Some dogs don’t just bark, they sing, scream, and howl in ways that are completely their own. These unique howlers have a special style, tone, and purpose behind their vocalizations, often using them to communicate, signal excitement, or simply get attention. From the deep, wolf-like calls of the Alaskan Malamute to the high-pitched bay of the Beagle, these ten breeds are famous for their expressive, unforgettable voices. Here’s a closer look at what makes their howls so remarkable and what often sets them off.

Siberian Husky

Huskies are famous for their “conversations” and love for a good, long howl. Their howls are deep, resonant, and can carry far, which historically helped communicate across distances in snowy landscapes. These dogs often howl to communicate, not only with their owners but with other dogs. They’re also known to howl in response to sirens, music, or anything that vaguely sounds like a howl from a packmate. Huskies have an instinctive drive to vocalize, and many owners notice them howling for attention, excitement, or even as a way to convey boredom.

Beagle

Beagles bring a distinctive, high-pitched baying howl that’s both charming and attention-grabbing. This howl, rooted in their hunting heritage, is used to track scents and signal the discovery of prey. Today, Beagles will often howl at strangers, unfamiliar noises, or when they sense anything unusual, making them natural watchdogs. Beagles are also known to howl out of loneliness or excitement, particularly when they want to alert their family to something important. While their howl is a throwback to their tracking days, Beagles use it now to keep their humans informed and in tune with their surroundings.

Basset Hound

With a deep, throaty howl, Basset Hounds adds an unmistakable voice to any setting. Known for trailing scents, their howl serves as a tracking signal, letting hunters know they’ve picked up a scent. When triggered by unusual smells or sounds, Basset Hounds howl to alert others and mark their find. Even today, they’ll respond to sirens, other howls, and anything unfamiliar that piques their curiosity. Although calm by nature, Bassets use their howls in moments of excitement or alertness, further blending their natural instincts with their desire to be part of the action.

Alaskan Malamute

Malamutes have a deep, wolf-like howl that pays homage to their wild ancestors. Less inclined to bark, these dogs will often let loose a long howl to announce their presence or express a need for attention. And being a pack animal, Malamutes can also be found howling when they’re lonely, bored, or simply want to connect with humans. Their howls often carry a sense of intensity and purpose, serving as an emotional outlet or a form of communication. For Malamutes, howling can be a way to pass the time or share their feelings, a bonding experience with their family members.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are known for their unique “Shiba scream,” a vocalization that can sound part howl, part scream, and is often used when they’re excited, frustrated, or experiencing strong emotions. While it’s not a traditional howl, this sound is so distinctive and intense that it resembles a form of howling communication. Shibas will often scream in response to perceived threats or displeasing situations, such as a trip to the vet or a bath. They are very strong-willed and will use their scream to communicate in ways that are surprising, capturing their emotions with a volume that’s equally memorable.

Bloodhound

Bloodhounds have a haunting, soulful howl, often triggered once they pick up a scent. Their howls are legendary in search-and-rescue scenarios, as these dogs call out to their handlers when they’ve detected something out of the ordinary. Known for their keen noses and methodical tracking skills, Bloodhounds will howl in response to any new scents or even to the sounds of sirens, passing motorcycles, or other strong stimuli. While calm at rest, their howling intensifies on a trail or in pursuit of something, making them both loyal and vocal companions with a drive to communicate discoveries.

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs might be small in stature, but they pack a howl that’s surprisingly powerful. Their howls often signal excitement, especially when they’re ready for playtime or need attention from their family. Eskies also howl in response to environmental noises, which seem to stimulate their expressive side. This vocalization isn’t aggressive but is usually driven by curiosity, engagement, or a sense of wanting to be included in the activity around them. Their expressive howls offer a way for these sociable dogs to communicate, making them an engaging and talkative breed.

Bluetick Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhounds are known for a distinct, “tracking” howl, developed to alert hunters when they locate prey. Their howls are loud and penetrating, often lasting for several seconds to ensure they’re heard over long distances. Blueticks are known to howl at sounds that mimic the calls they’d encounter on a hunt, such as calls of other dogs, or unfamiliar voices. Their howling isn’t just communication; it’s a remnant of their hunting instinct. Blueticks can also howl from loneliness or excitement, but their howl is ultimately a method to make sure they’re heard loud and clear.

Samoyed

Samoyeds are for sure talkative by nature and will often add howls to their vocal prowess. Their howls tend to be cheerful and expressive, often used as a form of “conversation” with their owners or as a reaction to interesting sounds. Known for their friendly disposition, Samoyeds are likely to howl for attention, especially if they feel starved for attention. Samoyeds may also engage in howling as a way of showing happiness, particularly when their family returns home after a while. Their howls are less intense than most other breeds in this list, it surely is a fascinating aspect of this breed.

Dachshund

While more bark-prone than most, Dachshunds also bring a howl into the mix, often triggered by high excitement or the presence of other dogs. Their howls, like their barks, are sharp and carry a sense of determination. Dachshunds may also howl when left alone for extended periods, as a way to express their displeasure or seek companionship. Triggers include sirens, other howling dogs, or sounds that remind them of potential “prey.” Dachshunds bring a unique blend of barking and howling to any household, each vocalization rich with their characteristic boldness and charm.