10 Cat And Dog Breeds That Love To ‘Talk’ Back To Their Owners

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Husky
yavdat1/123rf

If you’ve ever wished your pet could talk back to you, you might be surprised to learn that some cats and dogs practically do! While they may not form full sentences, these chatty breeds are known for their vocal personalities, using meows, howls, barks, and even unique “talking” sounds to communicate with their humans. Whether they’re demanding attention, expressing excitement, or simply arguing with you for fun, these pets make sure their voices are heard. Let us explore 10 talkative cat breeds and 10 dog breeds that love to chat—so get ready for some nonstop conversation!

1. Siamese Cat

Close up photo of siamese cat
Pixabay/Pexels

Siamese cats are one of the most famous talkative cat breeds, known for their loud, deep, and sometimes demanding meows. They use their voices to express their needs, whether they’re hungry, want attention, or just feel like chatting. Their vocalizations are often described as almost human-like, with different tones depending on their mood. Siamese cats are also highly social and will follow their owners around the house, engaging in back-and-forth “conversations.” If you’re looking for a feline friend who will always have something to say, a Siamese cat might be your perfect match.

2. Bengal Cat

Bengal cat with an orange coat
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

Bengals are known for their wild appearance and high-energy personality, but they are also very vocal. Their meows range from soft chirps to loud, almost yowling sounds, and they often use their voice to communicate with their owners. Bengals are playful and inquisitive, and they will “talk” when they are excited or want attention. Unlike some other vocal cats, Bengals are known for making unique sounds that almost resemble a series of trills and chirps, rather than traditional meows. If you enjoy an interactive and intelligent cat, the Bengal is a great choice.

3. Maine Coon

maine coon
basilsmith/pixabay

Despite their large size, Maine Coons are gentle giants with soft, melodious voices. They tend to “talk” in a way that is more soothing than demanding, often using chirps and trills instead of loud meows. They will vocalize to greet their owners, ask for food, or simply express their happiness. Maine Coons are highly affectionate and enjoy being part of the family, so their talkative nature is usually a sign of their deep bond with their humans. If you want a cat that is expressive but not overly loud, a Maine Coon is an excellent choice.

4. Oriental Shorthair

Black Oriental Shorthair
alexvol2014/123rf

The Oriental Shorthair, closely related to the Siamese, is another breed known for its chatty and expressive personality. These cats have a wide range of vocalizations, from soft murmurs to loud, insistent meows. They thrive on attention and will “talk” to their owners frequently, whether they are happy, bored, or seeking companionship. Oriental Shorthairs are also highly intelligent and curious, making them one of the most interactive breeds. If you want a cat that will keep you engaged in conversation, this breed won’t disappoint.

5. Burmese Cat

Burmese cat
Arlene_Eye-catching/Reddit

Burmese cats have a softer and sweeter voice than their Siamese cousins, but they are just as talkative. They love to engage in conversations with their owners and will meow in response to being spoken to. Their voices are typically lower and less piercing than some other vocal breeds, making them more pleasant for owners who enjoy talkative cats but don’t want excessive noise. Burmese cats are also incredibly affectionate, often following their owners from room to room to stay close and continue their conversations. If you want a chatty and loving companion, the Burmese is an excellent choice.

6. Tonkinese Cat

Tonkinese
Vera/Pexels

A cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, the Tonkinese inherits the talkative nature of both parent breeds. These cats have a wide vocal range and love to “talk” to their owners throughout the day. They are playful and interactive, making them a great choice for those who want a cat that actively engages in communication. Tonkinese cats tend to have a softer voice than Siamese but are just as persistent when they have something to say. Their expressive personalities make them a joy to have in any household that appreciates a chatty pet.

7. Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail Cat
ようてい, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Japanese Bobtails have a soft but constant chirping vocalization that sounds almost like a song. They use their voices to communicate with their owners, especially when they are excited or happy. These cats are highly social and thrive in a home where they can have frequent interactions with their humans. Their unique vocalizations make them stand out among talkative breeds, as their sounds are often compared to birdsong. If you want a cat that “sings” rather than meows, the Japanese Bobtail is an excellent choice.

8. Devon Rex

Devon Rex
Absolutimages/123rf

The Devon Rex is not only known for its unique curly coat but also for its chatty and mischievous personality. These playful cats have a habit of meowing back when spoken to, making them one of the most interactive breeds. They love being around people and will use their voice to ensure they get the attention they crave. Their voices are usually soft and endearing, making their chatter more amusing than bothersome. If you want a cat that is both affectionate and vocal, the Devon Rex is a fantastic choice.

9. Scottish Fold

scottish fold cat
Foden Nguyen/Pixabay

Scottish Folds may be known for their adorable folded ears, but they are also quite talkative. They have a sweet, quiet voice and enjoy communicating with their owners in a soft and pleasant manner. Unlike some of the louder breeds, Scottish Folds are more likely to engage in gentle conversations rather than demand attention through loud meowing. They are social and affectionate cats that love spending time with their humans. If you’re looking for a chatty but not overly loud cat, the Scottish Fold is a great option.

