Barking tendencies vary widely among different dog breeds due to their historical roles. For instance, herding breeds like Border Collies may bark more as part of their instinct to control movements, while guard dogs like German Shepherds use barking to signal potential threats. Conversely, breeds like the Basenji, known as the “barkless dog”, have naturally low barking tendencies.
15 Breeds that Bark too Much
Beagle
Beagles are a small to medium-sized breed known for their incredible sense of smell and stubborn but friendly nature. They were initially bred for hunting and often communicate with their signature howl.
- Average height: 13-16 inches
- Average weight: 20-25 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but need sufficient exercise
- Trainability: Moderate; can be stubborn but respond well to positive reinforcement
- Coat & Color: Short coat; comes in various hound colors like tricolor, white and tan, white and red, lemon, and more
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their distinctive appearance and lively personalities. They were initially bred for ratting and guarding properties.
- Average height: 12-14 inches
- Average weight: 11-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, they adapt well to various living situations
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and eager to please
- Coat & Color: Double coat, wiry topcoat, and soft undercoat; commonly seen in salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, known for their sassiness and devotion to their owners. Despite their size, they often bark to assert themselves.
- Average height: 5-8 inches
- Average weight: Up to 6 pounds
- Life expectancy: 14-16 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they can be territorial
- Trainability: Moderate; they can be stubborn but are also intelligent
- Coat & Color: Can be long or short-coated; come in many colors, including fawn, cream, chocolate, and more
Bichon Frise
Bichons are known for their fluffy white coat and cheerful disposition. They are social dogs that tend to bark a lot, especially when they want attention.
- Average height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Average weight: 12-18 pounds
- Life expectancy: 14-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, they are great family pets
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and love to please
- Coat & Color: Curly, dense white coat
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are small working dogs originally bred for hunting and burrowing prey. They are intelligent, active, and known to be vocal.
- Average height: 9-10 inches
- Average weight: 13-14 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they need sufficient mental and physical stimulation
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent but may have a stubborn streak
- Coat & Color: Weather-resistant double coat, colors range from cream to black
West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Westies are small, confident dogs known for their distinctive white coat. They were initially bred for hunting rodents and are known to be quite vocal.
- Average height: 10-11 inches
- Average weight: 13-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they require regular exercise
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn
- Coat & Color: Double coat, always white
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. They were originally bred to catch rats and have a strong protective instinct, often leading to excessive barking.
- Average height: 7-8 inches
- Average weight: 4-7 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, great for apartments but can be yappy
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent dogs
- Coat & Color: Long, silky coat; blue and tan
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong dogs bred for pulling heavy sleds in harsh environments. They are social dogs and can be very vocal, often expressing themselves through “talking” or howling.
- Average height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
- Average weight: 75-85 pounds (male), 65-75 pounds (female)
- Life expectancy: 10-14 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they need a lot of exercise and can be destructive when bored
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn
- Coat & Color: Thick double coat; various shades of gray and white, sable, or red
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Shelties are known for their intelligence, agility, and vocal nature. They were initially bred for herding on the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
- Average height: 13-16 inches
- Average weight: 15-25 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they need physical and mental stimulation
- Trainability: High; they are among the most intelligent dog breeds
- Coat & Color: Double coat; sable, black, and blue merle
Dachshund
Dachshunds are small hunting dogs known for their distinctive shape. They can be quite vocal, a trait linked to their background in hunting badgers and other burrowing animals.
- Average height: 8-9 inches for Standard, 5-6 inches for Miniature
- Average weight: 16-32 pounds for Standard, under 11 pounds for Miniature
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they can be stubborn and challenging to train
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn
- Coat & Color: Can have smooth, long, or wirehaired coat; variety of colors and patterns
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are energetic and playful dogs bred for pulling sleds in the Siberian region. They are known for their beautiful coat and blue or multicolored eyes. They often howl more than bark.
- Average height: 20-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
- Average weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they need a lot of exercise
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be independent-minded
- Coat & Color: Thick double coat; many colors from black to pure white
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell. They are a vocal breed with a distinctive baying bark.
- Average height: Up to 15 inches
- Average weight: 40-65 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, they are excellent family pets
- Trainability: Low; they are intelligent but can be stubborn
- Coat & Color: Short, dense coat; typically tricolor or bicolor
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small dogs known for their fluffy double coat. They are a vocal breed, often using their bark to communicate with their owners.
- Average height: 6-7 inches
- Average weight: 3-7 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, they are great for apartments
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent dogs
- Coat & Color: Thick double coat; comes in many colors including red, orange, white, and black
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are companion dogs, bred for their friendly nature and beautiful coat. They can be quite vocal, often using their bark to communicate with their family.
- Average height: 9-10.5 inches
- Average weight: 9-16 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-18 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, they are excellent family pets
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn
- Coat & Color: Long, dense double coat; comes in a range of colors
Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are lively and intelligent dogs. They were bred for fox hunting, which often involved barking to drive the fox out of its hiding place.
- Average height: 15.5 inches (male), 15 inches (female)
- Average weight: 18 pounds (male), 15.5 pounds (female)
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Home-friendly: Yes, but they require plenty of exercise
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and eager to please
- Coat & Color: Dense, wiry coat; predominantly white with black and/or brown markings
When do you need a Highly Barking Breed?
Guarding and Security
Highly barking breeds can be an asset when it comes to guarding homes and properties. Their tendency to bark at strangers or unusual activities can act as a deterrent to potential intruders. Breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers are often used for this purpose.
Hunting
In hunting scenarios, dogs with high barking tendencies, such as Beagles and Fox Terriers, are invaluable. They use their bark to communicate with hunters, signaling when they’ve located prey or to help drive animals out of hiding.
Livestock Management
For herding and managing livestock, dogs that bark a lot, like Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, can be particularly useful. Their barking helps direct the movements of the animals they are herding, keeping them in line and on track.
Companion for Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running, a dog breed that tends to bark can act as an alarm system, alerting you to potential wildlife or other threats in your surroundings. Active, vocal breeds like the Siberian Husky can be an excellent fit.
Search and Rescue
In search and rescue operations, dogs with high barking tendencies, such as the Alaskan Malamute, can be lifesavers. Their barks can help rescuers locate victims, especially in scenarios where visibility is limited.
Training and Socialization Purposes
If you’re a dog trainer or are interested in learning about dog behavior and training techniques, owning a breed that barks a lot can be an enriching experience. It will give you the opportunity to practice and understand how to manage and control excessive barking.
Can an Excessively Barking Dog become an Issue in Apartments?
Yes, an excessively barking dog can certainly become an issue in apartment living situations. Excessive barking can disturb neighbors, especially in close living quarters where sound can easily travel. It’s also possible that some apartment buildings have rules about noise levels, which could result in consequences if not adhered to. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your living environment when choosing a breed and to train your dog to minimize unnecessary barking.
Can you Train a Loud Breed?
Yes, even dogs from loud or vocal breeds can be trained to manage their barking habits. Through positive reinforcement techniques, consistency, patience, and sometimes the help of a professional dog trainer, you can teach your dog to understand when barking is appropriate and when it is not. However, remember that barking is a natural behavior for dogs and completely eliminating it isn’t feasible or healthy.
Why does my Dog Bark too much?
- Territorial/Protective instincts
- Fear or anxiety
- Loneliness or separation anxiety
- Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
- Seeking attention or excitement
- Response to other dogs or animals
- Pain or illness
- Reaction to specific triggers (like the doorbell or passing cars)
- Hunger or desire for something (like a favorite toy)
- Lack of proper training or socialization
