Animals That Bark

While barking has mainly been associated with dogs, it is not that they are the only barkers in the animal kingdom. If we look at a bark as a shortly loud sound that involves the combination of tones and noises, here are some animals which would be known as barkers:

1. Dogs

2. Wolves

3. Jackals

4. Foxes

5. Coyotes

6. Baboons

7. Monkeys

8. Rodents

9. Deers

10. Macaws (A Type Of Parrot)

11. Cockatoos

12. Ostriches

13. Sugar Gliders

The most studied bark is that of the dog, and this article will focus on that. In the following parts, you will get an extensive explanation of the different types of barks.

Bark Types Explained

Here’s a table that captures the types of barks, their characteristics, and the behavior explaining the woofing.  

Type Of bark	Characteristics	Behavior
Infant barking, or pup yelp	The bark is like harmony.	A puppy will emit this bark either to protest or to show that it is in distress.
A play-bark harmony	This type is a mix of sound – growls, and barks.	It usually comes before a dog wants to play.
A threat bark	The sound is usually low-pitched and doesn’t last long.	Someone could be approaching the premise.
A warn bark	The bark has a low-pitch and is not long lasting.	An intruder could be making their way into the house.
A noise bark	It is usually sharp and gets emitted intermittently	It could be that the dog is fighting with another dog – an agonistic context.

Dog 101: The Greatest Barkers

It goes without saying that all dogs woof. Even among all of them, there are Woofer Kings – if you know what I mean. I’m talking about dogs that bark until the sound gets to your nerves.

Those breeds that are known for repetitive barking are the ones we will focus on in this article.

If you’re looking to buy a dog and you’re audio sensitive, you might want to avoid these breeds. Now, let’s jump right in!

1. Beagle

Do you know about the bloodhound family? If you do, well, this breed belongs there. Beagles are unique because of their high adrenaline levels and are often seen as energetic dogs. This is despite having medium-size bodies.

Another unique thing about the beagle is that it can spend lots of hours tracking down prey that is detected. They may be among the crème de la crème of barkers, but that does not stop dog owners from buying them.

These great barkers are also friendly, affectionate, and cheerful. Around strangers, they express a shyness that can be taken as aggression. Also, the beagle is stubborn – you cannot train it with ease, and the dog finds it hard to obey orders, mostly if it is preoccupied with something else.

What you should also know about beagles is that they are like rodents – destructive to the core. It will mess your things up when you leave it alone, so don’t let the dog get bored.

2. Fox Terrier

This is another animal whose bark goes beyond that of the average dog. The terrier is originally English, and it exists in two groups based on coat texture – wire-haired or smooth.

What about the terrier’s personality? This one is a cheerful, lively, smart, active, and courageous dog. What makes them bark too much? If your terrier sees a park or a glimpse of the outdoors, it starts woofing. What you should know is that these dogs have an instinct to hunt foxes. That should explain their name.

3. West Highland White Terrier

Of all the breeds in this list, this one is the noisiest. The West Highland white terrier barks too much. It is a Scottish that was hunting birds and rabbits before it got domesticated. What is distinctive about the dog is its messy white fur.

Because of being aggressive hunters, this breed of dogs keeps chasing its prey with barks. Apart from its hunting prowess, the breed has an adorable personality. They get separation anxiety when they are left alone, which leads to their excessive barking. 

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Its second name suggests that the breed is German, which is true. It is the progeny of a crossbreed between miniature pinschers and standard schnauzers.

What stands out about his dog is its alertness, intelligence, and determination. Why do they make the list of the great barkers? The miniature schnauzer is a hunter and specializes in pinning mice down. When it sees any sudden movements, it is likely to start barking.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

This last one is, as you would expect, another terrier! The Yorkshire is originally English, and it was a people-favorite during the Victorian era. Many people these days like the breed because of its small size.

So, what is outstanding about this barker? It is highly energetic (thus active), independent, and impressively overprotective.

Like the schnauzer, the dog will go about barking when it notices even the slightest movement. This quality makes the animals excellent guard dogs.

Well

Those are only five. The others that bark a lot include poodles, Cairn terriers, Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese.

By the look of things, the terrier breed includes the greatest barkers!

Dog 101: Why Barkers Bark

The quickest response to this question is this – instinct. Dogs were born to bark. Sometimes they whine, other times they howl, but most times, they bark. Dogs make these sounds to communicate to, among others, their human companions.

Apart from expressing themselves, dogs bark to warn us about some impending danger, thus protecting us from harm.

Sometimes, dogs bark excessively for other reasons, and I will help you explore them.

Pre-Reasons Discussion

They are many reasons why dogs bark. When they do it, it’s not about annoying you or just because they can. Every bark is motivated, and it’s not about revenge or spite.

Particular dog breeds have been found to bark more than others. Some breeders created some breeds for barking. The reason why the breeders did that is to prepare the dogs to be guard dogs. On the flip side, other dogs (such as the Basenji) do not vocalize any barking.

To know why the dog is barking, you need to listen keenly. Then, you will see the motivation behind it, and you can start working on controlling the woofing.

The Reasons Why

Reason 1: Dogs Barks To Warn Or Alert.