10. Sphynx Cat

Sphynx cat with large eyes
Racool_studio/Freepik

The hairless Sphynx is not only known for its unique appearance but also for its talkative nature. These cats love to be the center of attention and will use their voice to make sure they are noticed. They have a raspy, high-pitched meow and are known to engage in “conversations” with their owners. Sphynx cats are incredibly affectionate and will often vocalize to express their need for warmth, food, or attention. If you want a cat that is both loving and talkative, the Sphynx will be a perfect match.

11. Siberian Husky

purebred Siberian Husky on grass
Julissa Helmuth/Pexels

Siberian Huskies are the kings and queens of canine conversation. They don’t just bark—they howl, yodel, and even “talk” back when scolded. These intelligent, independent dogs have strong opinions and aren’t shy about voicing them. Whether it’s protesting a bath, demanding a walk, or simply engaging in a chat, Huskies have a dramatic way of making their feelings known. Owners of Huskies quickly learn that silence is a rarity, and having one means embracing daily debates with your furry chatterbox.

12. Beagle

beagle dog
Juan Pablo Sorondo/Pixabay

Beagles are small but mighty in the vocal department. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they use their signature baying to communicate with their pack—and their owners. When a Beagle wants something, you’ll hear about it. They’ll bark, whimper, and make surprisingly expressive sounds to let you know they’re bored, hungry, or simply feeling playful. Beagle owners often joke that their pups have a full-on “conversation mode,” complete with stubborn backtalk when they don’t get their way.

13. Dachshund

Los Muertos Crew/Pexels

Dachshunds may be small, but they have a huge personality—and an even bigger voice! These feisty little dogs are notorious for their opinionated nature. They don’t just bark; they argue. If they’re unhappy with something, expect a full-blown conversation, complete with grumbles and sassy howls. Their stubborn streak means they’ll “talk back” if they don’t agree with you, making training both a challenge and a source of amusement. If you like a dog with attitude, the Dachshund will keep you entertained.

14. Australian Shepherd

An Australian Shepherd
RebeccasPictures/PixaBay

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, energetic, and incredibly expressive. While they aren’t known for excessive barking, they use a range of sounds—from whines to grumbles—to communicate their thoughts. If they think you’re being too slow with dinner or ignoring their need for activity, expect a sassy vocal protest. Aussies are also known to “herd” their owners with persistent chatter, letting you know when they think you should move faster or pay more attention to them.

15. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu dog sitting on grass with its tongue out.
Nastya Korenkova/Pexels

Shiba Inus are famous for their “Shiba scream,” an ear-piercing, dramatic noise they make when excited, annoyed, or simply feeling expressive. These fox-like dogs don’t bark as much as they vocalize with grumbles, howls, and chattering sounds. If a Shiba doesn’t like something, they’ll let you know in a way that’s impossible to ignore. Their independent and sometimes stubborn nature makes for hilarious arguments, and many Shiba owners find themselves caught in daily debates with their opinionated pups.

16. Boxer

boxerdogmadness/Pixabay

Boxers have a natural knack for talking back. With their playful energy and expressive faces, they don’t just bark—they grunt, groan, and whine in an oddly human-like way. These muscular clowns love to engage with their owners, often making funny noises as if they’re actually responding to what you’re saying. If you tell a Boxer “no,” don’t be surprised if you get an exaggerated sigh or a dramatic whimper in response. They wear their hearts on their sleeves—or rather, in their voices.

17. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan malamute
Monika Stawowy/Unsplash

Like their Husky cousins, Alaskan Malamutes are natural-born talkers. They communicate through a mix of howls, grumbles, and dramatic “woo-woo” sounds that make them sound like they’re holding a full conversation with you. Malamutes are also known to whine and argue when they don’t get their way, making them entertaining but sometimes stubborn pets. If you want a dog that responds to your every word with a sound of their own, a Malamute is the perfect back-talker.

18. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer: The Spunky yet Mellow Buddy
mariann72/pixabay

Miniature Schnauzers are small but mighty in their vocal abilities. They have a wide range of sounds, from excited yips to deep grumbles that sound suspiciously like backtalk. These smart, energetic dogs love attention, and if they feel ignored, they’ll tell you—loudly. Whether it’s a demand for belly rubs or a protest about going inside too soon, Schnauzers always have something to say. Their expressive nature makes them one of the most entertaining talkers in the dog world.

19. Shetland Sheepdog

Barcs Tamás/Unsplash

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their high-pitched, persistent barking. These intelligent herding dogs use their voices to communicate constantly, whether they’re warning you about a stranger or just telling you about their day. Shelties don’t just bark for no reason; they genuinely believe they have important news to share. If you ignore them, they’ll “talk back” with sharp yips and dramatic howls until they’re sure you’ve heard them loud and clear.

20. Chihuahua

chihuahua on grass
salofoto/Pixabay

Don’t let their tiny size fool you—Chihuahuas have big personalities and even bigger voices. These feisty little dogs have no problem talking back to their owners, especially when they feel slighted. Whether they’re scolding you for leaving them alone too long or demanding attention, their sharp, high-pitched barks come with an undeniable attitude. Chihuahuas may be small, but their opinions are loud and clear, making them one of the sassiest talkers in the canine world.

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