Do some dog breeds tend to bark more than others?

Dogs bark. That’s the way it is. But excessive barking may be a sign of a behavior problem, poor training, or abuse. However, some dogs naturally bark more than others.

For example, the Beagle is a hunting dog and therefore tends to bark at anything that moves. There are also the so-called “yippy” dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Miniature Schnauzers—these breeds are known for their high-pitched barks. But all of these dogs make good companions, and with regular, proper training, they can learn to button it up.

Medium-to-large dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Akitas and Newfoundlands, tend to be quieter. These bigger breeds naturally seem to be the strong, silent types.

- Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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