Looking for a talkative dog? While all dogs use sounds like barking, howling, whining, and growling to communicate, some breeds are extra vocal.
Nicole Kohanski, founder and dog trainer at Wiggle Butt Academy, says a dog’s DNA often explains their vocal nature. She lists Beagles, Siberian Huskies, and Chihuahuas as some of the most talkative breeds. She says herding dogs, guard dogs, and those bred to be companions talk the most.
Keep reading to learn more about the chattiest breeds and why they love to speak!
1. Beagles
Beagles are hunting hounds who love to use their voice—barking, howling, and baying whenever they catch a scent. Their name even comes from the French word “bégueule,” meaning “loudmouth.”
With a dog as fun-loving and energetic as the Beagle, prepare to shower them with lots of exercise, enrichment, and love!
- Size: Medium (20–30 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Long ears, tricolor coat, soulful eyes
- Personality: Friendly, curious, energetic
- Activity Level: High—requires daily exercise and enrichment
- Grooming Needs: Low—weekly brushing
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs lots of attention and training
- Trainability: Intelligent but sometimes stubborn
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, obesity
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
2. Dachshunds
Whether you know them as “hot dogs,” “wiener dogs,” “Doxies,” or “sausage dogs,” the Dachshund’s name is German for “badger dog.” Known for their long bodies and big barks, Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. They’re lively, brave, and love their families.
- Size: Small (11–32 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Long body, short legs, elongated snout
- Personality: Playful, bold, affectionate
- Activity Level: Medium—daily walks and playtime
- Grooming Needs: Low to moderate—varies by coat type
- Care Difficulty: Medium—prone to back issues
- Trainability: Willful but eager to please with patience
- Health Risks: Intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental problems
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
3. Basset Hounds
Gentle and lovable, Basset Hounds are pack dogs who bark, bay, and howl. They’re happiest with their families and may bark excessively when excited or lonely.
- Size: Medium (40–65 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Droopy ears, wrinkled face, short legs
- Personality: Easygoing, sweet, loyal
- Activity Level: Low to medium—short daily walks
- Grooming Needs: Medium—prone to drooling and shedding
- Care Difficulty: Medium—requires family time and patience
- Trainability: Stubborn but food-motivated
- Health Risks: Ear infections, obesity, hip dysplasia
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
4. Siberian Huskies
Originally bred as pack dogs, Kohanski says Siberian Huskies are energetic and extremely vocal, known for howling, “talking,” screaming, and even singing. She adds that their vocal range and sounds can even resemble humans.
Gentle and family-oriented, Huskies vocalize as a way to express whatever emotions they’re feeling or have a good chat with you.
- Size: Medium to large (35–60 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Thick double coat, striking blue or multi-colored eyes
- Personality: Friendly, mischievous, high-energy
- Activity Level: High—requires intense physical exercise
- Grooming Needs: High—regular brushing, seasonal shedding
- Care Difficulty: High—needs experienced pet parents
- Trainability: Intelligent but independent
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, eye issues, hypothyroidism
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
iStock/Tatiana Terekhina
5. German Shepherds
Bred to guard and herd livestock, German Shepherds are extremely talkative. They communicate by barking, whimpering, grumbling, or whining.
They are natural protectors and working dogs—it’s no wonder they make outstanding sheep herders, police dogs, search and rescue dogs.
- Size: Large (50–90 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Pointed ears, muscular build, intelligent gaze
- Personality: Confident, obedient, protective
- Activity Level: High—thrives on training and exercise
- Grooming Needs: Medium—regular brushing, seasonal shedding
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs physical and mental stimulation
- Trainability: Highly trainable and intelligent
- Health Risks: Hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy
- Lifespan: 9–13 years
6. Pomeranians
Energetic, affectionate, sassy, and vocal, the Pomeranian is the epitome of a small dog with a big personality. These little pooches were bred as companion dogs, wanting nothing more to be with their people and the center of attention.
As a result, they may bark, whine, and yip—loudly—to get their attention or alert you of a perceived threat, even if it’s just a strong gust of wind.
- Size: Small (3–7 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Fluffy coat, fox-like face, plume tail
- Personality: Bold, affectionate, lively
- Activity Level: Low to medium—short daily walks and playtime
- Grooming Needs: High—regular brushing to prevent matting
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs consistent training
- Trainability: Smart but can be stubborn
- Health Risks: Luxating patella, collapsed trachea, dental problems
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
7. Miniature Schnauzers
With their spunky personality, signature beards, and loud bark, Miniature Schnauzers make great watchdogs with larger-than-life personalities. They love staying busy and are quick learners.
Without proper training, exercise, and enrichment, they can (and likely will) bark whenever they see fit. This is especially true if they’re bored or anxious.
