13 Great Dog Breeds That Talk

So can dogs talk? Does barking mean anything?

Barking was previously said to have no purpose and is only a consequence of domestication. However, recent research has debunked these beliefs and demonstrated that barking is actually a means for dogs to communicate. Typically, a bark is utilized as a warning, greeting, or playtime signal.

Researchers have also found that barks differ between breeds, even among individual dogs, with a dominant frequency of 160 Hz to 2630 Hz. All dogs can identify and respond to the various barking frequencies, which are confusing.

Dogs’ barking patterns were found to be unique. Researchers learned how various breeds have distinct barking patterns and utilize them in different ways. Including how often they bark and whether or not a dog breed is more likely to bark as a form of communication rather than another. For example, breeds like Basenji, Shar-pei, or Chow-Chow are far less likely to bark. They will frequently communicate in another manner instead.

This can be accomplished thanks to the puppy’s early socialization, beginning from puppyhood. Because of their nature, they need owners who keep them occupied and give lots of attention to don’t develop undesirable behaviors.

But some breeds definitely require less training in this department the others.

Some dog breeds can even be taught to speak a few words or phrases. Some are just making a lot of noise and want to be heard. In this article, we will discuss 8 dog breeds that talk in some way or another!

Do you want to know about dog breeds that talk? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Alaskan Malamute

Malamutes are working sled dogs from the Arctic. Malamutes are strong and lively, so they need a home with an active family or individual willing to give them both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Alaskan Malamutes don’t bark much, but they do like to grumble and howl. If you’re listening to or playing music, you might be lucky enough to hear them attempt to sing.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds have a pleasant disposition, and their droopy eyes, squat bodies, and short legs will brighten anyone’s day. These squatty creatures are low-key and will never be the first across the finish line. They enjoy being in the thick of things, and if left alone, they’ll protest with their loud hound howl.

Beagle

If you have a Beagle at home, you’re undoubtedly familiar with this iconic sound. The bay is deeper, and more drawn out than a howl and is how the Beagle expresses its emotions. You may hear it if they are scaring off a stranger or begging for your attention. It may be endearing…in small doses.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is the laid-back aristocracy of hound-type dogs, with a nose for tracking and finding people (or anything else missing).

Bloodhounds are intelligent, kind, and inquisitive. Bloodhounds make excellent family pets. But are also effective working dogs in situations where their excellent sense of smell may be utilized to track lost or hidden people.

Blood Hounds, like the smaller Basset Hound, howl when left alone or nervous. Their howl, however, is louder, deeper, and even more tragic in the case of the Bloodhound.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is an energetic, athletic dog that requires frequent exercise and mental stimulation to remain a manageable houseguest. They may become nuisance barkers as a result of their attitude.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with a big personalities that come from Mexico. According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas have charm and an attitude that you’d expect from a dog many times their size.

The Chihuahua is also a vocal breed, but it sounds like a deep-throated yap due to its stature. On the other hand, these dogs don’t do things half-heartedly and will keep barking until you succeed in getting them to keep quiet.

Dachshund

The Dachshund, short and wide with long legs and a low-slung body, was developed in Germany as a hunting dog for rabbits and badgers.

They make good watchdogs and are tireless in their duties. However, they have their own unique personalities and are known for barking loudly that sounds like it’s coming from a dog many times their size. They are, however, a dog that enjoys hearing themselves bark. If not disciplined when they’re young, their annoying yapping might become an issue.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are loyal, brave, and self-assured dogs among the greatest working dogs in the United States and globally. For years, police and military agencies have chosen German Shepherds as their favorite breed. Still, you’re just as likely to find them snuggled up with the owners on the couch.

The Alaskan Malamute is the dog that every Chihuahua aspires to be: big, powerful, and famous for its terrifying bark. They’re also known to complain and grumble. Any German Shepherd owner will tell you that they employ both of these tactics to complain when they want attention.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is undeniably adorable with scruffy beards, folded ears, and a salt and pepper coat. However, don’t mistake them for a docile breed that just watches the world go by. These rambunctious pups like to bark at everything that passes by. With some guidance, they may become nice companions for any pet owner. That’s why this breed is always in the top 20 most popular dogs in the US. 

Pomeranian

These big-hearted little dogs are lively, alert, and intelligent, making excellent watchdogs. Their frequent barking will notify their owners of anything wrong. While their barking isn’t excessively loud, they are persistent barkers, and if not controlled, this can become a problem.

Siberian Husky

Because Huskies are accustomed to working in groups, they are inclined to use their voices to communicate with one another. How does this translate in a human pack? A lot of vocal expression and howling. Make no mistake, a husky will not hesitate to tell you what’s going through its mind.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies have a coat of hair that is long and silky. They often cut it short because it’s easier to groom. They are brave (sometimes even too much). They’re, on the other hand, excellent little watchdogs with a loud and distinct yapping bark that they’ll readily deploy when anyone approaches your door.

West Highland White Terrier


The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a small terrier from Scotland. They, like all terriers, can be stubborn, difficult to train, and prone to nuisance barking. When training begins early on, they may become fantastic active pets.

Credits: thanks for the cover photo to Canva.

Disclosure: At pawtypooch.com we only mention the products that we’ve researched and considered worthy. But it’s important to note that we are a participant of several affiliate programs, including VigLink, ShareASale, Skimlinks, and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate pawtypooch.com earns from qualifying purchases.  Also, please note that pawtypooch.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All published articles are meant for informational purposes only. And this information should not be substituted for professional veterinary consultation.