If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Hound dogs are known for their unique ‘baying’ vocalizations when tracking scents rather than frequent barking. However, the amount they bark can vary by specific hound breed.
Hound dog owners often wonder if their pooch will bark excessively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the barking tendencies of various hound breeds to help you determine what to expect.
An Overview of Hound Dog Barks vs. Baying
The Distinctive Bay of Hound Breeds
Hound breeds like Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds are known for their unique vocalization called baying. Unlike the typical sharp, loud barks that most dogs make, a bay is a prolonged, melodious howl.
Baying originates deep in a hound’s chest and throat, creating a sound that carries over long distances. Experts believe this allowed hound breeds, which were bred to hunt by scent, to communicate with human hunters when they picked up a trail.
The distinctive bay is an integral trait in coonhounds, foxhounds, and other hound breeds developed to alert human companions during hunts. Their baying helped signal if prey like foxes or raccoons had been treed or gone to ground.
Barking Frequency Depends on the Breed
While baying is a hallmark of hounds, individual breeds can vary in how often they bark.
- Beagles have a reputation for being vocal. Their barks and howls can be persistent when they want attention. But with enough activity and mental stimulation, Beagles will bay rather than bark excessively.
- Bassets only bark when necessary. Bassets make great apartment hounds due to their laidback temperament and infrequent barking.
- Bloodhounds bay more than they bark. They reserve barks for when they need to alert their owner to something important.
| Breed | Barking Frequency |
|---|---|
| Beagle | Frequent |
| Basset Hound | Rare |
| Bloodhound | Occasional sharp barks mixed with melodious baying |
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2020 analyzed barking frequency across hound breeds. Researchers found scenthounds had lower barking frequencies than guarding and herding breeds. But there was still variability between individual hounds.
Environment also plays a role. Hounds left isolated and understimulated have a higher tendency to bark from boredom or frustration.
Barking Levels of Popular Hound Breeds
Beagles: Moderate Barkers
Beagles are scent hounds originally bred for hunting rabbits and other small game. They have amazingly keen noses and will bark when they pick up an interesting scent. However, beagles don’t bark as much as some other hound breeds. Their moderately loud bays and howls are not excessive.
According to the AKC, their merry temperament and moderate voice make beagles agreeable house pets. Still, some beagle owners report their dogs bark when left alone too long or when alerting to noises. Proper exercise and training can curb excessive vocalizing.
Basset Hounds: Low Barkers
The easygoing basset hound is one of the more easygoing hound dog breeds. Developed as a scent hound for tracking rabbits and hare, they use their heavy, low-hung bodies and short legs to follow scents close to the ground. While quite vocal on the hunt, bassets are typically quiet in the house.
Their calm temperament and moderate barking make them a mellow companion. According to Pet Keen, bassets reserve their bays and howls for when they really want your attention or have picked up an interesting scent. But they aren’t known as big barkers.
Bloodhounds: Rarer Barks
Bloodhounds are known for their amazing sense of smell and tracking abilities rather than frequent barking. In fact, these large-wrinkled hounds are quite laid-back and dignified indoors. Used by law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams, bloodhounds are persistent and single-minded when following a scent with loud howls to alert handlers.
But pet bloodhounds typically only vocalize when necessary at home. Their occasional barks are low and bellowing. Early socialization and training can prevent separation anxiety that causes barking.
Dachshunds: Frequent Alert Barking
Dachshunds were bred in Germany centuries ago to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. Their elongated bodies and short legs allowed them to enter burrows and tunnels. This tenacious hunter has a loud, deep bark when they are on the chase or sounding the alert.
Unfortunately, dachshunds are prone to high separation anxiety and will bark frequently when left alone. They also persistently bark at any noise or movement outside. But with plenty of toys, exercise and training, dachshund owners can curb nuisance barking. Their barks are loud but not excessive.
Foxhounds: Occasional Barkers
Foxhounds were bred for endurance and a good voice to bay while hunting foxes on horseback. They do make good vocalizations on the hunt, but are not excessive barkers at home. Their moderately loud, musical bay lets hunters know when they are on the chase.
