10 Dog Breeds to Avoid Unless You Like Constant Barking, According to a Top-Rated Pet Sitter

Rocky Kanaka |

Dec 12, 2023

Welcome to the loud side of the dog world! If you’re all about peace and quiet, buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of the 10 most talkative dog breeds. These pups aren’t just chatty; they’re the life of the bark party!

From tiny yappers to big-time howlers, we’re exploring the canine crew that could give any noise-canceling headphone a run for its money. So, if your idea of a perfect pet is one that’s seen and not heard, you might want to take notes. Let’s meet the barkers!

1. Maltese

The Maltese is a small, elegant breed, often prized for its luxurious white coat and gentle, affectionate nature. Lorna Ladd, a top-rated pet sitter in Southern CA recalls Benny, a Maltese whose spirited barking belied his delicate appearance. “Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are quite spirited and can be very vocal, especially when alerting their owners to strangers or unusual noises,” Lorna explains.

This breed, while loving and playful, may require training to manage their barking tendencies. Lorna says despite their barking she has owned three of them because they are so loyal and take their job as companion dog very seriously.

“Yes, it drives me insane when Yodi won’t stop barking when someone knocks at the door, but he’s so smart, cute and sweet I quickly get over the barking.”
Lorna

Lorna added that she once took her Maltese to a well-known dog trainer who basically said that unless you can somehow alter the DNA of a Maltese, they are going to have a tendency to bark no matter what you do.

2. Chihuahuas

Tiny but mighty! Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, known for their bold and confident personality. Lorna reminisces about Lola, a Chihuahua whose diminutive size didn’t hinder her loud bark.

“Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have the heart of a lion and often use their bark to assert themselves,”
Lorna

This breed’s loyalty and protective nature can lead to frequent barking, especially in new or unfamiliar situations.

3. Dachshunds

Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs or Doxies, have a long body and short legs, a unique design for their original purpose of hunting small game. Lorna shares a story about Oscar, a Dachshund whose persistent barking at wildlife showcased his innate hunting instincts.

“Their design is not just physical; their bark is a tool for hunting, which can translate into a noisy household pet.”
Lorna

4. Scottish Terriers

Scotties, as Lorna affectionately calls them, have a distinct bark. She remembers Princess, her parent’s Scottie whose bark was as strong as his personality. “They’re independent and sometimes stubborn, which often comes out in their barking,” Lorna says.

5. Beagles

Beagles are small to medium-sized hounds with a great sense of smell and a strong instinct to track. Ladd’s experience with Bailey, a Beagle, involved long howling sessions, a trait common in this breed.

“Beagles were bred to hunt in packs and use their howl to communicate with their pack and their human hunters”
Lorna

Everytime I left the house I would get notifications from my Furbo that this dog was not just barking but howling. It was a little disruptive in the neighborhood.

6. Pomeranians

Pomeranians are small dogs with a fluffy coat and a vivacious personality. Ladd describes them as small dogs with big voices, as evidenced by her time with Pixie, a particularly vocal Pomeranian. “Their howling is not just for attention; it’s part of their way to express themselves, stemming from their larger Spitz-type ancestors,” Lorna points out.

7. Miniature Pinschers (Min Pin)

Min Pins are small, energetic dogs that resemble miniature Dobermans. Lorna recalls Zeus, a Min Pin whose vigilant barking was a constant feature. “Min Pins may look like miniature guard dogs, and they take that role seriously, often barking to alert their owners,” she explains.

8. Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, droopy eyes, and short legs. Despite their laid-back appearance, they can be quite vocal. Lorna’s time with Homer, a Basset Hound, involved deep, resonant barking. “Their howls are a throwback to their hunting roots, used for communication during the hunt,” she says.

9. German Shepherds

German Shepherds are large, intelligent dogs, often used in police and military roles. Lorna shares an anecdote about Max, a German Shepherd, whose alert barking was a common occurrence. “They’re bred to be working dogs, and their bark is often a sign of their alertness and protective nature,” she observes. If you don’t have time to exercise a German Shepherd a couple hours a day you may have a very barky dog on your hands.

10. Huskies

Huskies are medium-sized working dogs known for their endurance and distinctive vocalizations. Lorna’s experience with Maya, a Husky, included a range of howls and sounds. “Huskies are pack animals, and their howling is a way of communicating with their pack – in this case, their human family,” she says.

Lorna emphasizes that barking doesn’t make these breeds bad dogs. “Each bark has a story, a reason. It’s their way of communicating,” she says. However, for individuals who might find constant barking a challenge, these breeds may not align well with their lifestyle.

While these breeds are known for their vocal tendencies, Lorna’s experiences highlight the unique personalities and charms of each. Her stories serve as a reminder that while barking can be a consideration, it’s just one aspect of a dog’s character. For potential dog owners, understanding these traits is crucial in finding a compatible furry companion.

Here Are 5 Quiet Dog Options For Those Who Can’t Deal With Barking

For those who prefer quieter canine companions, here are five dog breeds known for their relatively low tendency to bark.

