Stop Dog from Barking - Breed Influence

The choice will and should be determined by your lifestyle and how you live.

If you live in a city, you probably need a small unobtrusive dog or "porta-dog" as one of my friends said once. If you live on a ranch, you may want a big dog that can hold its own in the wild. If you want a dog to fetch and find, you may decide on a retriever. You get the point. There are big differences in sizing and temperaments but also in how much they bark.

If you are looking to buy or rescue a dog the American Kennel Club's website (akc dot org) is packed with info. However the site is useful to discover if your dog is a natural "howler" or there is a reason for the barking.

The American Kennel Society has 7 groupings for dogs: In here I make some broad generalizations. Dig deeper if you want a particular breed.

1. Working Dogs. Traditionally bred to pull carts/sleds or perform rescue and guard work. Great Danes, Dobermans, Newfies, Malamutes are just a few in this large group. Note they are all BIG. Barking will likely be a deep and loud.

2. Herding Dogs originally bred for guarding and herding animals. They instinctively "herd" anyone in sight: kids, other animals, or you! Tend to be possessive, so may be more likely to bark at strangers.

3. Hounds. Hunting dogs they oftrn bark, howl or sing when they have their quarry cornered or up a tree. Their voices can travel a long way which is a good thing for their lagging human co-hunters. When not hunting they may lapse into their hunting mode of communication. Many breeds in this group e.g. Pharaoh Hounds, Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles.

4. Sporting Dogs. Pointers, spaniels setters and retrievers. Happy, alert and good companions. Bird hunters make up a big part of this group. They need lots of exercise. Barking varies but much will depend on their treatment and training.

5. Terriers. Terriers tend to bark more than others, often described as "yappy" because they are excitable and tenacious - the perfect storm for extended barking.

6. Toy Dogs. They bark but often it's a small high sharp noise due to their smallness. This does not mean it won't grate on your nerves.

7. Miscellaneous Breed. This is a catch all group so many many dogs fall into this and their temperaments and tendencies will vary widely so study your chosen breed carefully.