The mellow, sweet-natured foxhound enjoys human companionship and is typically quiet indoors unless alerting to a noise. Some foxhound owners report vocalizing when left alone too long or when bored. Provide adequate exercise and a stimulating environment to prevent nuisance barking.
Factors That Influence Hound Dog Barking
Age and Energy Level
Younger hound dogs tend to bark more than older dogs, simply because they have more energy. Puppies and adolescents are naturally more excitable and vocal as they explore the world. As hounds mature, their barking often decreases due to lower energy levels.
However, some hound breeds like Beagles maintain their vocal tendencies even into old age.
Hound dogs that get adequate exercise and stimulation are less likely to bark out of boredom or frustration. A good walk or game of fetch can help a high-energy hound burn off steam. Consistent daily exercise and playtime is key to curbing excessive barking in younger dogs.
Training and Stimulation
Hounds that are left isolated in backyards with little human interaction or mental stimulation will likely bark more out of boredom and loneliness. Early socialization and obedience training can help hounds learn when barking is appropriate and acceptable.
Providing interactive toys and puzzles can also keep their minds engaged and distracted from barking.
Well-trained hound dogs that get adequate attention and enrichment are less likely to bark excessively. Rewarding quiet behavior and providing distractions from barking triggers can be effective training methods.
However, shouting or punishment is counterproductive as it can increase a hound’s stress.
Health Issues
Pain, illness or chronic conditions may cause hounds to vocalize more through barking and howling. For example, arthritis, dental problems, ear infections and gastrointestinal issues can all elicit barks from discomfort or irritation.
Have a veterinarian examine your hound if their barking seems out of the ordinary.
Make sure your hound’s basic needs are met including proper nutrition, clean water, shelter and veterinary care. Keep their living space comfortable and free of loud noises. Addressing any underlying medical issues and ensuring a healthy lifestyle can help minimize excessive barking episodes.
Tips to Manage Excessive Hound Barking
Provide Plenty of Exercise
Hounds have a great deal of energy and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A lack of physical activity can contribute to problem barking behaviors. Aim to walk your hound briskly for 30-60 minutes once or twice per day.
Allow them to sniff and explore, while maintaining control on the leash. Tiring them out will curb nuisance barking. The ASPCA recommends increasing exercise before barking escalates into a serious behavior problem.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Reward-based training methods work very well for hounds. When your dog barks excessively, calmly say “quiet” and divert their attention with a chew toy. Once they stop barking for even a few seconds, praise them enthusiastically and give a treat.
Be consistent and they will learn that being silent earns rewards. This positive reinforcement approach should be used every time they vocalize unnecessarily. With time and patience, you can train them to curb their barking.
Give Them Things to Do
Keep your hound engaged and mentally stimulated. Boredom is a key reason dogs bark more than required. Provide safe, durable chew toys which occupy them for hours. Food puzzle toys also keep their minds active trying to earn kibble.
Additionally, a classic Kong stuffed with peanut butter or treats prevents barking by keeping them constructively occupied. Rotate several enrichment items to pique their curiosity and innovation.
Address Any Underlying Causes
In some cases, excessive vocalization indicates an underlying issue causing anxiety or stress. Your veterinarian can check for potential health problems leading to behavioral changes. If barking is attention-seeking, ignoring the hound when they vocalize can reduce this over time.
Consulting an accredited dog trainer can also help identify causes and create customized training plans to control excessive hound barking through positive techniques.
Conclusion
While hound breeds are better known for baying than frequent barking, levels can vary significantly based on breed traits, age, health, training and environment. With proper exercise, stimulation and training, most hounds can adapt to being moderate watchdogs instead of nuisance barkers.
If your hound dog is barking excessively, take time to identify the underlying motivation and take steps to mitigate it. With some patience and effort, you can enjoy your hound’s endearing vocalizations without driving your neighbors crazy!
