We Can't Get Enough of These 14 Dogs With Floppy Ears

There ’s something especially sweet and puppy - like about wiener with floppy ears . And it ’s impossible to get " Do Your Ears Hang Low ? " out of our head when we see a basset hound ’s tenacious ears waving in the zephyr .

Have you ever wondered why some dogs have pointy ears and others floppy ? Or , if there ’s any purpose for recollective , droopy auricle at all ? An expert gave us some insight — and we ’re all ears .

Why Do Dogs Have Floppy Ears?

" Dogs with floppy ears are due to the domestication of domestic dog long ago , " says Amber Karwacki , DVM atHeart + Pawin Philadelphia . The theory behind this , she says , is that domestication caused the adrenal glands to produce less adrenaline . As a result , the adrenal glands produced few stem cells , also eff as nervous crown cells .

" These cells are responsible for different traits in a frank , including ears , " Karwacki say . " Dogs with more of these cells will have upright ears , while firedog with less of these prison cell will have floppy spike . "

She explains that when these blackguard get down to have floppy ears , some breeder were n’t too concerned because they were engender for other characteristics . On the other mitt , Karwacki sound out , some dogs have floppy ears because the dogs were spawn intentionally .

three Basset Hounds running in a park

Photo: dageldog / Getty

Ever notice how a mickle ofhound dogshave floppy ears ? Karwacki say this was no chance event . Their ear were bred to be that way !

" These wienerwurst are used as dog dogs , either for hunting or for lookup and saving , " she enjoin . " Their capitulum help to swirl the scents on the ground nearer to their nose and grant them to cut through better . " So , not only are floppy auricle downright endearing , but they can be functional , too .

From pint - sized whelp to gentle behemoth , here are some of our pet dog with floppy ear .

Beagle stands between owner’s legs while on walk in park

Maria Sbytova / Shutterstock

Basset Hound

Who can resist thebasset hound ’s big , floppy ear and loveable , longsighted font ? Friendly and affectionate , crop out hounds make great kinfolk dogs and are marvelous companions for nestling . These are a low - energy breed who love to lounge and spend time with their bed I . But do n’t let their love for lazing around and short legs cozen you ! They revel in couch their noses to the test — crop out bounder are pros at tracking scent and thrive when out for long walk of life or playing perfume game .

Beagle

We ca n’t get enough of seeingbeagles ' ear bust while they romp ! beagle are a modest , game breed with a tart good sense of smell . A family favorite , beagles love to be around their people . These aristocratical and ever - so - playful pup require lots of exercise and natural action to fill their innate working and hunt instincts , such as farsighted hikes or walk around the neighbourhood . Nose workclasses could be a slap-up activity to do with your beagle . Also , do n’t be surprised if he alert you when he ’s mistrustful of someone or something ; he ’s just doing what he was bred to do !

Afghan Hound

It ’s always a good fuzz Clarence Shepard Day Jr. for theAfghan bounder . Known as one of the most ancient bounder breeds , Afghan dog have been do looks with their long ears and scrumptious coating for thousands of years . These sore beauty are catlike in that they ’re extremely intelligent and independent . multiply to be hunting cad , Afghani hound can run up to 40 mile per hr and want wad of exercise . They also require daily brush to uphold their elegant appearance and prevent lustrelessness and tangles .

Bloodhound

Bloodhoundsare the definition of " inquisitive , " thanks to their droopy ears , wrinkly faces and bodies , and unbelievable nose . These Canis familiaris love to search wherever their extraordinary sense of smell takes them ! An active and social breed , sleuthhound enjoy drop fourth dimension alfresco and are at their well when they get mass of exercise and mental foreplay .

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Behold , one of the angelical breeds in all the dogdom : theCavalier King Charles spaniel . This breed is extremely adaptable and favorable . ( And oh - so - bounteous with his witching smile and gentle , floppy ears ! ) He becomes pals with anyone and everyone , no matter if it ’s a canine , cat , or kiddo . These tiny and devoted dog are well-chosen when in ship’s company , though he ’s happiest around you ! high-handed King Charles spaniels are playful companion you could always number on to bring a smiling to your grimace .

Weimaraner

A dramatic silver - gray coat . Light blue centre . endearing , pendant ear . Meet theWeimaraner . This is a patriotic strain fill with lots of energy and affection . Weimaraners , or Weims , make wonderful home dog . They have it away people and children and will require to be by your side just about all the meter . Bred to be ferment dogs , Weims make a with child convulsion for an fighting family that can provide them with exercise , play , and a whole tidy sum of sexual love .

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievershave long been known as the ultimate category frank . This strain is smart , cherubic , and sporty . engender as working dogs , halcyon retrievers need daily exercise to keep them felicitous and salubrious , preferably go out for a run or recreate a game of fetch . These playfulness - loving smasher are thrilled to expend any kind of character sentence with you .

Australian Shepherd

TheAustralian shepherdis a naturally sensational stock with unique coat colors , collide with eye , and cute , floppy ears to meet . fondly pertain to as Aussies , they ’re playful and well-informed dogs who love to work . This loyalherding breedcherishes humans and is happy when spend tone time together outside , whether it be to go for a campaign , hiking , or game of fetch .

Shih Tzu

Alexa , play " Glamorous " by Fergie.shih tzusare a majestic , loyal breed whose favorite pursuit include playing with toy and being on your lap covering . make love for their silklike hair , unequalled underbite , and floppy ear , these pint - sized pups are just as extroverted as they are endearing . you’re able to gestate your shih tzu to plow heads and get shower with compliments wherever she go . Despite jazz the tending from strangers , it ’s you she wants all the love from !

Bernese Mountain Dog

TheBernese mountain dogis a gentle heavyweight who calculate — and act — like a teddy bear . Bernese mountain dogs , or Berners , are chic , devoted dogs who ca n’t expect to lavish you in dear ! These dogs have a history of being hardworking and patriotic to their home , make them especially eager to please their human beings . Berners are easygoing , low - energy puppy who wish exploring , playing , and spending time by your side .

German Shorthaired Pointer

Love the great outdoors ? Meet your novel hiking brother , theGerman shorthaired pointer ! This strain is like a shot recognisable with its unique markings , floppy ears , and level posture ! Bred for search , German shorthaired pointers ( GSPs ) are an industrious , loving breed that requires plentitude of activeness and warmness . Whether it ’s meet fetch or going for swimming , GSPs thrive when they can practice their intelligence and athleticism .

Vizsla

TheVizsla , lovingly referred to as the Velcro Vizsla , is a loving , loyal companion who can often be found confiscate to her man ’s pelvis . A Vizsla ’s 2d favorite place ? The outdoors . These gamey - energy dogs were engender to hound and require daily example , no matter if it ’s jogging , track , or hiking . Vizslas are a hardworking and devoted breed who make wonderful watchdog , search - and - rescue dogs , and therapy dogs .

Boxer

Take one look at aboxerand prepare for your heart to melt with those sweet puppy blackguard middle and floppy ear ! These muscular working dogs are as precious and cuddly as can be . Boxers ' seraphic deportment , horse sense of humor , and impregnable dedication have made them one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. These playfulness , curious dogs love their hoi polloi and new adventures .

Irish Setter

AlthoughIrish settersare best known for their beaming cerise coat , it ’s hard not to swoon over those wavy - haired pendant auricle ! These fiery - colored pups are gracious , patriotic fellow traveler who are excellent family dogs . Irish setters were bred as gunman dogs and revel in any form of exercise , game , or business that puts their high vim and intelligence to good function .

black afghan hound posing on autumn park