Do you know why some dog breeds are more chatty than others? Well, the answer is not quite simple; there are many aspects to consider, from genetics to environment to being selectively bred for their vocal characteristics.
Even within the same breed, individual dogs can vary in their tendency to be vocal. Some dogs tend to open up a bit more about their feelings when they’re bored, anxious, scared, or happy. While some dog owners would rather their furry friends keep it shut, others warm up a bit more to dogs who yap a lot.
Kids in the home and vocal dogs are an interesting combination. Kids can be quite self-sufficient at keeping your home noisy, but combined with chatty dogs… well, that can get interesting.
If, for some reason, you’re wondering which vocal dogs also get along well with kids, we’re touching on this exact agenda in this article for you.
Most Vocal Dog Breeds for Families with Kids
1. Beagle
Beagles are a small breed with an impressive ability to be vocal. They’re quite the stars of the dog world, with 6th place out of 195 breeds in popularity. As they were originally bred for hunting, it’s no shock that they are anything but mute.
Fun fact: Beagles got their name from the French word “begueule”, which means “gaped throat”.
The American Kennel Club mentions three kinds of sounds Beagles produce: a yodel-like bark, a typical dog bark, a signature sound called “bay”, and a howl. Multitalented, right?
Despite their hunting background, Beagles can do well in a family environment and get along well with kids. Due to their compact sizes, they are an amazing choice for apartment living and are generally quite well-behaved if trained early when they’re puppies.
They make playful dogs that love to spend time with their humans; playing fetch and hide and seek are amazing ways to keep your Beagle healthy and happy.
2. Basset Hounds
Dogs with long bodies and shorter height are one of the most fascinating and adorable categories of canines. Basset Hounds are distinct in their appearance because of their floppy, long ears.
Originally bred to hunt small game like rabbits, Basset Hounds have proven themselves to be friendly family dogs as well. They tend to bark frequently and loudly. PetMD suggests reducing their loud barks through training while making peace with the fact that they can’t become completely silent companions.
With positive reinforcement training, they can learn to tone down the excessive barking a bit. As hunting hound dogs, they’re very alert and intelligent and need mental stimulation. They might bark to express their frustration, boredom, or to warn their owners about some perceived threat.
They’re a playful company despite their small size. They develop a strong bond with their families over time and love to watch over the kids in the house. These versatile pups are a good fit for the apartment lifestyle and possess a friendly and outgoing nature that makes them great outdoor dogs.
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs developed in California and have a long history of being sheepdogs, companions, and family dogs. These big dogs are intelligent, energetic, and eager to please their pet parents.
Aussies will make sure you don’t forget they are around. Their beautiful, rugged, and colorful coats already make them too fabulous to be ignored. Their barking tendency does a great job of making their presence known to the whole family.
Who can blame them? As herding dogs, being vocal was part of the job; communication was necessary to keep the livestock they were herding together and protected. These herding instincts make them very fond of kids as well, making them great companions for families with little ones.
Despite their robust nature, they develop a gentle temperament towards their families. They love human companionship, and being talkative is also a way for them to try and communicate their feelings to their owners.
They require regular exercise; getting enough playtime and activity each day will make them the happiest pets.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are spitz-type dogs with fluffy coats and a spunky nature. These adorable dogs make everyone in the family fall in love with them, from children to adults. These small dogs have a big personality and tend to bark a lot.
Poms have been loved by the British royalty since the late 1800s. Two Pomeranians were also among the three “Titanic dogs” that survived the disaster. With their fascinating history, Poms are still one of the most popular dog breeds.
Poms know they’re special and won’t have you ignore them. Their barking is also mostly an attention-seeking tactic. They’re also prone to separation anxiety, so train them early to handle your absence.
They get along with almost everyone, from adults to children to other animals in the neighborhood.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and have a natural tendency to be vocal. Their bodies are longer than they’re tall, earning them the title “wiener dog”. They’re one of the most affectionate breeds and great for families with children.
These short-legged dogs have a natural fondness for their owners and can be trained to follow commands. Just give them a proper opportunity to run around and play different games.
They can be quiet dogs at times, but barking is a part of their nature. They might not warm up to strangers, but exhibit a quite gentle nature towards their own families.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs with a surprisingly affectionate nature and make great family pets for experienced households. They are vocal dogs, but not frequent barkers; their vocalization is quite diverse and ranges from yodelling to dog talk.
If you’ve heard Alaskans don’t bark, you’ll find it untrue when you meet one. While they don’t bark as much as some other breeds, they have their own ways of expressing themselves through vocalization. They can be quite chatty and have their own dog vocabulary like chirping, grunting, and snorting.
With their high energy levels, Alaskans are one of the best dog breeds for families who love activity. They love the home environment and can be taught to be amazing around children. It’s also important to teach kids how to behave around dogs, especially the large ones.
7. Border Collie
Border Collies are amazing dogs for families with children due to their loyal and playful nature. These medium-sized dogs need a lot of attention and are suitable for families who can spend time giving them tasks to do.
Collies are unusually smart and need a lot of mental stimulation. If they’re not getting an opportunity to engage with their owners in physical and mental activities, they might express their frustration by barking.
They generally do well with children, especially older ones. However, they may try to herd, which can lead to both the dog and the kids chasing each other and becoming overwhelmed or frightened.
Conclusion
Dogs that are vocal and also coexist nicely with children make any household vibrant and full of energy. If you want to explore some other breeds in the category, some honorable mentions are: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, and Bichon Frise.
