Dogs often make us fall in love with every little thing about them, from their wagging tails to their bouncing steps and soulful eyes, but some pups have an extra feature that’s just too adorable to ignore—their ears!
Whether long and silky, big and bouncy or perked up and swiveled like radar dishes, a dog’s ears give each breed its own special charm.
With the help of Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, we’ve rounded up six dog breeds whose adorable ears deserve their very own fan clubs. Get ready to swoon, smile and maybe even add a new furry friend to your “someday” list with this compilation of dogs with unique ears!
Related:7 Majestic Dog Breeds That Are Big, Beautiful and Devoted
6 Dog Breeds With Special Ears
Without further ado, here are six captivating dogs with unique ears that deserve some special recognition!
The Pumi’s corkscrews make them one of the dogs with the most unique ears!
1. Pumi
The Pumi is an affectionate herding dog from Hungary, and while you’ve probably never heard of the breed before, they’re sure to hear you!
“Those whimsical, corkscrew ears are part upright, part floppy—always mid-conversation,” says Ellis. “They look like they’re tuned in to the latest gossip at the dog park and ready to respond with sass.”
These adorable teddy-bear dogs make great family pets for those who can provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need to thrive. Pumis were bred to work, after all!
Breed Stats
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Personality: Energetic, lively, hardworking
The Basset Hound is in the running for the cutest dog ears ever.
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound possibly has the most famous ears on the list. The combination of their droopy faces and very long ears is that ridiculously cute.
“Those floor-sweeping, droopy ears aren’t just for looks—they help trap scents when tracking and sometimes catch their drool too,” Ellis says. “Equal parts adorable and aerodynamic. Equal parts droopy charm and detective efficiency.”
Their big ears can be prone to infections, so regular cleaning is a must for the breed. Despite the extra maintenance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more charming and relaxed companion!
Breed Stats
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Personality: Charming, patient, low-key
With their unique butterfly shape, the Papillon has incredibly special ears.
3. Papillon
Along with some of the best dog ears ever, the Papillon has one of the best breed names, “named for their fringed, wing-like ears that fan out like a butterfly taking flight,” states Ellis. (Papillon means “butterfly” in French.)
“Dainty, elegant, and full of personality—these tiny dogs have big ear energy and personality,” she adds. They’re also quite intelligent and enjoy putting their brains and vigor to use.
Despite their long coat, the Papillon is relatively light on grooming needs. That fringed ear hair can mat though, so some brushing can keep it looking great.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Alert, friendly, happy
Related:5 Dog Breeds That Are Basically Cats in Disguise, Vets Say
The Afghan Hound’s beautiful dog ears look more like flowing hair.
4. Afghan Hound
Cher, is that you? The Afghan Hound’s entire coat is impressive, but those wig-like ears are something else! “Glossy, flowing and impossibly glamorous. Graceful even at top speed,” praises Ellis.
And speedy they are—the Afghan Hound is one of the fastest dog breeds, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Unlike the even faster and secretly low-energy Greyhound, the Afghan appreciates getting a lot of exercise in.
And similar to the Basset Hound, those long ears can get infected, so regular wipe-downs and cleanings are a good idea.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Independent, sweet, dignified
The Pharaoh Hound has distinctive pointy ears that mean business.
5. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is one otherworldly, majestic-looking dog. With their large, pointed ears, these bronze-colored pups greatly resemble portrayals of Anubis, god of the afterlife.
“Sleek, regal and upright like a living statue, their ears trace back to ancient Egypt,” says Ellis. “Bonus: they’re known to blush a soft pink when excited.” Those ears must look like beacons when lit up!
Grooming is a breeze for these dogs, but their strong prey drive can make them prone to chasing—it’s recommended to keep them leashed and in a fenced yard.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Friendly, smart, noble
The Berger Picard has special scruffy ears that give the breed a mutt-like look.
6. Berger Picard
We started the list with a dog you’d probably never heard of, and we’re ending with one too! The Berger Picard is a rustic dog from Picardy, France, with ears you can spot a mile away.
“With scruffy fur and large, upright ears that look like they styled themselves, these French herders ooze effortless cool,” says Ellis. She adds that they’re “often confused as mutts due to those unique eyes and coat.”
Give these active dogs a job to do—like being your companion on long walks or hikes—and you’ll have a happy, loyal friend for life.
Breed Stats
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Personality: Loyal, good-natured, observant
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Height: 21.5–25.5 inches
Sources
This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.