Dogs are known for their barking, but some breeds take it to another level with their powerful and loud voices. Whether they were bred for guarding, herding or hunting, these breeds have developed a bark that can be heard far and wide. A loud bark can be a necessary trait for alerting owners to danger, herding livestock or scaring away potential intruders. However, it can also be challenging for owners who live in close quarters with neighbors or in areas with noise restrictions. Here are the top 13 dog breeds with the loudest barks, showcasing both popular and lesser-known breeds that are known for their impressive vocal abilities.
13. Beagle
The beagle is a small to medium-sized hunting dog known for its loud and distinctive bark. Originally bred for hunting, beagles have a unique barking sound that is both loud and persistent. Their barking is used to alert hunters to the presence of prey, and can be heard for long distances. Beagles in general are also known for their vocal nature, often barking or howling when they are excited, bored, or looking for a scent. This breed’s loud barking can be both a boon and a challenge, making them excellent watchdogs but also potentially noisy neighbors. Beagle owners should be prepared for a dog that likes to use its voice, often with little provocation.
12. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be small, but their bark is surprisingly loud and deep for their size. Originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, dachshunds need a powerful bark to alert their handlers while underground. The breed’s bark is often described as “big dog” in nature, loud enough to easily fill a room or carry across an entire yard. Dachshunds are also known for their territorial nature, often barking at the slightest hint of a stranger or unfamiliar sound. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but their vocal tendencies can be overwhelming for owners who prefer quieter environments. Training and socialization are important to control a dachshund’s barking, but it can never be completely silenced.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic breed with a very loud bark. Known for their intelligence and determination, Jack Russells were originally bred to hunt foxes, requiring a loud bark to communicate with their handlers. This breed’s barking is shrill, loud, and persistent, often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Jack Russells are known for their vocal nature, and if they are not properly trained or exercised, their barking can become excessive. This breed’s loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be a problem. However, their loud voices also make them excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert their owners to any unusual activity.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small but sturdy breed that has a surprisingly loud bark. Originally bred in Germany for farm work, including rat-catching and guarding, Miniature Schnauzers have a natural tendency to vocalize. Their barking is shrill, loud, and persistent, often used to alert their owners to anything unusual. Miniature Schnauzers are known to be excellent watchdogs, as they immediately raise the alarm at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly controlled, especially if they are left alone for long periods of time. Training and socialization are essential to help control Miniature Schnauzer barking, but, chances are, this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small herding breed known for its loud and shrill bark. Originally bred to herd cattle, Corgis need a loud bark to move livestock and alert their owners to any potential danger. Their bark is loud, shrill and often used to express excitement or alertness. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being vocal dogs, often barking at the slightest sound or movement. This breed’s loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in close living quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and regular exercise are important to help control Corgi barking, but, chances are, this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog or “Sheltie” is a small to medium sized herding breed known for its loud and high pitched bark. Originally bred in the Shetland Islands to herd sheep, Shelties have a natural tendency to vocalize, they use their barking to control livestock and alert their owners of any potential danger. The barking of this breed is shrill, loud and is often used to express excitement, frustration or alertness. Shelties are known to be excellent watchdogs, as they immediately sound the alarm at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly controlled, especially if they are bored or anxious. Training and socialization are essential to help control Sheltie barking, but, chances are this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
7. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier or “Westie” is a small but fearless breed known for its loud and persistent barking. Originally bred in Scotland for small hunting, Westies needed a powerful bark to communicate with their handlers and alert them to the presence of prey. The bark of this breed is loud, shrill and often used to express excitement or alertness. Westies are known for being vocal dogs, often barking at the slightest sound or movement. Their loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be a problem. However, their vocal nature also makes them excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert their owners to any unusual activity.
6. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie or “Beardie” is a medium-sized herding breed known for its loud and deep bark. Originally bred in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle, Beardies needed a powerful bark to control livestock and communicate with their handlers over long distances. The bark of this breed is deep, resonant and often used to express excitement, frustration or alertness. Bearded Collies are known for being vocal dogs, often barking to get their owner’s attention or to express their emotions. Their loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in close living quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and regular exercise are important to help control a Beardie’s barking, but, chances are this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua may be small, but its bark is something else entirely. Known for its fiery personality, the Chihuahua has a shrill, loud and surprisingly loud bark for its size. Chihuahuas are naturally alert and often use their barking to express excitement or fear or to alert their owners to a potential threat. Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas have a big dog attitude and will bark incessantly if they feel the need to protect their territory. This breed’s loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in close living quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and socialization are important to control Chihuahua barking, however, chances are this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
4. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy breed known for its loud and persistent bark. Originally bred in Scotland for small hunting, the Cairn Terrier needed a powerful bark to communicate with its handlers and alert them to the presence of prey. The bark of this breed is shrill, high pitched and is often used to express excitement or alertness. Cairn Terriers are known for being vocal dogs, often barking at the slightest sound or movement. Their loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be a problem. However, their vocal nature also makes them excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert their owners to any unusual activity.
3. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful breed known for its deep and resonant bark. Originally bred to haul heavy loads in harsh Arctic conditions, Malamutes need loud barks to communicate with their handlers over long distances. The barking sound of this breed is deep, resonant and is often used to express excitement, frustration or alertness. Alaskan Malamutes are known for being vocal dogs, often “talking” to their owners with a variety of sounds, including howls, barks and growls. Their loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in close living quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and regular exercise are important to help control Malamute barking, but, chances are this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
2. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful breed known for its deep, rumbling bark. Originally bred for tracking and hunting, Bloodhounds have a distinctive bark that can be heard over long distances. The bark of this breed is often described as a “bay,” a deep, resonating sound used to alert their handlers to the presence of a scent. Bloodhounds are known for their vocal nature, often using their barking to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Their loud barking can be a challenge for owners, especially in close living quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and regular exercise are important to help control Bloodhound barking, but, chances are, this breed will always be vocal to some degree.
1. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large and powerful breed known for its loud and authoritative barking. Originally bred for herding and guarding, German Shepherds have a natural tendency to be vocal, using their barking to control livestock and alert their owners of any potential danger. The bark of this breed is deep, resonant and is often used to express excitement, frustration or alertness. German Shepherds are known as excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to sound the alarm at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly controlled, especially if they are bored or anxious. Training and regular exercise are important to help control German Shepherd barking, but, chances are this breed will always be vocal to some degree.