7 Small Dog Breeds With Floppy Ears And Big Hearts

These little dogs have always found their way into people’s lives, even though they are small. These little dogs do well in a lot of different roles, whether they were bred for specific jobs like hunting or just to be pets. This is especially true if they are taught regularly and given lots of mental stimulation. They are small, which makes them easy to care for and great for homes or other small living areas. They are also friendly and playful, which makes them memorable.

Many people love small breed dogs, but those with floppy ears are especially cute. Their droopy ears make them look soft and nice, which is why dog fans and families love them right away. Not only are these breeds cute, but they also have calm and friendly attitudes that make them great for first-time dog owners, people who live in cities, and anyone else who wants a loyal, loving bed dog.

Researchers find it interesting that they think floppy ears come from the process of taming itself. As dogs got tamer and nicer over time, their bodies changed. For example, their adrenal glands got smaller and they had fewer neural crest cells. This made their ears hang down and their personalities friendlier. It makes sense that we feel so naturally connected to these calm, loving, and obviously cute floppy-eared friends.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the nicest and most loyal small dogs. They are known for being kind and caring, which makes them great for people, families, and even therapy work. Because they are flexible, they do well in a lot of different places. Britannica says that these dogs can get enough exercise by going for a short walk every day or playing in a small yard. This means that they can live in small areas.

Even though they are called Cavaliers, they are very friendly and want to be close to their owners. They’d rather snooze with a friend or family member or walk around the neighborhood all day. They are regularly ranked as one of the most popular small dog breeds because they are so sweet and loving.

The way they look is just as cute. These dogs have big, brown eyes that show a lot of emotion and sweet, round faces. Their ears are long and soft. They have four different color choices for their soft, mid-length coats: brown and white (Blenheim), black and tan, solid ruby, and cherry and tan. They look even more beautiful when they have feathers on their legs, ears, and tails. They grow to be about 12 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. They are graceful and strong at the same time.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most beautiful and affectionate small breeds of dog because of its long, pointed ears and deep eyes.

2. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a brave and active little dog that has its own look. This breed is known for having a long body and short legs. Its attitude is both playful and driven. PetMD says that Dachshunds, which are often affectionately called “wiener dogs,” were bred to hunt animals that lived in burrows, which required them to be independent and brave. They are loyal, active, and have lots of character.

Not only is their body shape cute, it’s also useful. Their long, low bodies helped them chase animals into dens, and their floppy ears kept dirt and other things out of their ears while they hunted. Dachshunds are loved for their trustworthiness, loyalty, and fun personality, no matter what size you choose.

There are two different types of Dachshunds. The normal size weighs 16 to 32 pounds and is 8 to 9 inches tall, while the miniature size weighs less than 11 pounds and is only 5 to 6 inches tall. Their coats can be smooth, long, or wire-haired, and they come in many colors and designs. Their cute and easy-to-recognize long torsos, short legs, curly tails, and drop ears make them look great.

The name Dachshund comes from the German words for “badger” and “dog,” which shows that they were first used to catch badgers without fear.

3. Havanese

The Havanese is happy, loving, and has a very stylish look. It is the only dog breed that comes from Cuba and is both beautiful and friendly. These friendly dogs enjoy being around people and do well in both busy city areas and calm home settings. When they are playing or doing tricks, their smarts and love of having fun often come through.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says Havanese dogs are smart and friendly. They get along well with kids and other pets, which makes them a great choice for families. Their floppy ears, active personality, and friendly nature make them a very charming breed that gets along well in many homes.

Havanese dogs are small but strong. They are between 8.5 and 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. One of the things that makes them look so cute is their soft, droopy ears that frame their bright, expressive eyes. Their double coat is long and smooth. It can be wavy or slightly curled, and it comes in many colors, such as black, silver, gold, and red. Their hair needs to be brushed often, but it is hypoallergenic, which is good for people who are sensitive to allergies. Their soft tails curl over their backs, and the way they move adds to their beauty.

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, and people love it for its smooth coat, happy attitude, and strong bond with people.

4. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a classic lap dog that is known for being sweet, loving, and royal. Shih Tzus were bred to be loved by Chinese royalty, so they enjoy being loved and spoiled by their families. But even though they look classy, they have a fun heart. They are active, interested, and always ready to play or hug.

Because they’re small, they can live in flats, and because they’re brave but nice, they don’t mind being around new people or places. Hills Pet says that Shih Tzus don’t eat very much because their noses are short, but they may dig or bark more than other types.

It’s easy to spot a Shih Tzu. They are small, but they have a lot of personality. Their bodies are strong, and their fur is soft. Most of the time, they are 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds. They look cute with their big, round eyes, flat snouts, and floppy ears covered in long hair. They have a lot of different colored coats that can be left long for shows or cut short for easy care. Their proud tails curl over their backs, making them look even more stately.

