What Are The Loudest Barking Dogs? Find Out The Top 10!
Almost all dogs will bark at some point. Whether out of excitement, fear, or they want to draw your attention to something, it’s one of the easiest ways for them to communicate.
But not all dogs bark in the same way.
Some howl, some yap, and some have a low, rough growl. Some even yodel (like the Basenji)! But what are the loudest barking dogs?
Whether you want to know so you can avoid adopting them or are interested in having a good guard dog, it’s essential you know that your pup’s bark levels suit your living situation.
So who is going to come out on top? Let’s find out!
10 of The Chattiest and Loudest Barking Dogs
Here are 10 dog breeds that love to use their voices to let everyone around them know they’re there. Some have the loudest barks according to decibels and others like to chat a lot.
Many of them are very aware dogs and are great at keeping watch. They’ll be sure to let you know if anything suspicious is going on!
Golden Retriever
Have you ever heard of Charlie? Well, Charlie is a Golden Retriever dog who, according to the Guinness Book of Records, has the loudest bark ever recorded! It was 113.1 decibels!
Not only are these beautiful golden or red dogs loud barkers but they’re also great family pets. In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular in the US. They’re funny, calm, sweet-natured, and get on really well with kids.
They have moderate exercise needs and love long walks, play sessions with their favorite humans, and they adore swimming!
They do shed quite a lot, especially when they blow their coats. So lots of brushing is necessary!
Chihuahua
It’s often said that the different types of Chihuahuas are big dogs trapped in a small dog’s body. And whilst that usually refers to their confident personalities, it also applies to their bark. The smallest dog breed in the world has a very loud and persistent bark!
Because of their low exercise needs and small stature, Chihuahuas are often popular dogs for those living in apartments. But it’s worth thinking about your neighbors too as Chihuahuas like to bark.
They’re great little watchdogs and will happily alert you to people approaching the door (or your next-door neighbor’s door).
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are often considered scary dogs. Anyone who has ever owned one of these incredible canines knows that that’s simply not true. These pups are intelligent, affectionate, caring, and not scary at all!
But, they do have a loud bark. So loud that it’s enough to deter intruders and give them a spot on this list.
They may be one of the loudest dog breeds, but German Shepherds are great family pets that adore their owners. They’re loyal, confident, friendly, and love to play. They’re often used as working dogs in military and police groups thanks to their obedience and determination.
Siberian Huskies
Huskies are known for being very vocal. In fact, Huskies even talk! They also like to howl and, of course, bark. They may look like wolves, but Huskies were first bred to be companions and to work for the traveling tribes in Siberia. They can pull sleds over ice and snow with ease!
But because they’re companion canines, they also like to protect their owners. Which is why they’ve developed a loud bark to warn of any dangers.
Huskies are stunning dogs that have thick coats that do shed. There are lots of beautiful Husky colors and they often have bright blue, piercing eyes. Although wonderfully entertaining, Huskies can be a bit mischievous and need an experienced owner.
Beagle
Beagles are wonderful dogs that have an incredible sense of smell. This English dog breed has long been used to help hunters track down small prey such as rabbits. They work really well with humans and are very loyal. Beagles learn well but can be stubborn and easily get distracted, so training should be kept short and fun.
Whilst silent when on a scent, Beagles have a very distinctive loud bark. Some dog owners even describe it as melodic! However you describe it, this dog’s bark is loud.
Because they like working as a pack, Beagles get on with other canines and enjoy socializing. They do have a prey drive though, so be careful if you have smaller pets in the home.
If you want a Beagle mixed breed that barks, why not check out the Beagle Dachshund mix.
Mini Schnauzer
Mini Schnauzers are natural protectors of the ones they love. They were bred to be alert little dogs that could warn their owners of potential threats. The main way they like to alert is through lots and lots of barking.
Like others on this list of loudest barking dogs, that’s great if there’s an intruder or something odd going on outside. But not so great if they bark at every bird that flies past the window.
You might want to consider specialized training from puppyhood. Although a huge part of their instinct, there are a couple of things you can do to reduce barking – and one of the main ones is understanding why they bark in the first place.
Basset Hound
Like many other hounds, the Basset Hound has a loud dog bark that will definitely catch anyone’s attention. Although a bark, it’s actually more like a long, loud howl.
These adorable, long-eared, and wrinkly dogs are not necessarily great guard dogs, but they do howl when they get bored. Basset Hounds don’t like to be left alone or left to get bored. If they do get bored, they’re likely to start a chorus for you.
Training can help, but Basset Hounds are notoriously stubborn. They respond well to food, but they’re also prone to putting on weight. Puzzle toys can be a way to keep them entertained, especially when you motivate them with healthy snacks such as celery, apple, or strawberries.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are feisty, spirited, and confident little dogs that also have a voice. These wonderful, charming, and active dogs are also very alert, making them excellent watch dogs.
As is the case with many Terrier breeds, the Scottie is tenacious and very determined. Training can be difficult, especially if they’re not in the mood or think they know better. You can reduce loud barks with early training, but being alert and protecting their owners is in their nature, so don’t expect them to ever be fully silent.
Scottish Terriers can be many different colors including a beautiful brindle coat and a fully black one. Their wiry coat does shed moderately, so expect to groom them. They’re easily recognizable thanks to their little beards and the furnishings on their legs.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are very impressive dogs – not just in looks but personality as well. These strong, sleek, and muscular pups are self-assured and aloof with those outside their close circle. But with those inside it, they’re playful, goofy, affectionate, and incredibly loyal.
Rottweilers make great guard dogs for both people and property. They’re confident pups so don’t mind investigating anything unusual. Their large, strong bodies, black coats, and fiercely loud bark are enough to deter most intruders.
Rottweilers need to be socialized well from a young age. They should be calm and brave, but not naturally aggressive.
Doberman Pinscher
Many people get confused between the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler. Whilst both are big barkers and both are black, their appearance is actually pretty different. Doberman Pinschers are taller and more athletic-looking. They’re just as imposing though!
Dobermans are very intelligent animals and are extremely loyal to their owners. They’re alert, quick, and brave which makes them perfect guard dogs. These pups have a bark that matches their look. It’s impressive, booming, and very deep which will alert anyone to whatever is going on.
These big dogs are very caring, gentle, and affectionate with those they love. They’re full of personality and love playing with kids too.
Conclusion – The Loudest Barking Dogs
So, now you know the loudest dog breed (what a surprise it’s a Golden Retriever!) and a couple more that have impressive voices. Training can help, but some pups are just more vocal than others.
What kind of breed do you have? Are they a barker? We’d love to know how you manage it!
