Is There a Problem If My Dog Doesn't Bark?

Barking is one method of communication for dogs. They may bark to express a need or out of frustration, excitement or fear. Some dogs are very vocal, while others communicate primarily through body language.

  1. Breeds

    • Some breeds of dogs bark very little or not at all. The Basenji, a small hunting dog of African origins, does not bark but may vocalize with a yodeling sound when excited. Some dogs in the hound group, such as the beagle, often bay rather than bark.

    Vocal Cord Problems

    • If your dog attempts to bark but instead produces a croaking or wheezing sound, he may have a vocal cord problem such as laryngeal paralysis. This disease typically occurs in older, large-breed dogs such as labradors, Siberian huskies and dalmatians. Other vocal cord problems include laryngitis, laryngeal collapse or trauma to the larynx, which can be caused by a choke chain.

    Normal Behavior

    • If your dog is young and healthy but does not bark, this may be normal behavior for her. It is possible that she never learned how to bark from her mother or littermates. If your veterinarian gives your dog a clean bill of health, absence of barking is not a cause for alarm.