1. Basenji

The Basenji, often referred to as the “barkless dog,” is unique in its vocal behavior. Instead of barking, they produce a distinctive sound known as a “baroo,” due to their unusually shaped larynx. This African breed is known for its intelligence, independence, and cat-like demeanor. They are curious and playful, making them great companions for those who appreciate a quieter dog. However, their silence doesn’t mean they’re not expressive; they communicate their emotions through a variety of sounds and body language.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Renowned for their gentle and affectionate nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not prone to excessive barking. They are known to be adaptable, sociable, and eager to please, fitting well into various living situations, including apartments. Their friendly demeanor makes them excellent companions, especially for families and the elderly. While they may alert their owners to visitors, they generally prefer to greet guests with a wagging tail rather than a bark.

3. Whippet

Whippets are known for their calm and quiet demeanor. They are a sighthound breed, originally bred for hunting by sight. In a home setting, they are gentle and undemanding, often described as ‘couch potatoes.’ Whippets rarely bark and are more likely to retreat to a quiet spot than to respond with noise. Their friendly and docile nature makes them excellent pets for families and individuals seeking a peaceful companion.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and serene nature. They are a Swiss breed, originally used as farm dogs. In a family setting, they are gentle giants, known for their loyalty and affectionate behavior. Bernese Mountain Dogs do not typically bark without cause, making them suitable for families and individuals who prefer a quieter dog. They are also great with children, displaying patience and a protective instinct.

5. The Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a charming and elegant toy breed, renowned for its distinctive pushed-in face and feathered coat. Known for their aristocratic demeanor, these dogs are surprisingly low-key and quiet, making them ideal for those seeking a serene companion.

Unlike many small breeds, the Japanese Chin is not prone to excessive barking. They tend to be reserved and thoughtful, often observing their surroundings with a calm and composed attitude. Lorna notes, “The Japanese Chin is a breed that exudes tranquility. I’ve only pet sat a couple but I’ve found them to be among the most silent, communicating more with their expressive eyes than with their voice.” This breed’s gentle and loving nature, combined with its quiet disposition, makes it a perfect pet for apartment dwellers or anyone who appreciates a peaceful environment.

FAQs About The Noisiest Dogs

What are some of the noisiest dogs?

The noisiest dogs often include breeds like the Beagle, German Shepherd, and Chihuahua, known for their loud barks and frequent vocalizations.

Which dogs that bark the most are suitable for families?

Family dogs that bark the most include breeds like the German Shepherd and Husky, known for their protective nature and loud barking.

Are there any most barky dogs that are also small in size?

Yes, some of the most barky dogs are small breeds, such as the Maltese and Chihuahua, known for their excessive barking despite their size.

Can you list dog breeds that bark the most?

Dog breeds that bark the most include the Siberian Husky, Basset Hound, and Scottish Terrier, all known for their loud and frequent barking.

What dogs bark the most at strangers?

Dogs like the German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute are known to bark the most at strangers, often due to their protective instincts.

Which are the loudest dogs in terms of bark volume?

The loudest dogs include breeds like the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, known for their loud barks that can be heard from a great distance.

What are the top 10 barking dogs for home security?

The top 10 barking dogs for home security include breeds like the German Shepherd, Basset Hound, and Husky, known for their loud and alert barking.

Which are the loudest dog breeds in urban environments?

In urban environments, the loudest dog breeds are often the German Shepherd and the Husky, known for their loud barks in response to city noises.

What dog breed barks the most when left alone?

Breeds like the Siberian Husky and Maltese are known to bark the most when left alone, often due to separation anxiety.

What dog has the loudest bark in small dog categories?

In the small dog category, the dog with the loudest bark is often the Chihuahua, known for its loud and persistent barking.

What breed of dog barks the most during nighttime?

Breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Cairn Terrier are known to bark the most during nighttime, often alerting to sounds and movements.

Which are the noisiest dog breeds in apartment settings?

In apartment settings, the noisiest dog breeds include the Maltese and Scottish Terrier, known for their loud barks in confined spaces.

Which most barking dog is best for active individuals?

The most barking dog suitable for active individuals is often the German Shepherd, known for its energy and frequent vocalizations.

Which dog breeds bark the most in response to other animals?

Dog breeds that bark the most in response to other animals include the German Shepherd and Basset Hound, known for their alert and loud barks.

What dog with the loudest bark is also good with children?

The dog with the loudest bark that is also good with children is often the Maltese, known for its friendly nature despite its loud bark.

Are there dog breeds that bark a lot but are easy to train to stop barking?

Yes, a dog breed that bark a lot but can be trained to stop barking is the German Shepherd, known for their trainability.

What are the barkiest dog breeds for rural living?

The barkiest dog breeds suitable for rural living include the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, known for their loud barking in open spaces.

Which dog has the loudest bark for guarding purposes?

The dog with the loudest bark for guarding purposes is often the German Shepherd, known for its intimidating bark and protective nature.

What are some dogs with the loudest bark that also have a gentle temperament?

Dogs with the loudest bark that also have a gentle temperament include breeds like the Beagle and Basset Hound, known for their loud barks but friendly nature.