Why do dogs bark? It’s either to communicate with other dogs and hoomans or to express excitement, alert their owners to danger, or gain attention, ask for food, or demand playtime. But persistent barking can also be a genetic predisposition or due to environmental factors that increase their barking tendencies.
Frequent barking can also happen due to many other reasons, like separation anxiety or perception of danger, but sometimes these pooches will also bark into the silence for no reason at all, which can make their vocalizations a noisy nuisance. These pups make great companions, but can also be the largest contributors to noise pollution in the neighbourhood.
Hence, if you have picky neighbours, then it’s better not to choose a pooch that won’t stop barking, no matter what you do.
Top 9 Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
The noisiest dogs make excellent watchdogs; their howls, yelps, and barks alert owners in times of danger. They are the best alternative to an alarm system because their vocals are quite loud and noticeable.
1. Chihuahua
This descendant of the Techichi is known to bark at the top of their lungs whenever they feel threatened, need some attention, or are simply asserting control. Although Chihuahua comes in a diminutive size is quite loud and vocal about everything.
These mini pooches cannot shut up before having the last word, and are known to be dominating and aggressive. But they are also irresistible because of their apple heads and big eyes. They are smart and travel-friendly, high-energy pooches that are known for their excessive barking.
This sassy and pompous chihuahua is a popular choice for many owners who are looking for a dog with a bit of spunk. But you need to be aware of the range of noises this tiny dog makes, including barking, tipping, yapping, whining, growling, and also a unique, shrill, and high-pitched squeak, which will definitely give you a headache.
However, if you want a possessive and protective pup who wants to be the center of your world and loves the attitude of this pint-sized pup, the chihuahua is perfect for you.
2. Maltese
This beautiful, elegant doggo with a graceful and affectionate nature is a wonderful pup to own. The Maltese is extremely loyal and lovable, but has a high-pitched, loud bark that is shocking for its small stature and size.
These dogs originated in Italy but are also associated with the Island of Malta. Some people say these cute dogs descended from spitz-type dogs like the pomeranian, but their ancestry is debatable.
Pawlicy Advisor explains, this oldest and most beloved toy breed starts to grunt and whine at 2 to 3 weeks old, and then figures out to yip and bark by 7 to 8 weeks old. However, some Maltese might not learn to bark up 16 weeks old. These pristine white pooches have been royal favorites for centuries and are genetically related to the bichon frise, havanese, and bolognese.
You’ll often find this tiny white pup using their voice to communicate their emotions, express excitement, and seek attention. It can seem cute, but also be a nuisance for elderly people who don’t like loud noises at this stage of life.
3. Siberian Husky
The songs of the big fluffy Siberian Husky are quite popular on the internet nowadays. This arctic sled dog previously had a job of carrying bulk loads of weighted supplies for long distances. And is also heroically known to have saved the city of Nome, Alaska, from a diphtheria outbreak by risking his life. But it is now an internet sensation and a future pop star because of its diverse vocalizations and symphony of sounds.
Orvis elaborates that Siberian Huskies can’t stay silent and can always be seen expressing their wide range of emotions with howls, whines, chirps, and boisterous barks. The husky is the most talkative dog breed that doesn’t just bark for communicating, it will often be seen howling like a wolf for no reason at all. Moreover, it is quite difficult to shush them and make them silent.
The only possible refuge is to provide them with constant mental and physical stimulation. So, their excess energy gets utilized, which leads to incessant barking and howling. You can also use positive reinforcement training to teach the quiet command.
These huskies are quite high-energy, large breeds that need at least 1-2 hours of exercise and physical activity. Hence, provide these loud, excellent companions with enough reasons to be silent and try to divert their smart minds into things that engage and occupy them.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
This bearded German doggo is another loudest dog breeds that is small but mighty in behavior. These miniature schnauzers are like an alert alarm and make excellent watchdogs. These vocal dogs are known to have a sharp and persistent bark that is quite shrill and piercing to the ear.
They love to alert their owners of anything unusual, from a knock on the door from a stranger, or simply the mailman delivering a package. The miniature schnauzers will make sure you have noticed whatever has caught their attention.
Continental Kennel Club states these pooches also bark when they are showing excitement and happiness or greeting their favorite humans. These pooches were originally bred for hunting and guarding, hence they have a genetic predisposition for howling to warn intruders and trespassers to stay away from their territory. These pooches howl for attention, or even when they are hurt.
They howl like wolves to safely get you home by telling you where they are, and they will also howl for cheering. Amusingly enough, if you start singing or put on some music, you’ll find this mini schnauzer tuning in to the fun.
These hypoallergenic pups also have a tendency for separation anxiety and will also howl because they are anxious or scared. Hence, be aware before bringing this loud and high-energy fella home, who is quite perceptive and expressive all the time.
