Dogs melt our heart in many ways, from their expressions to their wagging tails to their beautiful coats. But what about their ears? Ears on dogs come in many shapes and sizes – who has the longest ones? If you’re looking for breeds with the longest ears, these dogs will easily win you over.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an elegant breed, and its ears are no different. You might mistake them for a flowing mane of hair, but in fact, they’re in there! According to the Afghan Hound breed standard, these dogs’ ears should be covered in long, silky hair, reaching just about the end of the dog’s nose in length.
Basset Hound
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds have a very distinct look – and this includes their long, velvety ears. The Basset Hound breed standard states that the ears should be low-set, far on the back of their heads, and long enough to fold well over the end of their nose when drawn forward. The ends should curl inward slightly, and they shouldn’t be high-set or flat.
Black and Tan Hound
Another velvety-eared dog is the Black and Tan Coonhound. Their ears are as majestic as they are, and the Black and Tan Coonhound breed standard states that they hang in graceful folds, set at eye level or lower. Their ears should be long enough to extend well beyond the tips of their noses.
In 2021, “Lou” the Black and Tan Coonhound set the Guinness World Record for longest ears on a dog. Her ears measured 34 cm (13.38 in) each!
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are known for their lovable wrinkles, and their big, drooping ears are no exception. The Bloodhound breed standard states that their ears should be soft, low-set, and fall in graceful folds with the lower parts curling in and backwards.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has long, lush ears, that are well-feathered. The Cocker Spaniel breed standard describes their ears as lobular, long, and of fine leather. Even from afar, you can tell they’re soft to the touch!
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel, like its cousin, has lovely long ears. This breed also has lush, close-lying ears. The English Cocker Spaniel breed standard also notes that the ears should be leather-fine, extending to the nose. Their ears should be well-covered with long, silky straight or slightly wavy hair.
Despite their similarities, the ECS is groomed differently than its Cocker Spaniel cousin. The ECS has less coat than the Cocker Spaniel, whose coat length is more pronounced at the legs and sides. The ECS is also taller than they are long, where the Cocker Spaniel is longer than they are tall.
English Setter
The setters are also known for their long, beautiful ears. The English Setter’s ears are set low and back, covered in silky hair. The English Setter breed standard states that ears should be of moderate length and thin leather, slightly rounded at the ends.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter has a stunning back coat that glistens from their tail to their ears. The Gordon Setter breed standard notes that ears should be fairly large and thin, well-folded and carried close to the head.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter’s ears are as eye-catching as their red coat. Like their setter cousins, their ears should be set back and low, and the Irish Setter’s breed standard writes that their ears should be leather-thin, handing in neat folds close to the head and long enough to nearly reach their noses.
Some other breeds with long ears exist as well, but “long” is sometimes up for debate, depending on the hair on the ear, the actual length of the skin, and the anatomy of the ears.