Ever wonder why some dogs seem to sing to the moon more than others? Howling is an ancient form of canine communication, connecting our furry friends to their wild ancestors.
Whether expressing joy, alerting others, or simply joining a neighborhood chorus, these 12 dog breeds are known for their impressive vocal performances that range from melodious to spine-tingling.
1. Siberian Husky
These blue-eyed beauties are the opera singers of the dog world. Their wolf-like howls can be heard for miles, especially when they’re bored or seeking attention.
Huskies often “talk back” to their owners with a mix of howls, yips, and mumbles that sound almost like human speech. Many Husky owners swear their pets are trying to have actual conversations!
2. Alaskan Malamute
Larger than their Husky cousins, Malamutes produce deep, thunderous howls that echo their working heritage. These powerful sled dogs often vocalize when excited or responding to sounds like sirens.
Malamutes are known to “woo-woo” rather than bark, creating a unique sound that’s more conversational than alerting. Their howling sessions can become family entertainment!
3. Basset Hound
Those droopy eyes and long ears frame a face made for creating soulful sounds. Basset Hounds don’t just howl—they create musical laments that sound straight from the heart.
Their bay-howl combination carries for incredible distances, a throwback to their hunting roots. Many Basset owners report their dogs howling along to music, especially when certain notes hit just right.
4. Beagle
Famous for their tri-colored coats and friendly personalities, Beagles possess a distinctive howl called “baying.” This musical sound once helped hunters track their location in dense forests.
Beagles rarely keep their feelings to themselves. Whether spotting a squirrel or hearing a distant siren, their howls announce their discoveries to the entire neighborhood with unbridled enthusiasm.
5. Bloodhound
Masters of the mournful melody, Bloodhounds produce deep, resonant howls that match their serious expressions. Their vocal range is impressive—from low rumbles to high-pitched wails.
Originally bred to track game and criminals, their howls signaled successful trails to handlers. Modern Bloodhounds still announce their excitement with these ancestral calls, especially when following an interesting scent.
6. Coonhound
Country music has nothing on a Coonhound’s melodious howl. These hunting specialists produce long, clear baying sounds that float through forests and fields alike.
Each Coonhound variety—Redbone, Black and Tan, Bluetick—has a slightly different vocal signature. Hunters can identify their dogs from miles away just by their unique howling pattern, a useful trait during nighttime raccoon hunts.
7. Dachshund
Small but mighty, these sausage-shaped hunters pack surprisingly powerful howls into their elongated bodies. Dachshunds were bred to flush badgers from underground dens, using their voices as underground radar.
When a Dachshund decides to howl, the volume seems impossible from such a compact package. Many owners report their little hounds “singing” along to music, sirens, or even household appliances.
8. Greyhound
Speed isn’t the only surprising thing about Greyhounds—their rare but haunting howls catch many owners off guard. Unlike the constant vocalizers on this list, Greyhounds save their howls for special occasions.
When they do let loose, their howls have an almost prehistoric quality. Some Greyhounds develop “singing” habits, creating unusual yodel-like sounds that fall somewhere between a howl and a warble.
9. Collie
Lassie never showed off this talent on TV! Real-life Collies produce musical, high-pitched howls that sound almost like yodeling. Their vocal range often surprises first-time owners.
Collies typically howl when excited or trying to communicate something important. Their intelligence means they quickly learn which sounds get human attention fastest, making their howls both purposeful and effective.
10. Irish Wolfhound
The gentle giants of the dog world possess appropriately massive howls. When an Irish Wolfhound vocalizes, the deep, booming sound seems to come from another era.
Despite their imposing size, these historic hounds howl less frequently than smaller breeds. When they do, it’s often in response to music or other dogs. Their wolf-hunting ancestry shines through in their powerful, primeval calls.
11. Shetland Sheepdog
Behind that fox-like face and fluffy mane lies a surprisingly powerful voice box. Shelties produce melodic, high-pitched howls that contrast with their dainty appearance.
Originally bred to warn shepherds of danger, today’s Shelties still announce everything from approaching strangers to interesting birds. Many develop unique howling patterns that owners swear have specific meanings for different situations.
12. Samoyed
Known for their perpetual smiles, Samoyeds have equally cheerful-sounding howls. Unlike the mournful tones of hounds, Samoyed vocalizations often sound joyful and excited.
These Arctic working dogs communicate with a mix of “talking,” barking, and melodic howling. Many Samoyed owners report their dogs howling in apparent happiness when family members return home, creating welcome-home concerts that neighbors can’t help but notice.