Why Do Some Dogs Howl?

Have you ever considered why some dogs howl? No matter the breed, all dogs need to communicate in some way. There are plenty of videos online that show dogs howling, and they are always adorable. This YouTube Short by @oscarowl4151 shows a German Shepherd puppy howling. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading below!

Why Do Dogs Howl?

Dogs howl for a myriad of reasons, as they communicate different meanings. Stretching all the way back to ancient times and their wolf ancestors, howling has been essential for the survival of dogs. While wolves need howling for territory and long-distance communication, dogs howl for different reasons. The most obvious reason is to make their presence known. Howling and barking are the simplest ways to let other dogs and humans know that a dog is there. Similarly, they bark to get attention. By howling, they can compel those nearby to pay attention to them for whatever reason they need. One other reason is a response to external triggers. Whether it’s someone knocking on the door, a siren, or an alarm, howling can be triggered as an instinctual response.

Howls are not always for a cute or pleasant reason; sometimes, they occur due to pain or fear. If left alone for long periods of time, a dog can start experiencing separation anxiety and loneliness. They howl as a way to call back their owner. When in pain or discomfort, dogs may howl to signal distress and to alert others that they are not feeling well. Conversely, dogs may also howl out of excitement. If you’ve ever seen a dog with the zoomies, you know these heightened emotional states can lead to unusual behaviors, including howling to express excitement or due to a lack of self-control. This is why your dog may howl when you come home after a long day. Given all the reasons dogs howl, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s well-being.

Do Different Breeds Howl More Than Others?

Physiologically speaking, all dogs are technically capable of howling. However, some breeds howl more than others for various reasons. Interestingly, breeds closely related to wolves tend to be more frequent or stronger howlers. This includes huskies, malamutes, and other Arctic dogs! Other dogs that howl often include beagles, bloodhounds, and basset hounds. Smaller and more ‘modern’ dog breeds are less likely to howl than others. As dogs become more genetically distinct from wolves, their communication methods change, which is why many dogs bark rather than howl. While there are differences between dog breeds, internal factors such as personality and environment also influence how much a dog howls.

Howling can often be annoying for owners to listen to if it is excessive. For this, many hope to train their pet not to howl. However, howling is a normal behavior that cannot be completely eliminated. To train a dog to howl less, you can identify and address their triggers, reward quiet behavior, teach cues, or create an environment that discourages howling. Paying attention to your dog’s needs so they do not feel the need to howl is a good way to ensure both you and your dog are happy.