All dogs have the potential to vocalize at some point. A lot of dogs bark to express concern, happiness, or almost any other emotion. Most will cry when they want to be let in or out. They might yelp if surprised or in pain. And then some dogs sing, or howl. Howling harks back to a dog’s ancient, wolf ancestors, and certain breeds are more inclined to howl than others.
Malamutes and Huskies are perhaps best known for singing, but even Golden Retrievers have the potential to do so when they’re excited—which is a lot of the time.
Why Do Some Dogs Sing?
Singing is just howling, and it is a form of communication. Some dogs will howl while others prefer to bark. Others are mostly silent. Howling stems from the vocalization of wolves, and it is used by wolves because it is expressive, and the sound travels long distances. While all dogs have the potential to sing, some use this vocalization more often than others, and below, you can find dog breeds that are prone to singing or howling.
The 11 Breeds of Dogs That Sing
1. Alaskan Malamute
| Origin: | Alaska |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 Years |
| Height: | 20–25 Inches |
The Alaskan Malamute is a large sledding dog that is prone to howling and crying, especially when kept with other Malamutes. It is affectionate and very loyal, but also playful. They do need a lot of exercise, struggle in hot climates, and are very strong dogs.
Often mistaken for Huskies, Malamutes are larger, but the two breeds can live together and form very close bonds with one another.
2. Siberian Husky
| Origin: | Siberia |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
| Height: | 21–24 Inches |
The Siberian Husky is a similar dog to the Alaskan Malamute in many ways. It has been used as a sledding dog and it is liable to howl when kept with other Huskies and as a means of communicating with you. It is an energetic breed that is recognized for its stunning eyes and incredible coat, but it can be difficult to control a Husky because it will want to go wandering.
The breed also has a tendency to like climbing on and sleeping on higher levels.
3. Akita
| Origin: | Japan |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 Years |
| Height: | 26–28 Inches |
My Akita cross, Tula, barks more than a typical Akita but she does tend to howl when she’s waiting for me to finish dishing up her food. The Japanese breed was originally raised to protect livestock and people, and for hunting bears. It is a strong and strong-willed breed. They tend to be quite independent and although loving and affectionate, aren’t usually a breed that enjoys long cuddles or lying on your lap.
4. Basset Hound
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 Years |
| Height: | 11–15 Inches |
The Basset Hound has doleful eyes and long ears. While it might look lazy and slow, the breed has a staggeringly good sense of smell that has seen it used for hunting, as a detection dog, and in a variety of other roles including search and rescue.
The breed is gentle and placid and because it was bred to hunt in packs, it does well when living with other Bassets, which is also when it is more likely to sing.
5. Shiba Inu
| Origin: | Japan |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
| Height: | 13–17 Inches |
The Shiba Inu is one of half a dozen breeds native to Japan. They were bred as hunting dogs and would have been used specifically to flush birds out for hunters. Although small, the breed is energetic and does require daily exercise, and they have a large vocabulary of vocalizations including grunts, screams, and, in some cases, howls.
6. Norwegian Lundehund
| Origin: | Norway |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 Years |
| Height: | 12–15 Inches |
The Norwegian Lundehund hails specifically from the island of Vaeroy. The name means “puffin dog,” and it is the only breed of dog in the world that was bred to hunt puffins. It is an unusual breed in a lot of respects: not least because it has six toes on each foot and two fewer teeth than the vast majority of other dog breeds.
They can also close their ears to protect against dirt and water, and they are extremely flexible and bendy.
7. New Guinea Singing Dog
| Origin: | New Guinea |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
| Height: | 12–15 Inches |
The New Guinea Singing Dog is very similar to the Dingo. The ancient breed is very close to extinction and, as the name suggests, they are highly prone to singing or howling. Because the breed is so close to being a wild dog, it is not recommended to be kept as a pet. Like the Lundehund, it is a very flexible dog, which means it can escape through seemingly impassable gaps.
Efforts are being made to help prevent the breed from becoming extinct, and some groups believe it could make an excellent companion dog.
8. Golden Retriever
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 Years |
| Height: | 20–24 Inches |
From one of the rarest breeds in the New Guinea Singing Dog to one of the most popular breeds in the world, the Golden Retriever. Although not all Goldies will sing or howl, typically, they will howl to alert their owners to something or as a mark of excitement.
The Golden Retriever was bred to retrieve downed birds but has found utility in virtually every service dog role, from search and rescue to therapy dog roles.
9. Beagle
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
| Height: | 12–14 Inches |
The Beagle is a pack dog which means they don’t just get along with other dogs, they thrive in their company. It also means they are vocal, which would be necessary to have their voices heard. As pets, they are cute and loving, and will usually get along with everybody whether family or strangers.
Despite being quite small, though, Beagles do need a lot of exercise to ensure they stay fit and healthy.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
| Height: | 12–14 Inches |
Miniature Schnauzers make a variety of noises including howls, which might be considered singing. The bright and friendly little dog makes a great companion, but it does have seemingly limitless energy, which you will need to try and burn off if you want a quiet life.
Schnauzers love people and if you are looking for a fun, energetic, sociable little dog, then this is a good choice.
11. Chihuahua
| Origin: | Mexico |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 Years |
| Height: | 6–9 Inches |
The Miniature Schnauzer is quite a small dog, but a giant compared to the Chihuahua, which is the world’s smallest dog breed. But what it lacks in size, the Chihuahua makes up for in character and characteristics, including its ability to make a racket.
As well as barking, or yapping, the Chihuahua is prone to howling and singing.
Conclusion
Singing is a natural behavior for dogs and is effectively a means of communication. Some dogs will howl for attention, when communicating with one another, or just because they want to make some noise. Others will howl as an alert, while my dog howls to let me know she’s waiting for her food. Above are 11 breeds of dog that are the most likely to sing, but virtually any dog has the capacity to howl if the feeling takes it.
Featured Image Credit: Louise Peck, Shutterstock
