Small dogs look cute and innocent. They are soft, warm, and easy to carry. Their tiny paws and big eyes make people fall in love quickly. But there is something most people do not expect from them. Many small dogs are loud. Really loud. Some bark every time the door moves. Some bark when they hear sounds outside. Some bark just because they feel like it.
These dogs may be small in size, but they are big in voice. This blog will help you learn about the small breeds that make the most noise. If you are thinking of getting a small dog, this guide will help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.
Small Noisiest Dog Breeds
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a short-legged, strong little dog with a cheerful personality. It is known for its long body and cute smile. Corgis are very smart and love being around people. They were originally bred to herd animals, especially cattle. That means they were trained to move cows by marking and nipping. This breed still carries that working energy today.
Corgis are very alert because of their strong protective instincts. They watch everything happening around them. If they hear a sound or see someone new, they bark right away.
They also bark when they feel excited or when they are bored. If a Corgi does not get enough exercise or playtime, it can bark too much. This can lead to problems with neighbors or other animals. Corgis are excellent companions, but they need structure and early positive training to manage their loud barking habits.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog with a big beard and a big voice. PetMD mentions that these dogs are descended from an old and hardworking breed of German dogs that were historically used to hunt rats, herd livestock, and pull carts. It is known for its strong personality and playful behavior. This breed is full of energy and wants to be part of everything going on in the house.
Miniature Schnauzers are one of the loudest dog breeds for their size. They bark at strangers, they bark at sounds, and they bark when they are excited. They are always on the lookout. Even if nothing is going on, they may bark to let us know they are there.
This breed can develop excessive barking if not trained early. They enjoy having a job to do, and barking becomes their job if they do not get proper attention. They are also very attached to their owners, so they might bark when left alone. While they are not aggressive, they do use their voice often and with purpose.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. It has long, silky hair and a very confident attitude. It may be small, but it acts like a much bigger dog. Yorkies were originally bred to chase rodents in textile mills, so they were taught to be fearless and vocal.
Yorkshire bark at anything they do not trust. This includes people, other dogs, and even sounds from outside the window. If someone walks past your house, the Yorkshire Terrier will let you know. If the mail comes, the barking will start again.
Yorkshire Terriers are very loyal and become deeply attached to their owners. If they feel ignored or left alone, they may bark to get attention. Their bark is sharp and high-pitched. This can be hard for some people to handle. With proper training, this breed can learn to control its barking, but it does take time and effort.
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny toy breed with a giant voice. Britannica states that it is thought to have originated from the Techichi, a small dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico around the 9th century. It has big eyes, prominent ears, and a lot of personality. Chihuahuas are full of emotion and do not like being ignored.
This breed barks for many reasons. They bark when they are scared, excited, happy, or nervous. Some Chihuahuas bark when the doorbell rings, others bark just because a car passes by. They are very alert and want to be part of every moment in the house.
They are also very close to their owners. If they feel someone is getting too close to their human, they bark to protect them. They do not like being left alone and may bark when you leave the house. This can lead to nonstop barking if not handled early. Chihuahuas need love and training, or their bark can take over the home.
5. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small dog with a fluffy white coat. It looks like a teddy bear but acts like a lion. These dogs are full of life and love to play. They are always curious, always moving, and always watching everything around them.
Pomeranians bark a lot. They bark when they see strangers. They bark at other animals. They bark when they are bored or excited. Their bark is loud, sharp, and sometimes non-stop.
This breed loves attention. If they feel ignored, they use their bark to make sure you remember them. If someone walks by your house, they will bark to alert you.
They are also very smart. This means they need mental games and toys to stay calm. If not, the barking gets worse. With time and patience, Pomeranians can learn when to be quiet.
6. Dachshund
The Dachshund is known for its long body and short legs. It has a brave heart and a deep bark. This breed was created to hunt badgers and go into tunnels. That means they had to be strong, loud, and not afraid of anything.
Today, Dachshunds still have that fearless nature. They are not shy and bark often. These dogs bark like a much bigger dog. Their barks are deep and strong. Dachshunds bark when they see people, when they hear sounds, and when they want something.
They also howl at times, especially if they are left alone too long. They do not enjoy being ignored. If they do not get enough play or attention, they turn to barking. They love their owners and want to protect them, even if that means barking at a leaf blowing in the wind.
7. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a small dog with a big attitude. The American Kennel Club describes these dogs as busy little earthdogs that were bred to root out foxes and other prey in the rocky Scottish countryside. That made it very alert and full of energy.
Cairn terriers bark when they are excited, when they hear sounds, or when they see someone near the house. Their bark is loud, quick, and can happen often.
They get bored easily. If they do not have toys or playtime, they will bark just to stay busy. They also bark when left alone. This is not because they are bad, but because they were trained to always watch and warn. They are friendly and loyal, but they need clear rules to stay quiet.
Conclusion
All of these small dogs have one thing in common. They bark a lot. Some bark to protect. Some bark to play. Others bark because they are full of energy and do not know how to sit still. Their vocal nature is strong, and that is why they are some of the noisiest small dog breeds.
Some other dogs that bark a lot include the German Shepherd, Basset Hound, Siberian Husky, and Standard Schnauzer. Then there are some quiet dogs as well. These include the Bernese Mountain Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin, and Basenji (also known as the barkless dog).
If you are an apartment dweller, live in a quiet place, or have neighbors who do not like noise, these dogs may not be the best fit. But if you are okay with some barking and ready to train your dog, they can be amazing pets.
To handle excessive barking, start with early positive training. Give them enough play and attention. Teach them when to bark and when to be calm. Give them space to feel safe. With time and patience, even the loudest small dog breeds can learn to be quiet when needed.