5. Fox Terrier
These cousins of the Yorkie are small hunting dogs that are also known to be quite yappy and loud, which makes them good watchdogs. There are two different types of fox terriers: smooth and wiry, and you’ll find them barking at other animals like cats and small animals that they consider prey. These pups were originally bred for hunting foxes.
Omlet says these pooches can be seen barking to let other dogs know it’s their territory. They also bark to let the ladies know they are nearby. And also to startle the prey from hiding and bring them out to the attention of the fox terrier.
Some owners suggest getting a pot filled with yoghurt, squeezy cheese, and wet dog food, or anything else that is your dog’s favourite, and offer it to your fox terrier when it starts barking incessantly. This positive reinforcement, along with consistently repeating the word that can become your quiet cue, is a clever way to get these pups trained for being quiet.
6. Beagle
This scent hound is known to howl and bark during hunting of foxes, hares, and rabbits to alert hunters of their location. Their loud behaviour is genetically passed down through generations and is a distinctive characteristic trait in the breed.
Purina UK says these beagles with big floppy ears have a diverse variety of vocalizations, which include standard barks, howls, and a sound that is similar to a yodel called a bay that is used by beagles when they are hunting. These small dogs are quite adorable and useful in search and rescue operations. But tend to bark when they are aware of movement from an unknown source in their territory.
Whether it is a cat in the garden, a phone ringing, or a stranger knocking on the door, they want to alert their owners to anything and everything around the house. Like a tiny security guard or watchdog. These beagles cry, howl, and can have destructive incidents if you leave them alone for a long time. Their excessive barking is also present because of separation anxiety.
Beagles are the most popular scent hound among all hound breeds that dog owners prefer to adopt and take home. But you should consider their loud and vocal nature before bringing this tan and white pup home.
7. Pomeranian
This beautiful, fluffy regal pup is a unique spitz dog that is also known for its barking and loud vocalization. This small dog always thinks he is quite big and daunting and will even take up a fight or get into an intimidating bark competition to prove himself as the loudest dog and scariest fella. The pomeranian is one of the two oldest companion dogs, like the maltese are prone to being the noisiest dogs.
VCA Animal Hospitals says Pomeranians make excellent watchdogs and are also quite protective and will make a cute dog, which might be as effective as the scary large breeds, but are quite a force of energy. These mini dogs are sturdy and strong despite having short legs and being a small breed (don’t judge their size, you floof).
These pomeranians are alert and vigilant, quick to spring into action, and will do anything to protect their turf, albeit in style. However, you’ll also find these tiny pups barking due to fear and anxiety at foreign objects and people because they see them as potential danger.
Amusingly enough, you’ll have to give them a massage to calm them down. Just make sure to check your pom’s coat for any signs of skin irritation before you begin their calming therapy.
8. German Shepherd
This versatile elite from the canine kingdom has all the pros but two cons. The first one is that they can get aggressive, and the second one is that they are the most vocal pups you’ll ever know. These wonderfully adaptable and dynamic pups have worked alongside humans for centuries.
They have helped in herding livestock, guarding homes, and even served in police units and the armed forces, where they have been credited with honours for their service.
PetMD explains that these German shepherds are gentle giants with a friendly nature but are also barking dogs with the loudest bark, which can deter intruders, align sheep, and keep away predators and strangers from approaching their territory.
Hence, individuals seeking a barkless dog like a basenji that doesn’t cause a fuss shouldn’t get a German Shepherd. But if you are someone who needs a loyal dog with an affectionate nature, who can protect your family from all dangers, and can get along with other pet dogs and animals when trained and socialized from an early age.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
And here comes the fluffy yorkie, who is originally an impeccable ratter and vermin hunter, but has a voice that can scare the hell out of you. You might not even know where the voice is coming from unless you look really closely and find a puffy pup standing in the corner.
Britannica says these pups will bark when something catches their attention, to express their emotions, when they detect a potential threat, to protect their turf, or just plainly for no reason at all, even at their shadow, at someone else’s shadow, and might even because they are sick.
These pups are expressive and talkative, and they have secretly deciphered a way to get your attention. Hence, they’ll bark for being scared, they bark for being anxious, and even because they are bored and until you have lost your mind or the whole neighbourhood knows of their existence.
Conclusion
These extremely adorable dog breeds, except the mighty Siberian husky and daring German shepherd, are mostly small and fragile, but they have a bark that belies their tiny form. These pooches are irresistible in looks and have a soothing character, but their non-stop barking is a surprising feature. Whether it be due to their protective instincts or just to exercise their vocal cords. Which is quite often the case, can be really disturbing for owners who are searching for some peace and calm.
These talkative breeds tend to be the loudest dogs that bark without any reason. They love to gossip but in a loud volume, hence if you are fond of headphones, well and good but if not, then don’t bring in these opera singers into your peaceful and silent home.
