The ears are long, and do not merely beautify the outline of a dog. The shape of such soft, swinging ear flaps depended on intention also, in most breeds in particular scent hounds, a set of ears can be used to collect and lead odors to a keen nose.
The same design can also produce a well-welcoming, low-airflow environment in which wax, moisture and debris will remain. In the long run, this accumulated distress is liable to cause ear trouble and therefore, the aesthetical appreciation of the appearance has to be supplemented by an understanding of what good ear care would look like.
1. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are one of the most familiar long-eared breeds with the ear leathers being low-hanging and they swing as the dog follows a scent trail. Long ears are perceived as one of the factors that make scent hounds effective as they can sweep up scent particles and the nose should keep close to the ground.
Breed standards state that ears of Bloodhounds are low, and in folds. Besides those well-known characteristics, Bloodhounds are also a big breed and big breeds are usually linked with orthopedic problems including hip and elbow dysplasia.
2. Basset Hound
The ears of the Basset Hound are a feature: long, velvety and turned down, long enough to roll upwards. Breed standards indicate ears that are able to stretch beyond the nose when pulled forward, which is a factor that can be used to understand why Basset appears so unusual when moving.
Basset is historically developed as the pack hunting dogs with three-fold traits: long ears and low body, loose skin and excellent sense of smell. Such exaggerated physical features may also require careful daily attention especially on skin folds and ear hygiene.
3. Beagle
Beagles are small pack hounds that were originally utilized to hunt hare and their floppy ears do suit their scent-oriented background. They are flexible to fit most families in case they have regular activities and engagements on a day-to-day basis.
In any floppy-eared breed those owning them tend to be more vigilant of the signs of ear discomfort at their earliest stage, as debris can be more readily lodged under an ear-flap which is closed.
4. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are dramatic in the most appropriate manner, as they have a long and flowing coat, and ears that fade into curly hair. The breed norms state about ears with long and silky hair, length of which reaches the end of the nose.
It is a beauty that comes with maintenance. Frequent grooming and meticulous untangling can be used to prevent mats that allow the presence of moisture near the ear leather and make the area more difficult to clean.
5. Cocker Spaniel
The Cock Spaniels have been known to have warm faces with long feathered ears. The breed standards include ears which are long and fine with lush feathering which is easy to see even at a distance.
The ear comfort can also be impacted by grooming options. Particular attention is to be paid to that part of the body that is close to the ear opening as well as around those more sensitive points all of which are discussed in some grooming advice which advises that it is good to keep it trimmed around the ear opening to help in the passage of air and around those areas that are delicate like the Henrys pocket which is a thin fold of skin on the back of the ear of most dogs.
6. Welsh Springer Spaniel
The warm expression and hanging ears of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is what one initially notices, though the breed was also brought to work in the field. The ears of the Welsh Springer are smaller than those of the English Springer and usually still hang down still, which is accompanied by a good sense of smell.
Due to the ear feathering that is prone to collecting burrs and outdoor debris, it is an easy habit to get in the routine that helps identify problems early.
7. Black and Tan Coonhound
Another long-eared scent hound whose ear leather is trailed in graceful folds is the Black and Tan Coonhound. Breed standards refer to ears positioned at eye level or below in length and long enough to extend far beyond the nose.
Long ears of this breed can indeed be record-breakers: in 2021, a Guinness World Record was set by the existence of a Black and Tan Coonhound named Lou, owned by which his ears had a length of 34 cm (13.38 in) each.
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds match such a small size with particularly sloppy ears befitting their background as determined scent workers. Their ears can assist in keeping the smell close as the dog trails which is the original intention of the breed. The shape of the ear also denotes in real life that the owners tend to give more importance to gentle and frequent visual inspection – particularly when an owner has dug, searched underbrush or rolled on the ground.
Long ears can be symbolic, yet also serve to remind one to take a closer look when performing routine care. The typical signs of ear infection can be the presence of an odor, shaking of the head, the appearance of the crust around the ear flap, swelling, discharge, and, in more severe cases, hearing or balance problems. Veterinarians usually give location names and otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal) is said to be the most common. Prompt veterinary care is important when the symptoms are present, as not all cleaners and medications are safe to all ears, especially when the eardrum is already damaged.
