If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One thing to take into consideration is whether a dog that barks or howls could lead to complaints from neighbours, particularly if you live in a flat or apartment.
While all dogs have the potential to bark or howl (with the expection of the Basenji) some breeds - whether by breeding or temperament - are far more likely to.
So, here are the 15 noisiest breeds of dog.
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1. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is known for its 'Shiba scream', a loud, high-pitched cry they use to express displeasure or frustration or...something else. They’re also prone to barking when excited or when something/anything catches their attention. | Canva/Getty Images
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2. Pomeranian
Owners of Pomeranians are often amazed at the sheer volume of noise that can come out of such a small dog. Once a Pomeranian starts barking it often doesn't know when to stop. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Terriers in general tend to be quite vocal, and the adorable Miniature Schnauzer is no exception. It's possible to train them to be quiet but they naturally bark at the slightest noise. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Chihuahua
A big dog in a small dog's body, it's not unusual for a Chihuahua to bark pretty much continuously - often for no other reason than they are bored. | AFP via Getty Images