There is a new puppy in my building who, while adorable, is a chatterbox. Every time you come in to the building, leave the building, walk near the building or think about the building, she’s barking at you. I know she is just doing her puppy duty and to be perfectly honest, she’s so cute I don’t imagine I could even consider being annoyed at her, but that pooch has got to be wearing her vocal chords out.

Which got me to thinking about how people can wear their own voice box out. Or even, be born without the ability to speak at all. (Holly Hunter in The Piano, anyone?) So, if people have a voice that can stop working, can dogs? I mean, essentially, the voice box is the same idea, so that led me to wonder, Do All Dogs Bark?

Barking is known technically as the abrupt, harsh, explosive cry of a dog. Essentially, dogs bark as a form of communication. A dog bark can be a warning, it can be a happy sounds or, if we’re being totally honest, it can be really annoying. But, it’s their form of chatter and it’s all part of being a dog. Dogs have many varieties of “the bark” from a soft woof to a very loud growling type of bark to a howl or bay. Each bark means something to the dog. A bark can signify territorial protection, a show of dominance, or an expression of a specific need. If you really took the time to listen, you would see how different they all are and understand that all barks are a bit different.

So, it’s safe to say that most dogs do have an established bark, just like most people speak. However, there are some breeds of dog that don’t actually produce a bark. They make noise of some kind, but it’s not a bark in the standard sense of the word. Non-barking breeds can be found from around the world and not all are recognized by Kennel Clubs, although they may be recognized by other groups and organizations.

The most popular mute mutt is the Basenji. While they don’t bark they do make a lot of other noises, some which have been described as crows, yodels, screeches and even howls. Some almost seem to sing or hum, which can be just as distinctive a sound as a traditional barking dog. Typically these vocalizations are used to signal that the dog is distressed, happy, excited or interested. Different Basenji dogs will “talk” more than others.

It is important for dog owners to keep in mind that dogs can be trained to prevent problem barking, but most owners don’t want to train their dogs to completely stop the habit. Barking is a useful way for the dog to be able to warn the owner of danger, strangers approaching or even that something is wrong with the pet itself.

I’m not sure I’ve really answered if all dogs bark because even if they don’t, all dogs DO communicate in some way or another. Really, when we get right down to the brass tax, you’ve got your barkers, your woofers, your howlers and your bayers. Take your pick.

Images: CaptPiper, greeblie, dsbnola

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