Some breeds can’t resist sounding the alarm at every little thing.
Barking is natural for dogs, but some take it to Olympic levels. A leaf falls, a car door shuts three houses down, and suddenly you’re the star of a neighborhood noise complaint. Certain breeds are notorious for loving the sound of their own voices, and understanding why they bark so much is the first step to calming it down. Here are ten dogs known for overdoing it—and how to finally get some peace.
1. Beagles seem to narrate their entire day.
According to the American Kennel Club, Beagles were bred as hunting dogs, using barking, baying, and howling to alert hunters to prey. That instinct never left, which is why even a passing squirrel or delivery truck can spark a full vocal performance. Because barking is rooted in their purpose, training often requires redirecting their energy through scent games and puzzle feeders. Daily walks and consistent obedience commands like “quiet” can reduce the noise while still giving them an outlet for their tracking instincts.
2. Chihuahuas think they own the world.
Small body, big attitude. Chihuahuas often bark at strangers, noises, or even familiar people entering a room. This behavior comes from a mix of protective instinct and confidence, despite their size, as stated by PetMD. Socialization and boundary training early on can help, while positive reinforcement for staying calm when triggers appear is key. Providing a safe space, like a crate or quiet room, can also curb overreactions and give them somewhere to relax when overstimulated.
3. Miniature Schnauzers act like self-appointed security guards.
These dogs were bred to catch rats and alert owners to intruders, which translates to constant vigilance in modern homes. They bark to announce visitors, new sounds, or even unusual scents, reported by the American Kennel Club. Training them to respond to a specific “enough” or “quiet” command works best when paired with reward-based methods. Regular mental stimulation—like agility training or nose work—helps satisfy their natural drive to watch and warn, making them less reactive overall.
4. Shetland Sheepdogs can’t resist calling the shots.
Shelties were developed as herding dogs, meaning they had to use their voice to control livestock. In family life, that translates to frequent barking at people, pets, or passing cars. Early obedience training and ample exercise can reduce how often they feel the need to “manage” their surroundings. Distraction techniques, like engaging toys or advanced tricks, help redirect their energy away from excessive barking while still honoring their alert and intelligent nature.
5. Yorkshire Terriers bring a lot of volume for their size.
Yorkies were once used for ratting in textile mills, and that tenacity shows up as relentless barking when they sense anything unusual. Socialization is critical; exposing them to different sounds and sights early reduces overreactions later. Short training sessions focused on impulse control combined with regular walks help keep their mind busy and reduce pent-up energy that fuels unwanted barking at home.
6. Pomeranians act like feathered alarms.
These fluffy companions often develop a habit of barking at new people or unexpected noises, largely due to their watchdog heritage. Keeping them mentally stimulated with puzzle toys and daily play can prevent boredom-based barking. Teaching a calm behavior, like going to a mat or bed when the doorbell rings, can replace the instinct to bark non-stop. Positive reinforcement for quiet moments builds long-term habits, keeping their vocal enthusiasm under control.
7. Dachshunds bark to prove their bravery.
Dachshunds were designed to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, so vocalization is built into their job description. That protective drive makes them vocal about strangers, noises, and sometimes even their own family members moving around. Daily exercise and mental enrichment, like scent-tracking games, give them an outlet for their strong instincts. Obedience training, with clear signals for when barking is acceptable, helps balance their need to “speak” with peaceful coexistence.
8. West Highland White Terriers sound off at almost anything.
Westies were bred to hunt vermin, which means they’re always on alert. Barking is part of their default communication style, especially when it comes to unfamiliar people or changes in their environment. Structured training, including desensitization to common noises, works well to reduce excessive barking. Regular play sessions that tire them out mentally and physically make them less likely to fixate on triggers, reducing random outbursts throughout the day.
9. German Shepherds stay vocal to guard their territory.
These dogs are natural protectors, and barking often comes from wanting to alert owners of potential threats, real or imagined. Controlled socialization and professional obedience training can help manage when and why they bark. Giving them jobs—like carrying packs during walks or practicing advanced commands—reduces stress and gives their sharp mind a productive outlet, lowering the need for constant vocalization.
10. Alaskan Malamutes talk back like teenagers.
Malamutes are known not just for barking but also for howling, “talking,” and vocalizing at owners in unique, loud ways. Their northern working heritage means they’re used to expressing themselves vocally in packs. Addressing this involves structured exercise, such as long daily walks or pulling activities, and rewarding calm behavior indoors. While you might never have a silent Malamute, you can teach them limits and reduce spontaneous outbursts through consistency and patience.