15 Small Dog Breeds With Big Ears: From Pointy to Floppy

As animal lovers, we’re all aware that our dogs have a cuteness factor that can’t be denied! Whether it’s big, soft eyes or long tails that practically shake themselves off, dogs are built to steal every last piece of our hearts. 

With all shapes and sizes available, from high-dollar purebreds to lovable rescues, there’s a dog out there for everyone. If you’re a sucker for small dogs with big ears, whether they stand up straight or are floppy, we’ve got a great list of small dog breeds with big ears! 

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Top 15 Small Dogs With Big Ears

1. Beagle 

Height	13-15 inches
Weight	20-30 pounds
Lifespan	10-15 years
Temperament	Active, loyal, affectionate

A favorite among the hunting breeds, the Beagle is an adorable small size dog with a ferocious sense of smell. Scientifically, their drooping ears are called “pendant ears”, meaning they hang around the face. 

These ears, besides being adorable and oh so soft, serve a few functions for the Beagle. By sweeping the air with its ears, the Beagle is able to stir up scents. They also use their large ears to keep scents around their face, allowing them to follow their quarry for miles! 

2. Dachshund

Height	9 inches
Weight	9-32 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Courageous, loyal

Bred to hunt Badgers, the Dachshund is a fearless little hound that will take on opponents much larger than themselves. Available in two sizes and with three different coat types, these guys also come with adorable, large hanging ears. 

They have a tendency to dig and will need appropriate places to do so. It can be fun to build them their own little garden or to let them help with your garden! 

3. Papillion 

Height	9-10 inches
Weight	9-10 pounds
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Outgoing, happy

A favorite among European royals, the Papillion is often referred to as the “butterfly” dog as its ears look like butterfly wings. Energetic and eager to please, the Papillion excels in obedience and agility classes. 

One of the few breeds that require minimal exercise, they’ll be happy to run around the house and then claim your lap as their throne. They also don’t have the usual doggy odor, making them a popular choice! 

4. French Bulldog

Height	11-13 inches
Weight	28 pounds
Lifespan	10-12 years
Temperament	Playful, affectionate

A compact small breed dog, the French Bulldog has enjoyed a rise in popularity in the last few years. Easily fitting in a large purse or in a bike basket, the Frenchie is travel-ready at all times! Their comical “bat ears” make them class clowns, which matches their playful personalities. 

Interestingly, there has been a rise in crime related to French Bulldogs! Many owners are reporting their Frenchies stolen, making authorities scratch their heads. Who would want to steal a dog besides Cruella? 

5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Height	10-12 inches
Weight	24-28 pounds
Lifespan	11-13 years
Temperament	Intelligent, willful, active

Perhaps one of the most famous dog breeds worldwide, and a favorite of the British crown, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has large, alert ears. Don’t let their small statues fool you, these are hard-working herding dogs. 

Bred to herd livestock much larger than themselves, Corgis are willful and believe themselves to be much larger than they are. Often, you’ll find them policing the dog park with their sharp barks. 

6. Cocker Spaniel 

Height	14-15 inches
Weight	24-28 pounds
Lifespan	14-16 years
Temperament	Gentle, calm

Deriving their name from woodcocks, the bird they were bred to flush out, Cocker Spaniels are a popular family pet. Lively and active dogs, they’re also incredibly affectionate and enjoy time with their families. Their soft, curly-haired long ears beg to be petted! 

Cocker Spaniels also make excellent pets for elderly folks, as they’re calm and patient. They can also be trained as therapy dogs and enjoy visiting hospitals and care homes, as they’re very sociable! 

7. Boston Terrier 

Height	15-17 inches
Weight	12-25 pounds
Lifespan	11-13 years
Temperament	Affectionate, playful

The Boston Terrier has large, alert ears that look slightly comical on their small heads! They’re utterly adorable though and fit well with the Boston’s suit coat, as these little guys are always ready for a party. 

Affectionate and loyal, the Boston Terrier is perfect for families and enjoys being with its owners at all times. While these guys are affectionate, they’re also a terrier breed and may take off after small animals, so prepare! 

