15 Dog Breeds That Are Famous For Their Howls

Some dogs bark, some whimper, and then there are those who howl like it’s their life’s mission. Their voices can be soulful, dramatic, or downright comical, but one thing’s for sure—they love to be heard. Whether it’s a wolf-like serenade or a playful woo-woo, these dogs have some of the most distinctive and recognizable howls. Get ready to meet 15 dog breeds that are famous for their howls!

Siberian Husky

A Husky’s howl is like a dramatic monologue straight out of a soap opera. They don’t really need a reason—they just love the sound of their own voices. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of one of their long, dramatic tirades, you know exactly what that feels like.

Alaskan Malamute

Malamutes howl like ancient spirits trapped in giant, fluffy bodies. Their mournful calls can make you feel like you’re on an Arctic expedition, even if you’re just in the backyard. While Huskies seem to howl non-stop, Malamutes do it with more purpose—usually when they’re after food or attention.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Imagine a foghorn but fluffier. These dogs have a howl that could cut through a blizzard, which makes sense given they’ve been around for over 4,000 years. Owners say their Eskimo Dogs love to howl when a storm rolls in, almost as if they’re trying to communicate with the elements themselves.

Tamaskan Dog

Tamaskans are like undercover wolves, and their howls make that clear. When one howls, the others join in, harmonizing to create an eerie, almost musical sound. It’s like your home turns into a wilderness choir as they all chime in together.

Saarloos Wolfdog

This breed feels every note of its howl. Their deep, vibrating calls could easily be from a nature documentary. Barking isn’t really their style, but when they do howl, it’s usually because something unusual has caught their attention—or they just want to be dramatic.

Utonagan

The Utonagan’s howl is all about emotion. At times, it’s a heartbreaking wail; other times, it’s a long, drawn-out announcement of boredom. Ignoring it isn’t really an option. And if you hear one howl, you can bet they’re not alone, as another one is sure to join in.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Small but mighty, the Klee Kai has a howl that sounds like a mix between a siren and a yodel. They don’t just howl for no reason—they’re always commenting on life. Ignore them for just two minutes? Another howl. Even breathing the wrong way will get them howling.

Tibetan Mastiff

A Tibetan Mastiff’s howl is an announcement. Their deep, booming calls resemble a distant lion more than a wolf. Their guarding instincts peak at night, meaning entire neighborhoods hear their watchful warnings. No sneaking snacks past this watchdog.

Coonhound

Coonhounds never do casual howls. They go into full performance mode. Their signature “baying” is a drawn-out, melodramatic wail meant to guide hunters. They mostly use it to alert everyone about a squirrel, a shadow, or absolutely nothing at all.

Samoyed

A Samoyed’s howl is more of a woo. This breed is known for their signature “woo-woo” sound, which they use as their version of small talk. Some Samoyeds even match their “woo-ing” to human speech, making them the chattiest snowballs you’ll ever meet.

German Shepherd

While not known for constant howling, German Shepherds can really belt it out when sirens start wailing. An ambulance passes by, and their deliberate howls fill the air. Being left alone too long brings out the same sound, a guilt trip in audio form.

Shiloh Shepherd

Think of a German Shepherd’s howl, but deeper and more soulful. Shiloh Shepherds put real feelings into their howls, often using them as a way to express separation anxiety. Leaving one alone too long guarantees a sad, drawn-out song.

Greenland Dog

Greenland Dogs were born to howl, and their howls have a rhythmic, almost chanting quality, making them one of the most distinct-sounding sled dogs. Every morning, it turns into a group howl session, where everyone joins in.

Karelian Bear Dog

Originally bred to hunt bears, this dog’s howl is as intense as you’d expect. It’s sharp and often mixed with barks, sounding like an emergency siren. When a Karelian Bear Dog howls, you know something’s happening—whether it’s a bear or just a leaf blowing by.

Norwegian Elkhound

Elkhounds howl like they’ve got a major announcement for the entire forest. Their powerful howls were once used to alert hunters to moose and bears, but now they’ll use them to remind you when dinner is late or when a bird dares to land in the yard.