The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed, which means it has a small snout. Its plush tail is curled over its back, which gives it an air of royalty.

5. Japanese Chin

This cute little dog is the Japanese Chin. It has style, charm, and a fun personality all in one. This breed has a long past as a noble lapdog. In Japan and China, it was once a prized gift for kings. Even though it comes from a noble family, the Japanese Chin is known for doing strange cat-like things, like sitting on furniture and cleaning itself.

These dogs enjoy calm company and gentle play, which makes them great for people or homes that are generally quiet. They are unique among toy breeds because they are friendly and a little silly. They are the perfect mix of class and fun.

Japan Chins are small and elegant. They usually weigh between 7 and 11 pounds and are 8 to 11 inches tall. They have soft, flowing hair on their floppy ears that blends in perfectly with their smooth coat. They have a unique and expressive look because of their flat faces, big eyes, and thin bodies. Often, they have black and white, red and white, or three-color coats. Their soft tails curve over their backs like a fan made of feathers.

Fact: The Japanese Chin was first given as a gift between royal families. Queen Alexandra of England made the breed famous in Europe by helping to spread its popularity across the continent.

6. Pekingese

The Pekingese is brave, faithful, and very polite. It comes from royal lines and is very strong-willed. When they were first bred to go with Chinese rulers, these small dogs were seen as holy pets. They are small, but they have big personalities and a strong bond with the people they choose to live with. They like to be in quiet places with owners who have experience and know that they need to be pampered and given time to clean themselves regularly.

The Pekingese dog breed is proud and somewhat independent, so they don’t mind saying what they think. People who like dogs with a lot of history and their own minds will love having one as a pet.

Because it has a thick double coat, the Pekingese looks bigger than it is. It is only 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs up to 14 pounds. The thick mane of fur around the neck and shoulders that makes it look like a lion is the most noticeable feature. Their long, floppy ears frame their wide-set eyes and flat face, making them look great with their thick coats. Their small size and unique “rolling” walk make them easy to spot and hard to ignore.

According to a story, Buddha turned a cat into the Pekingese dog so that Chinese royalty could have a pet. This is why the breed is still associated with holy royalty.

7. Maltese

The Maltese is a lively, friendly dog with a brave heart. Even though they are small, these dogs have big personalities and love their owners very much. They do best in homes with lots of love and care. The Maltese has a past that goes back to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It has always been a choice among the wealthy.

These little dogs are full of personality and charm. It may look like they are weak, but they are aware, brave, and happy to be there for their family, showing them love and respect.

The Maltese is both beautiful and cute, with soft ears that hang down and a white coat that flows over the body. They are about 7 to 10 inches tall and weigh 4 to 8 pounds. It’s easy and stylish to tie their long, smooth hair in a topknot, which keeps it close to their bodies. Their low-set ears have a lot of feathers on them, which makes them stand out. The Maltese has dark eyes, a small black nose, and a small, delicate body. It moves smoothly with a light, floating step.

Malteses are one of the oldest toy dog breeds in the world. For thousands of years, they have been loved as royal lapdogs because they are so pretty and friendly.

Conclusion

Not only do small dog breeds with floppy ears look cute, but they also have great personalities and interesting histories. From the sweet Cavalier to the stylish Maltese, these dogs are small, enticing bags of loyalty, playfulness, and style. These dog breeds are loved by people of all countries and generations because of their cute ears that hang down.

Many of these breeds are great for small homes and soft friends, but keep in mind that some, like the Cocker Spaniel or Tibetan Terrier, are very active and need a lot of exercise. Also, floppy ears need to be checked and groomed regularly to avoid getting infections, which is important for their long-term health.

Not only the types listed, but also the Basset Hound and even big dogs like the Golden Retriever are known for having ears that hang down. These small dogs with droopy ears are the perfect pet for anyone who wants a stylish, loyal, or fun friend.

FAQs

Do floppy-eared dogs require special ear care?

Yes, dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections due to limited airflow. Regular cleaning and checks are important to keep their ears healthy.

Are small floppy-eared dogs good with children?

Most small floppy-eared breeds, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Havanese, are friendly and gentle with kids. Always supervise interactions, especially with very young children.

Can small floppy-eared dogs live in apartments?

Absolutely. Many of these breeds adapt well to apartment living as long as they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Do these breeds shed a lot?

It varies by breed. Dogs like the Maltese and Havanese have low-shedding coats, while Dachshunds and Shih Tzus may shed more moderately and need regular grooming.

Aaron

Aaron is a dedicated pet enthusiast and writer with a special passion for dog breeds and animal care. With years of hands-on experience and research, he shares practical advice, fun facts, and heartwarming stories to help pet owners better understand and care for their furry companions. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a lifelong dog lover, Aaron’s insights are here to guide and inspire.

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