8. Basset Hound 

Height	13-14 inches
Weight	40-60 pounds
Lifespan	8-12 years
Temperament	Friendly, out-going, stubborn

While on the heavier side, coming in anywhere between 40-60 pounds, the Basset Hound is quite short and we couldn’t resist including them! The large, floppy ears of the Basset is one of their most recognizable features. 

Soft and often flapping like wings when they run, they also use their ears like Beagles and rustle up good scents with them. Interestingly, they have the second best nose in the dog world, only behind the Bloodhound! 

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Height	12-13 inches
Weight	10-18 pounds
Lifespan	9-14 years
Temperament	Affectionate, devoted

If you’re looking for a dog that is utterly devoted to you and great with children, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect choice! Affectionate, calm, and loyal to their families, Cavaliers also have gloriously soft ears. These large ears are full of curly, soft hair that beg to be petted. 

10. Poodle (Toy) 

Height	10 inches max
Weight	5-7 pounds
Lifespan	10-14 years
Temperament	Intelligent, active

Aristocratic and proud, the Poodle is a long-time favorite breed of those looking for a classier dog. The Poodle comes in three size variations, including the toy version. All three sizes are incredibly intelligent, high-energy, and require lots of social attention. They’ll reward you with loyalty and affection once they’ve had their royal needs met. 

11. Shih Tzu 

Height	10 inches
Weight	9-16 pounds
Lifespan	11-14 years
Temperament	Happy, sociable

A popular dog breed, the Shih Tzu can be found in all sorts of homes. They’re an easily adaptable breed and don’t require much exercise besides a daily walk.

They have luxurious coats that include long, flowing hair on their large ears that will need to be brushed. Certain types of grooming designs can have your Shih Tzu short-furred with large, fluffy ears, giving them an absolutely adorable look! 

12. Miniature Pinscher 

Height	11 inches
Weight	8-10 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Energetic, curious, active

If you’re looking for a Doberman but in travel size, the Miniature Pinscher may be an excellent choice! Intelligent and active, this toy breed dog also has a king complex and will try to rule your home. 

They’ll need firm training and lots of space to burn off their high-energy needs. You’ll know instantly when a stranger is approaching, as their large pointed ears will become alert and they’ll let out a sharp warning bark! 

13. Bedlington Terrier 

Height	15-16 inches
Weight	17-23 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Playful, energetic

Unique in appearance and often confused with a lamb due to its curly hair, the Bedlington Terrier is an active and loyal companion. Their long ears can have specialized cuts on them that are desirable in the show ring and utterly adorable. 

They don’t shed, making them great companions for allergy sufferers! They’ll require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy though and can be notorious diggers. Provide them with mental and physical stimulation and you’ll be rewarded with an excellent companion. 

14. Chihuahua

Height	7-9 inches
Weight	2-6 pounds
Lifespan	14-18 years
Temperament	Loyal, temperamental

The Chihuahua is a small dog with a large personality. They’ll reward your attention with loyalty and companionship while surveying their kingdom from your lap. They have large ears that are sensitive and are known to quiver with energy! 

15. Basenji

Height	16-17 inches
Weight	21-24 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years
Temperament	Loyal, stubborn

The Basenji is an African dog breed that is slowly making its way around the world. This dog breed is not for everyone though, as they’re extremely stubborn and argumentative. Imagine, arguing with your dog about who spilled the food! 

They have large, alert ears that are constantly scanning for danger. They’ll defend their families with everything in their tiny bodies and are known to be extremely affectionate. 

Another interesting feature of this dog is that they’re known as “the barkless dog” because they do not bark, but yodel instead!

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Final Words

For the small dog breed lover, it can be quite difficult to choose a breed that’s perfect for you! Each breed has different personalities and needs that should be taken into careful consideration. 

Small dogs also tend to have “big dog” personalities, meaning they think they’re much larger than they are. This can lead to problems with other dogs, as they act aggressively if they feel threatened. But on the whole, most small dog breeds are sweet and playful. 

Small dogs with large ears will require some cleaning attention to their ears though. You’ll need to clean them regularly and the longer-haired breeds will need to have their ears groomed. 

If the look of a small dog with big ears that are either pointy or floppy melts your heart as it does ours, check out one of the above breeds to see if they’d make an excellent addition to your home!