Dogs are known for their barking, but some breeds take it to the next level with powerful, loud barks. Whether bred for guarding, herding, or hunting, these breeds have developed barks that can be heard from a distance. A loud bark can be an essential trait for alerting owners to danger, herding livestock, or even scaring off potential intruders. However, a loud bark can also pose a challenge for owners who live close to neighbors or in areas with noise restrictions. Here are 13 of the loudest dog breeds, showcasing both popular and lesser-known breeds that are known for their impressive barking abilities.
13. Greyhound
The Beagle is a small to medium sized hunting dog known for its loud and distinctive bark. Originally bred for hunting, the Beagle has a unique bark that is both loud and persistent. Their barks are used to alert hunters to the presence of prey and can carry for a long time. Beagles are also known for their general barking nature, often barking or howling when excited, bored, or chasing a scent. The breed’s loud bark can be both a blessing and a challenge, making them excellent watchdogs but also capable of causing a disturbance to neighbors. Beagle owners need to be prepared for a dog that likes to use its voice, often without much provocation.
12. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be small, but their barks are 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 when they are underground. The breed’s bark is often described as “big dog” in nature, with a volume that can easily fill a room or echo across a yard. Dachshunds are also known for their territorial nature, often barking at the slightest sign of strangers or strange noises. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but their tendency to bark can be overwhelming for owners who prefer quieter environments. Training and socialization are key to managing a Dachshund’s barking, but it is unlikely to silence them completely.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic dog with a 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. The breed’s bark is sharp, high-pitched, and persistent, often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Jack Russells are known for their barking nature, and their barking can become excessive if they are not properly trained or exercised. The breed’s loud bark can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be an issue. However, their loud barks 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 dog breed with a fairly loud bark. Originally bred in Germany for farm work, including ratting and guarding, the Miniature Schnauzer is prone to very loud barking. Their bark is sharp, loud and persistent, often used to alert their owners to anything unusual. Miniature Schnauzers are known to make excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly managed, especially if they are left alone for long periods of time. Training and socialization are essential to help control the barking of the Miniature Schnauzer, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog breed known for its loud, piercing bark. Originally bred to herd cattle, the Corgi needs a loud bark to move livestock and alert its owner to any potential danger. Their barks are high-pitched, sharp, and are often used to express excitement or alertness. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being a barker, often barking at the slightest noise or movement. The breed’s loud bark can be a challenge for owners, especially in tight living spaces, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Regular training and exercise are important to help control your Corgi’s barking, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” is a small to medium-sized herding dog known for its loud, high-pitched bark. Originally bred in the Shetland Islands to herd sheep, the Sheltie has a natural tendency to bark, using its bark to control livestock and alert its owner to any potential threats. The breed’s bark is sharp, loud, and is often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Shelties are known to make excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly managed, especially when they are bored or anxious. Training and socialization are essential to help control the barking of a Sheltie, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
7. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the “Westie,” is a small but fearless dog breed known for its loud, persistent bark. Originally bred in Scotland to hunt small game, Westies need a strong bark to communicate with their handlers and alert them to the presence of prey. The breed’s bark is high-pitched, sharp, and is often used to express excitement or alertness. Westies are known to be loud barkers, often barking at the slightest noise or movement. Their loud barks can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be an issue. However, their barking 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 dog known for its loud, deep bark. Originally bred in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle, Beardies need a powerful bark to control livestock and communicate with their handlers over long distances. The breed’s bark is deep and resonant and is often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Bearded Collies are known to be vocal barkers, often barking to get their owners’ attention or to express their emotions. Their loud barks can be a challenge for owners, especially in tight living spaces, but this also makes them excellent watchdogs. Regular training and exercise are important to help control the Beardie’s barking, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but their barks are not. Known for their ferocious nature, Chihuahua barks are sharp, high-pitched, and surprisingly loud for their size. Chihuahuas are alert by nature and often use their barks to express excitement, fear, or to alert their owners to any perceived threats. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have the attitude of a large dog and will bark incessantly if they feel the need to protect their territory. The breed’s loud bark can be a challenge for owners, especially in tight living spaces, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Training and socialization are key to managing your Chihuahua’s barking, but it’s likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
4. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its loud, persistent bark. Originally bred in Scotland to hunt small game, the Cairn Terrier needs a powerful bark to communicate with its handlers and alert them to the presence of prey. The breed’s bark is sharp, high-pitched and is often used to express excitement or alertness. Cairn Terriers are known for being loud barkers, often barking at the slightest noise or movement. Their loud barks can be a challenge for owners, especially in urban environments where noise can be an issue. However, their barking 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, powerful dog breed known for its deep, resonant bark. Originally bred to pull heavy loads in harsh Arctic conditions, Malamutes need a loud bark to communicate with their handlers over long distances. The breed’s bark is deep and resonant and is often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. The Alaskan Malamute is known for being a barker, often “talking” to its owner with a variety of sounds, including howls, barks, and grunts. Their loud bark can be a challenge for owners, especially in tight quarters, but it also makes them excellent watchdogs. Regular training and exercise are important to help control the Malamute’s barking, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
2. Hound
Bloodhounds are large, powerful dogs known for their deep, resonant bark. Originally bred for tracking and hunting, Bloodhounds have a distinctive bark that can carry a long distance. The breed’s bark is often described as a “bay”, a deep, resonant sound used to alert their handlers to the presence of a scent. Bloodhounds are known for their barking nature, often using their barks to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. Their loud barks can be a challenge for owners, especially in tight living spaces, but they also make excellent watchdogs. Regular training and exercise are important to help control your Bloodhound’s barking, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large, powerful dogs known for their loud, authoritative bark. Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, German Shepherds have a natural tendency to bark, using their barks to control livestock and alert their owners to any potential threats. The breed’s barks are deep, resonant, and are often used to express excitement, frustration, or alertness. German Shepherds are known to make excellent watchdogs, as they are quick to alert at the slightest sign of an intruder. However, their barking can become excessive if not properly managed, especially when they are bored or anxious. Regular training and exercise are important to help control your German Shepherd’s barking, but it is likely that this breed will always bark to some extent.
