known for: Retrieving, trainability, water-loving enthusiasm, and a dependable-looking floppy-eared face.
12. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever’s soft, feathered drop ears complement its flowing golden coat and warm expression. Goldens are friendly and strongly people-oriented, but they are also active sporting dogs that need exercise, training, and meaningful interaction rather than being treated as effortlessly calm house decorations.
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Best known for: A golden coat, retrieving heritage, and a sociable nature paired with beautifully feathered ears.
13. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant, sweet-tempered working dog with drop ears, a heavy coat, and a long association with water work and rescue. Its ears can disappear into the surrounding coat, but they still need regular observation for moisture, wax, odor, or irritation.
Best known for: Great size, a gentle reputation, water work, and a famously devoted expression.
14. Irish Setter
Graceful and high-spirited, the Irish Setter adds height and vivid color to this list. Its long red coat includes feathering on the ears, which hang naturally beside an elegant, athletic head.
Best known for: A brilliant red coat, energetic sporting character, and long, flowing ear feathering.
How to care for floppy or drop ears
Long or hanging ears do not automatically cause infections, and every dog—including dogs with upright ears—can develop an ear problem. However, drop ears may reduce airflow and hold in moisture, wax, or debris, particularly after swimming, bathing, rain, or muddy outdoor play.
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- Check regularly. Look for redness, swelling, unusual warmth, excessive wax, discharge, odor, head shaking, or repeated scratching. Weekly checks are a useful baseline for many long-eared breeds, but your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule.
- Keep ears dry. After water exposure, gently dry the visible outer ear and the ear flap with a clean, absorbent material. Do not force anything into the canal.
- Clean only when appropriate. If your veterinarian recommends routine cleaning, use a veterinarian-approved dog ear cleaner according to the product label and veterinary instructions. A cleaner is for maintenance when appropriate; it is not a substitute for diagnosing or treating an infection.
- Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal. They can push material farther inside or injure delicate structures. If wiping is advised, use absorbent gauze only around the areas you can see safely.
- Call the veterinarian for symptoms. Pain, strong odor, inflammation, discharge, persistent itching, or frequent head shaking should be assessed rather than managed indefinitely at home.
Feathered breeds may also need routine coat brushing around the ears to prevent tangles. A brush or comb can help with coat care, but grooming tools cannot prevent or cure an ear infection.
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Which floppy-eared dog might suit you?
The right choice depends on much more than an adorable pair of ears. A Beagle, Bloodhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, or Labrador Retriever may need substantial daily activity, training, and engagement. A Basset Hound has a different shape and pace, but it is still a scent hound with its own exercise and management needs. Giant breeds such as the Newfoundland require considerable space, food, grooming, and transportation planning.
Spaniels can be affectionate and highly responsive, but their feathered coats and ears add grooming responsibilities. Smaller companion breeds may fit different households, yet they still need training, preventive care, socialization, and regular veterinary attention.
Breed tendencies are useful starting points, not guarantees. Individual temperament is influenced by genetics, breeding, early socialization, health, training, and the dog’s own personality. Meet adult dogs where possible, ask about health screening and care needs, and consider adoption or responsible breed rescue alongside reputable breeders.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAnd for comparison: French Bulldogs do not belong on a floppy-eared list. Their trademark ears are erect “bat ears,” even though the breed is small, popular, and highly distinctive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floppy-eared dogs more likely to get ear infections?
Long or drop ears can trap moisture, wax, and debris and may increase susceptibility in some dogs, but floppy ears do not automatically cause infections. Dogs with any ear shape can develop ear problems. Regular checks and veterinary guidance are more useful than assuming every ear needs frequent cleaning.
How often should I clean my dog’s floppy ears?
There is no universal schedule. Many owners can check long ears weekly, while cleaning should be done only when appropriate and according to veterinary advice. Overcleaning or using the wrong product can irritate the ear. Ask your veterinarian what routine fits your dog.
Can I use cotton swabs to clean a dog’s ears?
Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal. If your veterinarian recommends cleaning, use the prescribed or approved cleaner and gently wipe accessible areas with absorbent gauze. Pain, odor, discharge, redness, itching, or head shaking calls for a veterinary examination.
The Bottom Line
From scent hounds and sporting dogs to gentle companions and giant working breeds, floppy-eared dogs come in remarkably different sizes, energy levels, and temperaments. Choose the whole dog—not just the ears—and be prepared for the exercise, training, grooming, and ear-care routine that individual breed and health needs require.
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