All dogs have the potential to vocalize at some point. Many 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 also yelp if surprised or in pain. Then, some dogs sing, or howl. Howling harkens 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 may do so when they’re excited—which is most 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. Still 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. Here, you can learn about the 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. They are affectionate, loyal, and playful. They do need a lot of exercise, struggle in hot climates, and are strong dogs.
Often mistaken for Huskies, Malamutes are larger, but the two breeds can live together and form 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. They’ve been used as a sledding dog and are liable to howl when kept with other Huskies and as a means of communicating with you. This energetic breed is recognized for their stunning eyes and incredible coat, but it can sometimes be difficult to control a Husky because they 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. This is a strong and strong-willed breed. They tend to be quite independent, and although loving and affectionate, they aren’t usually a breed that enjoys long cuddles or lying on laps.
4. Basset Hound
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Height: | 11–15 inches |
The Basset Hound has doleful eyes and long ears. While they might look lazy and slow, the breed has a staggeringly good sense of smell that they use for hunting, as a detection dog, and in a variety of other roles, including search and rescue.
The breed is gentle and placid, and since they were bred to hunt in packs, they do well when living with other Bassets, which is also when they are 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 a hunting dog and 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 they’re the only breed of dog in the world that was bred to hunt puffins. This is an unusual dog in many respects, not least because they have six toes on each foot and two fewer teeth than the vast majority of other 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 similar to the Dingo. The ancient breed is close to extinction, and as the name suggests, they are highly prone to singing or howling. Since the breed is so close to being a wild dog, they’re not recommended to be kept as a pet. Like the Lundehund, this is a flexible dog, which means they can escape through seemingly impassable gaps.
Efforts are being made to help prevent the breed from becoming extinct, and some groups believe that they could make an excellent companion dog.
8. Golden Retriever
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Height: | 20–24 inches |
We go from one of the rarest breeds, 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, they will typically 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 assistance.
9. Beagle
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 12–14 inches |
The Beagle is a pack dog, which means they not only get along with other dogs but also thrive in their company. They are quite vocal, which is 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, 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 they do have seemingly limitless energy, which you will need to try to burn off if you want a quiet life.
Schnauzers love people, and if you are looking for a fun, energetic, sociable little dog, 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 breed. But what they lack in size, they make up for in character and characteristics, including their ability to make a racket.
Besides barking or yapping, the Chihuahua is prone to howling and singing.
Conclusion
Singing is a natural behavior for canines 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 noise. Others will howl as an alert. My dog howls to let me know that she’s waiting for her food. This list has 11 breeds of dogs that are the most likely to sing, but virtually any pup has the capacity to howl if the mood strikes them.
Featured Image Credit: Louise Peck, Shutterstock
