I think it’s fair to say we have all been startled by a very loud bark from a dog at least a few times in our lifetime.
While a dog barks to communicate a number of different things, like alerting others of danger or warning off intruders, some have far louder barks than others.
It’s quite easy to assume a yappy pooch who is constantly talking has a much louder bark than a more reserved dog, which isn’t often the case.
In this post we delve into the dogs with the loudest barks based on decibels, so let’s jump in and see if your furry friend makes our top 10 list.
1. Great Dane: 120 dB
Aady on Unsplash
The Great Dane is one of the dog breeds with the strongest and deepest voices. They can reach up to 120 decibels when they bark, which can be compared to the sound of a jet engine taking off (impressive stuff). Great Danes are gentle giants and make great family pets, but their powerful voices can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a big dog with a big scary voice, the Great Dane is definitely for you.
2. Beagle: 115 dB
master1305 on Freepik
While beagles are far from the largest dog breed, they certainly make up for their lack of size with a very powerful voice. Their barks can reach up to 115 decibels! That’s louder than a car horn and nearly as loud as a jackhammer.
So why are beagles so noisy? Well, part of it has to do with their hunting history. Beagles were bred to work in packs and their loud voices helped them communicate with each other while they were out tracking prey. Today, their vocal nature is just part of their fun-loving personality.
3. German Shepherd: 113 dB
PDPics from Pixabay
German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. They’re also one of the noisiest, with a bark that can reach 113 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer or a gunshot and it’s enough to cause a serious headache!
German shepherds are bred as working dogs and their bark is an important part of their job. They use it to warn their owners of potential dangers, scare off intruders and herd other animals.
4. Siberian Husky: 112 dB
Mitchell Henderson on Pexels
As their name suggests, Siberian huskies hail from Siberia, where they were originally bred to pull heavy loads over long distances in freezing cold conditions. Today, these dogs are popular pets known for their thick coats of fur, which helps protect them from the cold weather. But there’s another characteristic that makes Siberian huskies stand out from other dog breeds—their powerful voices.
Siberian huskies are known for being one of the loudest dog breeds around, with a bark that can reach up to 112 decibels. That’s about as loud as a jackhammer or a jet engine taking off! While their barking might be annoying to some people, it’s actually a sign of their intelligence and trainability.
5. Alaskan Malamute: 110 dB
Lucas Andrade on Pexels
There’s no mistaking the booming voice of an Alaskan malamute. These powerful pups can reach volumes of up to 110 decibels, making them some of the loudest barkers in the canine world.
Though they’re typically gentle giants, their deep, resonant voices are often used to ward off potential threats. But don’t worry—a little positive reinforcement can go a long way in teaching your malamute to tone it down a notch.
6. Boxer: 109 dB
Manfred Richter from Pixabay
When it comes to barking, the boxer is truly in a class of its own. This breed is known for their loud, deep and booming bark that can easily carry across a large distance. In fact, the boxer’s bark is so powerful that it has been known to register at over 109 decibels on a sound meter—making it one of the loudest dog breeds in existence! While this vocal ability can be impressive to some, it can also be quite overwhelming for those who live close by or are trying to sleep.
7. Chihuahua: 104 dB
Charles C Collingwood on Unsplash
Chihuahuas are known for being one of the smallest dog breeds, but they make up for their size with their powerful voices. These pint-sized pups can reach decibels as high as 104, which is about as loud as a freight train. While their bark may be little, it is certainly mighty.
8. Dachshund: 103 dB
Kojirou Sasaki on Unsplash
Dachshunds are one of the most powerful barkers in the canine world. These dogs were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, and their deep, booming barks can be heard from afar. While their loud voices may be unsettling to some, they are actually quite friendly and loving dogs.
9. Bulldog: 97 dB
Sebastien on Unsplash
The bulldog’s deep, guttural bark is quite intimidating and can be heard from afar. Bulldogs are not known for being particularly vocal dogs, but when they do bark, it carries a lot of weight. On average, bulldogs have a barking volume of 97 dB. To put that into perspective, a normal conversation between two people measures about 60 dB. So, if you’re looking for a dog that will make their presence known, the bulldog is definitely worth considering.
10. Rottweiler: 95 dB
Christoph Sixt on Pexels
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with deep, booming voices. They were originally bred as working dogs and their impressive vocal cords reflect their history as guard and herding dogs. Rottweilers typically bark when they feel threatened or when they want to warn their owners of potential danger. While their bark can be startling at first, it’s also comforting to know that your Rottweiler is on the job.
Wrapping It Up
Did your dog make the list? Were you surprised that some of the dogs with the loudest bark are actually on the smallish side?
If you are worried about your dog’s excessive barking, there are many ways to control this. Absolutely Pawesome provides top tips and tricks on their Twitter page and is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