When someone is at the door, your dog may jump out at them and start barking. Also, the dog starts barking when it notices strangers passing by. The motivation here is that a threat is coming the dog’s way.

Such an alert bark is usually loudly sharp and heavily authoritative. This reason isn’t such a bad one – your dog will help protect you, your home, and your loved ones.

Reason 2: Dogs Barks To Express Their Anxiety.

When a dog is feeling fearful or bored, they develop particular anxiety. This motivates the dog to woof around, and many times, the dog will twin the bark with a whine.

Have you heard about separation anxiety? Well, it is an anxiety that a dog develops when it is left alone. Yes – dogs do get lonely. 

Reason 3: Dogs Barks To Get Attention.

Your dog is like a child – that is why you are called a pet parent. So, the dog will sometimes bark so that you perform your parental duties.

An attention-seeking bark will always be sounded together with a whine, you know, like that of a child.

Reason 4: Dogs Barks To Express Excitement.

Have you seen young dogs and pups having fun? Whether the dogs are playing with their owners or other dogs, you will hear them barking all the time. The sound of the bark is usually musical and upbeat. This woofing shouldn’t worry you – they’re just behaving erratically. 

Reason 5: Dogs Barks To Attend To Other Dogs’ Bark.

Your dog can bark on the lawn, and suddenly, all the other dogs around start barking.  It seems like the dogs are trying to communicate with each other. Anyway, no one will ever know. Humans don’t speak dog.

Reason 6: Dogs Barks To Show That They Are Bored

Sad, bored dogs will bark to hear their voices. It may not be delightful for you, but it shouldn’t be. This is because your dog is feeling depressed, and you should immediately engage him in an activity. 

Doggie 101: Problem Barking

Problem barking or excessive barking is common to most dogs. It is one of the most prevalent concerns when it comes to dog behavior. If your dog barks like it has had one too many, you need to intervene.

Once you have known why your dog is barking excessively, take the necessary steps, and mitigate the behavior. If all the methods you employ do not work, you may consider taking the issue up with a vet. The vet will probably give you a medical recommendation. Or else, he or she will connect you to an expert dog trainer. A combination of medication and training will help the dog well. 

Doggie 101: Dealing With Problem Barking

As mentioned earlier, barking is what dogs were born to do. Also, problem barking has been reported by dog owners and is a concern. A dog that is supposed to bring joy and warmth can become less liked if they bark too much.

Tackling the problem is possible – you first need to know the reason for barking (why). With the ‘why,’ you can proceed and understand the moves you need to make to handle the behavior – the ‘how.’

Note: Be Practical About Making Your Control Move

At this moment, you may be saying that you want to eliminate the barking. Well, that is impractical, unrealistic, and unachievable. You cannot stop the dog from barking because they are themselves. What you can work on is reducing the barking.    

The Reasons Why, The Solutions How

Reason 1: Someone’s Knocking On The Door, Can You Hear My Dog Barking? 

Experts call this alarm barking, and the best move to make is to take Doggie’s mind off whoever’s at the door.

Solution 1: Engage The Dog With A Game. 

When the doorbell sounds, make the dog run to get a toy, you know, playing fetch. When they obey, sweeten their mood by offering a treat.

Reason 2: Cats And Birds Are In The Garden, And He’s Just Woofing! 

This is territorial barking, and the dog feels like his space is being intruded on.

Solution 2: Distract The Dog From The Territorial Threat.

Make them look away from the cats and birds by throwing a treat in the other direction. You can also pick the dog and take it away from the garden.

Reason 3: People Walk Past My House, And He Starts Barking! 

The dog thinks that the passers-by are invading his space.

Solution 3: Obstruct Its Vision

If your dog is looking at passers-by through the window, draw the curtain and make him stop seeing them. This is good management, and it will reinforce reduced barking.

Reason 4: I Leave Him Alone, And He Spends The Entire Day Barking!  

Experts call this separation anxiety. Doggie is lonely, and the barks are just vents. 

Solution 4: Get Him Care.

You can leave your Doggie with a familiar friend or family member. There, it can get a chance to socialize. If you can, make him an ESA (Emotional Support Animal). The ESA letter will help you take the dog with you anywhere.

Reason 5: I Fail To Attend To Him For A Second, Then He Starts Barking!  

Dogs can be childish, and it will make attention-seeking barks in your direction.

Solution 5: Ignorance Is The Defense.

Show tolerance and ignorance. Let the dog bark until it is tired. When it shuts up, treat the dog with a snack.

Reason 6: He Felt Bored, So He Started Woofing! 

This is territorial barking, which is the same as reason 2.

Solution 6: Get Him Up And Running. 

Get the dog something to do. Take a walk with the dog and make sure that it exercises actively. 

Reason 7: He Saw Another Dog And Couldn’t Stop Barking! 

Experts refer to this a frustration-related barking.

Solution 7: Get Him Up And Running. 

Restrain the dog so that he does not pounce on his canine frenemy. 

Reason 8: He Saw A Person On The Other Side Of The Road, And Bam, He’s Woofing Everywhere! 

This is another frustration-related type of barking. 

Solution 8: Get Him Up And Running. 

Get professional help so that the dog won’t break loose and hurt another person. Think about the damage the dog would cause, and especially if the person the dog is barking at is a child.