- Size: Small (11–20 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Bushy eyebrows, wiry coat, distinct beard
- Personality: Outgoing, intelligent, alert
- Activity Level: Moderate—daily walks and mental enrichment
- Grooming Needs: High—regular haircuts and brushing
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs proper socialization and exercise
- Trainability: Highly trainable but energetic
- Health Risks: Pancreatitis, bladder stones, allergies
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
8. Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas may be small, but their bark is mighty. This toy breed is fiercely loyal and love to use their voice to express excitement or demand attention, whether they’re whining, growling, barking, or howling.
- Size: Tiny (2–6 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Round head, large ears, big expressive eyes
- Personality: Bold, devoted, lively
- Activity Level: Low—short daily walks and indoor play
- Grooming Needs: Low to moderate—varies by coat type
- Care Difficulty: Medium—fragile and can be stubborn
- Trainability: Intelligent but requires patience
- Health Risks: Heart issues, dental disease, patellar luxation
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
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9. Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers, or simply “Yorkies,” are playful, brave, and assertive dogs who were originally bred to hunt in 19th century England. Kohanski considers them to be “quite the barky pups.”
These pint-sized pups crave companionship and will bark and whine to get their person’s attention.
- Size: Small (4–7 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Silky coat, small build, upright ears
- Personality: Brave, affectionate, energetic
- Activity Level: Medium—daily walks and playtime
- Grooming Needs: High—regular brushing and trimming
- Care Difficulty: Medium—requires consistent training
- Trainability: Smart but can be stubborn
- Health Risks: Dental problems, luxating patella, hypoglycemia
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
10. Australian Shepherds
Despite their Aussie-inspired name, the Australian Shepherd is an popular U.S. dog breed that was developed to herd livestock and bark to excel at their job.
A highly active and intelligent breed, these dogs love to stay busy by putting their bodies and minds to work. Depending on the situation, you may hear them bark, howl, whine, grunt, and even scream.
- Size: Medium (40–65 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Merle coat patterns, bright eyes, bobtail
- Personality: Energetic, loyal, intelligent
- Activity Level: High—needs vigorous daily exercise
- Grooming Needs: Medium—regular brushing and seasonal shedding
- Care Difficulty: High—best for active, experienced owners
- Trainability: Highly trainable but thrives with mental stimulation
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye conditions
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
11. West Highland White Terriers
The West Highland White Terrier, or “Westie,” is a fun-loving, feisty, and friendly dog great for anyone looking for a watchdog, as you can count on them to be alert and let you know if they suspect anything out of the ordinary.
They generally bark with a purpose—or when they’re bored.
- Size: Small (15–20 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: White double coat, upright ears, compact build
- Personality: Confident, friendly, spirited
- Activity Level: Medium—daily walks and playtime
- Grooming Needs: Medium—regular brushing and haircuts
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs consistent training
- Trainability: Independent but eager to learn
- Health Risks: Skin issues, luxating patella, lung problems
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
12. Border Collies
As herding dogs, Border Collies are naturally vocal and highly intelligent, thriving with plenty of activity and mental challenges.
Without sufficient exercise, enrichment, and attention, these dogs will bark, growl, whine, yelp, or howl to communicate how they’re feeling. They may also resort to destructive behaviors or excessive vocalizations if left alone for too long.
- Size: Medium (30–55 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Athletic build, alert expression, varied coat colors
- Personality: Hardworking, devoted, energetic
- Activity Level: Very high—needs intense physical and mental exercise
- Grooming Needs: Medium—weekly brushing and seasonal shedding
- Care Difficulty: High—requires active, engaged pet parents
- Trainability: Extremely trainable and intelligent
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
13. Alaskan Malamutes
Similar to Huskies in appearance, Alaskan Malamutes are social pack dogs who “talk,” howl, and “woo” more than they bark.
They’re affectionate and family-oriented but require lots of activity.
- Size: Large (75–100 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Thick double coat, curled tail, wolf-like face
- Personality: Gentle, friendly, social
- Activity Level: High—needs vigorous exercise and play
- Grooming Needs: High—frequent brushing, heavy shedding
- Care Difficulty: High—best for experienced, active pet parents
- Trainability: Intelligent but independent
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
14. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are a beloved and popular breed, known to be friendly, playful, and intelligent.
Originally bred in Scotland as gundogs in the 19th century, Golden Retrievers are friendly and playful, occasionally barking to entertain themselves or express excitement.
- Size: Large (55–75 pounds)
- Distinctive Features: Golden coat, floppy ears, kind expression
- Personality: Affectionate, intelligent, energetic
- Activity Level: High—requires daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Grooming Needs: Medium—regular brushing and seasonal shedding
- Care Difficulty: Medium—needs family time and training
- Trainability: Very trainable and eager to please
- Health Risks: Hip dysplasia, cancer, heart issues
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a vocal dog, these talkative breeds are sure to bring plenty of personality and conversation into your home. Whether they’re barking, howling, or “talking,” these dogs love to communicate and share their emotions.
While their chatty nature can be charming, it’s important to provide training, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep their voices happy and constructive. With the right care, these vocal companions will fill your life with joy—and maybe a bit of noise!
