What are Some Dogs with Big Ears?

Looks like you’re looking for a dog that hears everything you say loud and clear so that you don’t have to repeat yourself. Beware though! When you ask for big ears that can hear everything, it includes the sound of you opening a bag of chips in another room. 

Whatever your reason, be ready to have a dog with its tongue out every time your favorite pack of chips opens because we’ve got a whole list of amazing dogs with big ears. (Spoiler alert! – your dog won’t be able to fly with their oversized ears like ‘Dumbo’ but will definitely make everyone around you go ‘aww’ just like ‘Yoda’ had them going)

Before we show you some dog breeds with big ears, here’s food for your curiosity: Why do some dogs have big ears?

The answer lies in evolution, particularly after we humans domesticated these canines. We bred and developed dogs as per our needs – some for hunting, some for retrieving, some for guarding and some for companionship. Their body parts also evolved according to the requirements. Siberian Husky, for example, has a thick double coat that can withstand extreme temperatures as low as -50^oC and the harshest of conditions. 

When it comes to ears, some dogs come with big and pointy ones because some people believed they would have better hearing abilities. Other breeders demanded long and floppy ones because they thought they would be better at tracking. Their ears, supposedly, caught the scents as they dragged them along the ground. Another reason for ears to be big could simply be aesthetics. We don’t know the exact reasons yet though. ⁽²⁾

Whatever the reason, the good thing is that today we have a bunch of these cute canines with big and floppy ears to choose from. 

What Dog Breed Has Big Ears?

Here are some dog breeds with big ears – ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

Bloodhound

Hounds form a big chunk of dog breeds with large ears. Bloodhounds being the original hound dogs, have long and droopy ears. These hounds proudly hold the record for the longest ears. The world's longest dog ears ever was a bloodhound named Tigger, who won the crown in 2004 with a right and left ear that measured 13.75 inches and 13.5 inches, ⁽³⁾

Basset Hound

These dogs are known specifically for their ears. One look at them and you’ll know why. With short legs, their ears can easily brush the ground and maybe even trip them while walking. 

Coonhound

Another hound dog breed, Coonhounds also flaunt their long and velvety ears. These ears can easily touch the tip of their nose. 

Beagle

A direct relative of the scent hounds, Beagles also flaunt big velvety ears. Their ears even help them in hunting as they are able to capture additional particles of a scent, which may otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Papillon

The word Papillon means ‘butterfly’ in French. And when you look at their ears, you’ll know why the name. These are tiny dogs that flaunt big and fluffy ears that stand out. 

Other dog breeds with large ears include – 

There are even more. We’ve covered them below. (just because some people have a more specific ask - small dogs with big ears) 

What are the Small Dogs with Big Ears? 

Small legs, small faces, small mouths and heads + big fluffy ears that add a whole lot of extra cuteness to the already adorable-looking dog breeds – if this is what you’re looking for, here are some great options for you. ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

Corgi

These small dogs don’t just come with big ears but a big and loud bark too. Ironical right? Loud barks should, in theory, need small ears to hear themselves. 

Cocker Spaniel

These adorable small breeds with big, dreamy eyes and long adorable ears have been ruling the hearts of Americans for years. They’ve been among the most popular breeds in the US for a good time. 

French Bulldog

Talking about popular dog breeds, French Bulldogs are currently the most popular dogs in the US. With a small, muscular body and big-bat ears, these calm and affectionate dogs have all the rights to top the list. 

Chihuahua

If you’re looking for small dogs, why not go with the smallest ones out there? Even they come with big ears. 

Other small dogs with big ears include – 

Do Dogs with Bigger Ears Hear Better? 

In general, dogs hear 4 times better than humans. Humans can hear up to 20,000 Hz, while dogs can hear up to 35,000 Hz. Dogs have ears placed on top of their heads. This means that the sounds coming from the front are more accurately audible to them. 

Dogs with big ears that stand up straight can hear things better than dogs with floppy ears. This is because of the large pinnas. Dogs have 18 muscles to control the pinna alone. The pinna is the muscle that helps direct sounds to the ears. So, dogs with large erect ears can swivel their ears around to triangulate where a sound is coming from and hear it better. ⁽⁴⁾

Dogs can even hear independently from each hear – a gift we humans do not have. They can also shut their inner ear off to filter out noises that are distracting and focus on what they want to hear (in-built noise cancellation mechanism. How cool is that!). 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Big ears are undoubtedly adorable and come with great hearing ability as well. But with great ability, comes great risk – Uncle Ben (maybe). Floppy ears are more prone to infections. Breeds like Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, Old English Sheepdog, Basset Hound, etc. stand at the risk of them. ⁽³⁾

Ear infections are also one of the most common illnesses in dogs. The signs include - ⁽³⁾

If you spot any of these symptoms, it is advised that you take your dog to the vet right away. Do not worry about the costs – we have you covered. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of all the vet costs and much more. 

With a Spot accident and illness plan, you can take your cat for treatment at any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Spot plans don’t have networks, so whether you’re home or traveling within the U.S, veterinary services your cat receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of eligible services can be covered. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, ranging from broken bones and bite wounds to behavioral conditions, and cancer. While base plans do not offer coverage for preventive care services, Spot’s Wellness Riders can be added to any base plan for an additional fee and can help cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more! 

Learn more about cat insurance or get a free quote.