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Top 10 Most Vocal Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

chihuahua_Shutterstock_Shane N. Cotee

Dogs, unlike humans, don’t use vocalization as their primary method of communication, preferring instead to rely on body language to get their message across. Whether it’s the way they move their tail, the position of their eyes or ears, how they move their bodies, or even the expressions on their face, a dog’s body language is a highly complex and effective communication method.

Body language, however, is not their only form of communication, as dogs also use vocal methods to communicate. Perhaps the most obvious type of canine vocalization is barking, but also it includes a range of growls, whines, howls, whimpers, and yelps. Dogs vocalize, or talk, for many reasons, and most owners learn how to differentiate between the various sounds that their dogs make and what it is they are trying to communicate.

Of course, some dogs talk much more than others. The amount of vocalization varies from breed to breed and dog to dog. So, what might be an unusual amount of talk from one dog may be perfectly normal in another. Any change in the way or frequency of a dog’s vocalization could be a sign of a problem. So what dogs talk the most?

To help you out, we’ve put together this alphabetical list of 10 of the most talkative dog breeds. These most vocal dog breeds will talk to you all day long!

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The 10 Most Talkative Dog Breeds

1. Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute
Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

These large, playful, and loyal dogs were bred originally as Arctic sled dogs. Strong and energetic, Malamutes need a home with an active family or individual prepared to give them both plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

An Alaskan Malamute won’t be the dog for everybody, but if you do take on the challenge of owning one of these magnificent dogs, you will also find yourself the owner of one of the most vocal breeds.

Alaskan Malamutes don’t tend to bark much, but they do like to howl and grumble. If you’re lucky, they may even try to sing when you listen to or play music.


2. Bassett Hound

Basset Hound dog
Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock

Endearing and instantly recognizable, the Bassett Hound is easily one of the most popular dogs around the world. According to the American Kennel Club, it is the 39th most popular dog breed in the U.S.

They are fantastic family pets and have a laidback, almost relaxed attitude toward life. They love being with their people, though, and if left alone in a yard for hours on end, you’ll find your neighborhood getting serenaded by your dog’s mournful howls.


3. Beagle

Beagle
Image Credit: Gasanov_Igor, Pixabay

You’ll likely find several of these small scent detectors on legs working at your local airport or cargo terminal, sniffing out illegal drugs, foods, and other contraband.

These loyal and lovable little dogs are one of the most popular dogs overall in the U.S. Despite their popularity, Beagles know how to make a racket. They have a distinct high-pitched howl that seems far too loud to come out of such a small dog and sounds like a desperate cry for help.


4. Bloodhound

Bloodhound
Image Credit: Huckleberry14, Shutterstock

Another hound dog known for their sense of smell, the Bloodhound is the laidback nobility of the hound-type breeds.

Friendly and curious, Bloodhounds make great family pets but are equally good working dogs in roles where their strong sense of smell can be used to track people who are lost or hiding.

Like the smaller Bassett Hound, Bloodhounds tend to howl and will do so when left alone or feeling anxious. Although, in the case of the Bloodhound, their howl is louder, deeper, and even more mournful.


5. Chihuahua

chihuahua sitting on a tree log outdoor
Image Credit: liggraphy, Pixabay

Originally from Mexico, these spicy little dogs may be tiny in size but big in personality. According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas have loyalty, charm, and an attitude that you’d expect to see from a dog many times their tiny size.

The Chihuahua also loves to bark, and they do so frequently, although due to their size, it sounds more like a full-throated yap. But these dogs don’t do anything by half, and when they get it in their mind to start yapping, you’ll have your work cut out getting them to stop.


6. Dachshund

dachshund standing on ground
Image Credit: Sabrinakoeln, Pixabay

Long and skinny, with short legs and a low-slung body, the Dachshund was first developed in Germany as a working dog and used for hunting rabbits and badgers.

They are tireless workers and have friendly but independent personalities and are known for their bark, which sounds like it’s coming from a dog many times their size. However, they are a dog that likes to hear themselves bark, and if not corrected while they’re young, their nuisance barking may become a problem.


7. German Shepherd

overweight german shepherd dog
Image Credit: tr19001, Pixabay

One of the finest all-purpose working dogs in the world and the second most popular dog in the U.S., German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, and confident dogs. They’ve been the pick of breeds for police and military agencies for years, but you’re just as likely to find them curled up the couch with their family.

German Shepherds are the dog that every Chihuahua wants to be: big, strong, and with a bark that’s so ferocious that it will leave no one in doubt that they mean business. Yet they also like to grumble and whine, and anyone who has owned a German Shepherd will tell you they use both of these techniques to complain when they want attention.


8. Pomeranian

pomeranian dog lying on grass
Image Credit: Nick Stafford, Pixabay

Pomeranians are the smallest of the spitz breed dogs, but despite their size, they have the commanding attitude of a much larger dog.

Lively, alert, and intelligent, these big-hearted little dogs make great watchdogs, and their consistent yapping bark will alert their owners to anything amiss. While their yapping isn’t overly loud, they are persistent barkers, and if left unchecked, this can become a nuisance.


9. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky standing outdoor
Image Credit: BARBARA808, Pixabay

The Siberian Husky, like the Alaskan Malamute, is a sled dog developed to haul people and goods over the Arctic snow and ice. Smaller than the Malamute, the Husky prefers the company of other dogs and would be happier curled up in the snow with their pack than lying by the fire inside a cabin with their owner.

Huskies don’t generally bark much, but they do have a loud wolf-like howl that on a clear, breezy night, can easily travel a mile or more.


10. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier standing on the pavement
Image Credit: Josep Monter Martinez, Pixabay

The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact, toy-sized dog and another of the most popular breeds in the US.

Known for their long, flowing silky coat, which is usually kept clipped short to make their grooming manageable, Yorkies have a feisty, no-nonsense attitude and are brave to the point of foolishness. They’re, however, fantastic little guard dogs with a loud and distinctive yapping bark, which they’ll readily use whenever any stranger comes to your door.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a quiet dog and want to know which breeds to avoid, or you want a dog that will “talk” to you, these are 10 most vocal dog breeds. From the tiny Chihuahua to the large German Shepherd, and every size in between, these dogs will keep you entertained with talkative nature. Which one was your favorite?


Featured Image Credit: Shane N. Cotee, Shutterstock

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