17 Dog Breeds Known for Howling (With Pictures)

Are you seeking an alert, vocal watchdog that will help keep you and your family safe? Or perhaps you are simply looking for a canine companion that excels at sports, outdoor activities, and is eager to run with their owner?

In either case, one of these 17 dog breeds that are known for howling might be a great match!

The 17 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

1. Alaskan Malamute

With their wolf-like coloring and features, it’s no wonder that the Alaskan Malamute loves to howl! However, they are often far too friendly to make good watchdogs.

These vocal dogs are outgoing and playful, as well as notoriously mischievous. They are bred for stamina and athletic ability and will flourish with a job to do and lots of exercise.

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2. American English Coonhound

Also known as the Virginia Hound, these dog breeds that howl were originally bred to hunt foxes and raccoons. Known for their endurance and speed, the American English Coonhound will chase quarry with determination—howling all the while.

They are pleasant and friendly with humans and other dogs, but this competitive breed will need plenty of opportunities to run their energy out.

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3. American Eskimo Dog

As with many Spitz and wolf-like dogs, the American Eskimo Dog tends to howl. More than that though, these dogs are known to be big “talkers.” In addition to howls, an American Eskimo Dog may yowl, bark, or mumble to you!

These jaunty dogs are medium-sized at most but pack a big attitude. They are also highly independent and smart, requiring significant socialization and training.

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4. American Foxhound

This hound breed has historically been used as part of large packs to hunt foxes and vermin. When excited, their bell-like baying can be heard for miles.

As determined and hardworking as they are in the field, American Foxhounds are incredibly easygoing and gentle in the home. They are a very social breed but can be a one-person dog if you can commit to giving them the exercise they need.

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5. Basset Hound

Originally developed to hunt small game like rabbits, the Basset Hound is an active but gentle dog breed that howls. And, like with many hunting hounds, they are vocal and loud when on the job!

These iconic, mournful-faced dogs are affectionate and relaxed in the home and with their family. Sometimes they need encouragement to stay active and maintain a healthy weight, so be sure to involve them in fun family activities and games.

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6. Beagle

A hardy and compact breed, Beagles were originally bred as scent hounds for tracking small game. They are cheerful, upbeat dogs that love to sing when they catch an exciting scent!

Provide plenty of exercise and patient training for this active and industrious breed to help them flourish mentally and physically. Beagles are well known for following interesting scents anywhere they may lead, so a fenced-in yard and caution with off-leash adventures is highly recommended.

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7. Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is a large hunting dog descended from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the English Foxhound. They have a long, drawn-out howl that they love to bawl out when on the hunt.

As the sweet puppy dog eyes may reveal, the Bluetick Coonhound also loves people and can make a wonderful family dog. They can have the typical hound dog stubbornness, so persistent and patient training is necessary.

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8. Bloodhound

These large and muscular dogs were developed in medieval France to sniff out boar and deer. A single-minded and determined tracker, these loud and enthusiastic hunters are also incredibly affectionate, as well as “howly.”

An intelligent and highly active breed, Bloodhounds need plenty of exercise and will pursue scent if off-leash. They are well-loved for their sweet and sensitive dispositions but can be a bit stubborn.

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9. Dachshund

Though many consider the Dachshund a sweet, small companion they were originally developed to determinedly hunt badgers and other tunneling creatures. Some even trailed packs of Dachshund to hunt wild boar!

Dachshunds may be tough and rather loud at times (lots of howling included), but their versatility and friendliness with children can make them excellent family dogs.

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10. Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz were bred to hunt an array of large and small game, and loudly notify their owners of their finds. Though they are known to howl, they are also very vocal communicators and many fans dote on their “talkative” personalities.

These lively and agile dogs require ample exercise and relish taking part in activities with their family. They are protective but rarely aggressive, making them excellent watchdogs.

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11. Japanese Spitz

Though the Japanese Spitz is a smaller dog, they are often described as having the heart of a big watchdog! These compact and courageous dogs are vocal, alert, and protective companions.

Pleasant, easy-going, and eager to please, these dogs are often great with kids. Japanese Spitz dogs need moderate amounts of exercise and can easily adapt to apartment or city living if they are given appropriate amounts of outdoor time.

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12. Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog was developed in Finland to hunt aggressive game such as bears, wild boar, and lynx. They are known for their fearlessness, determination, and loud hunting barks and howls.

This breed is naturally aggressive with other animals and does not make a good choice for new or inexperienced dog owners. But with proper socialization, training, and plenty of exercise they can be loving and fiercely loyal companions.

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13. Norwegian Elkhound

These big-hearted dogs were originally developed to hunt moose and other large game in Norway. Whether it’s chasing down big animals or playing with their family Norwegian Elkhounds love to howl and bawl out their enjoyment!

Active and strong-willed dogs, you will need to provide this breed with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They are loving and affectionate companions, but they do need firm guidance from their owners. These dogs excel at interactive activities like agility courses and other canine sports.

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14. Redbone Coonhound

Descended from Scottish and Irish hounds, the Redbone Coonhound is a merry and gentle breed. As with all hounds, they have a penetrating howl. However, this breed is particularly loud and barks often indoors and out.

If you can give this active hound the exercise and training they need, you will find yourself with a friendly and loyal companion for many years to come.

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15. Siberian Husky

This dog breed that howls has been prized for its athleticism and stamina for hundreds of years. They are still used as powerful sled dogs and love having a job to do.

Affectionate and independent, Siberian Huskies can make excellent family companions for an experienced owner willing to train and exercise them appropriately. These highly intelligent pups are notorious for escaping even the most secure fences, so instilling a strong recall early on is advised.

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16. Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniels were originally bred by Buddhist monks in the mountains of Tibet as companions and watchdogs. Though small, they are alert and protective and have a piercing howl that they use to warn their family of intruders.

They make excellent family dogs and are smart, sweet, and attentive little canines. Tibetan Spaniels are quite bright and sensitive creatures that need plenty of attention and playtime with their owners.

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17. Welsh Springer Spaniel

Developed over 200 years ago as a hunting breed, these compact and athletic dogs get their namesake from the way they spring at game to flush them out for their hunters. They are enthusiastic creatures that relish the chance to howl after game in the field.

And, like many spaniel types, as determined as the Welsh Spring Spaniel is on the hunt they are equally laid back and gentle in the home. Give them plenty of exercise and chances to play, and they make wonderful family dogs.

Conclusion

So, do any of these howl-happy pups sound like the breed for you? Apartment dwellers and those with noise-sensitive neighbors should probably go for a quieter, less energetic breed.

But if you are looking for a great watchdog or athletic canine to run and play with then perhaps one of these dogs is perfect for you!

See also:

• 46 Dog Breeds that Start with H – Complete List (with Pictures)
• Why Australian Shepherds Howl

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Featured Image Credit: Elenarts, Shutterstock