When you're making the exciting decision to welcome a new puppy into your home, there are many things to consider. Perhaps it's the breed's adorable nature, how well they get along with kids, or how much activity they need. Oh, and how much they bark!
Perhaps you want a dog that’s super vocal. Maybe they can warn you of suspicious things, or you just want a dog with a huge personality. Here, you can meet eight breeds that love to bark and decide whether one’s right for you.
1. Chihuahuas
These pint-sized pooches are just the beginning of tiny barking breeds to make the cut today. Chihuahuas are active yet cozy dogs who love to be surrounded by family, but they sure do have a slightly aggressive reputation. Yes, despite their itty-bitty size, they’re ready to bark whenever they feel threatened or want something from you.
We all know that Chihuahuas are sassy little things with an incredibly large vocal capacity. They’ll certainly need owners who know how to keep them busy and perhaps avoid situations that may provoke them to start barking at the top of their lungs!
2. Maltese
Covered in a glamorous long white coat, Maltese dogs are affectionate little friends. They are such happy little dogs, and they definitely have a lively personality. Luckily for Maltese owners, their barks are usually just happy ones! They’ll be wagging their tails and yapping away to let you know they’re content.
The Maltese are quite protective over their home and are prone to thinking just about anyone is an intruder. No matter what noises they hear in the night, they may start to bark away if they hear something out of the ordinary. Take a little extra care with these pups; they’re just looking out for you!
3. Siberian Huskies
Surprisingly, the Siberian Husky is the only bigger breed on this list. These working dogs are covered in a thick double coat and sport adorable triangular ears. As their name suggests, huskies are infamous for their barking and howling. They do a great job of telling you when they need something.
This breed was originally bred to tug along sleds and lead humans through icy weather, so they’re naturally going to have a lot of energy–but also a keen sense of wanting to protect you! Make sure you keep your Siberian Husky busy with lots of exercise, playtime, and listening to their needs. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with a complaining, wolf-like dog on your hands!
4. Miniature Schnauzers
Sporting a hilariously cute beard, these little terriers have been excessively barking since the 19th century. They’re so cute and full of loving energy, but make no mistake! They are some of the best watchdogs out there. This does mean you’re likely to have a little barker on your hands.
Miniature Schnauzers can easily adapt to any environment, but they truly love running for ages and letting all their energy out. Training these pups can be a little challenging, as they are desperate to be the family’s alpha; despite their small stature, they love being in charge!
5. Poodles
Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. All poodles, regardless of breed, are big barkers. This breed is incredibly intelligent and perceptive, keen to let you know when something doesn’t seem right. However, they also love to use their barking skills to their own advantage.
It's usually just a cunning little ploy to attract your attention when they're trying to get something. They are bound to inform you when they need food, cuddles, or playtime. It goes without saying that poodles need a lot of attention to keep them happy and minimize those yaps.
6. Fox Terriers
Like all terriers, the Fox Terrier may be small, but it is social and, of course, full of so much energy. Funnily enough, these dogs were bred to be hunters. Despite their size, someone must’ve thought that they needed a little dog like this to sneakily hunt small game.
These dogs are more likely to always be on guard and aware of their surroundings because they have an inherent prey drive. They are looking for objects to chase and, most importantly, people to bark at. Keep in mind that these breeds are only doing what they were bred for. It would take a lot of patience and hard work to keep a Fox Terrier quiet, as it would go against their natural instinct.
7. West Highland White Terriers
Westies are loveable and cuddly little dogs who are indeed known for their barking skills. They make for the perfect family dog, as they love to get involved in just about everything you’re doing. In the same breath, that means they’re super in tune with everything going on around them. Whether it’s sight, smell, or hearing, Westies are always in sync.
This does mean they’re going to want to vocalize everything they sense, wanting to make the family aware of their surroundings, too. The barks Westies let out shouldn’t be underestimated–they’re ready to yap as loud as they can.
8. Yorkshire Terriers
Also known as Yorkies, these terriers are tiny bundles of joy. In fact, they’re one of the smallest dog breeds! So, who would’ve guessed that they’d be on the list of the biggest barkers? To Yorkies, there’s no situation that doesn’t warrant a bark.
Yorkshire Terriers aren’t afraid to make themselves known, barking away until they’ve grabbed the attention of the whole room. Much like the other terriers on this list, they do need a lot of exercise to meet their energy levels and keep those frustrated yaps to a minimum.
Yapping Up
Huh, who would’ve thought so many terriers would’ve made their way onto this list? It just goes to show that breeds can still be barkers despite their size. If you're dying to get one of these breeds because you fell in love with them, be prepared to put up with the fact that they can require some additional training.
Dogs are more perceptive to sound than humans are, so maybe we should be thankful next time when they alert us to potential dangers by barking. However, if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t yap constantly, perhaps turn your attention to a quieter breed.
For instance, Basenjis are compact canines that are known as Africa’s barkless dog! You may also be drawn to an Afghan Hound. While they’re not the smartest dog breed, they seldom bark.
