8 Breeds with the Scariest Dog Bark (To Keep Burglars Away)

Some people choose their dogs based on their bark and how intimidating they are. Don’t feel ashamed if this is you as many researchers speculate that this is how humans and canines became “best friends” in the beginning.

Humans can offer dogs food security and shelter, something that can be hard to come by in “the wild”. Dogs can offer humans early warning signs of danger and other defences during dangerous situations.

If this is you, you may be wondering, what breeds of dogs have the scariest bark? Here are 8 breeds of dogs with the scariest bark:

1. German Shepherd
2. Bloodhound
3. Bullmastiff
4. Rottweilers
5. Great Dane
6. Saint Bernard
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
8. Tosa Inu

Most people assume the intimidating bark they hear is coming from a massive dog. Although this isn’t necessarily always the case, size does matter to a degree with intimidating dog barks, which is why you won’t come across a Chihuahua that keeps burglars away with their bark.

There are several factors defining the sweetness or scariness of a dog’s barking. Besides its breed and body characteristics, a dog’s temperament also plays an important role in how intimidating their bark comes across to others.

This post makes comparisons between dogs with intimidating barks to help you decide which dog has the most intimidating bark, or which type of bark will best suit your needs.

Keep in mind that, generally, a dog’s bark should not suffer modification as they get old. This is a common misconception for dogs and their bark. The truth is that a dog may not be losing their bark to age, but rather the fact that they can be experiencing something like hoarseness from over barking.

Since many of the dogs on this list tend to bark excessively as a response to boredom or lack of their pet parent’s attention, keep your dog occupied with regular playing sessions and lots of dog toys (some of which will be recommended throughout).

Related Reading: What to Expect With Boston Terrier Barking

Bloodhound vs. German Shepherd

The Bloodhound breed is one of the most recognizable breeds; it is a dog that appears frequently in police movies where police rely on their Bloodhound to help catch the villain. This is a sweet and easy-to-be-loved companion (in spite of the fact that they drool saliva everywhere).

The Bloodhound is well-known for its ability to follow anyone’s trail even in the toughest conditions. It has an extremely loud barking sound that is predominantly thick. This makes it imperative to train your Bloodhound to not bark when bored or in any instance that is not necessary (unless you don’t mind the neighbors complaining).

Their intimidating barking and howling sound is a trademark that is well-distinguished among other breeds. A burglar or thief approaching a house with a Bloodhound inside is sure to think twice before continuing.

As a dedicated protector, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. The German shepherd is intelligent, fearless, athletic and needs an experienced master who knows how to attract their attention and train them. Otherwise, the German shepherd can turn into a destructive dog with more challenges than a burglary.

In comparison with the Bloodhound, the German Shepherd is a little smaller in size, but it still has a noticeable, scary bark that causes an almost “chilling” sensation. Among the two breeds, the Bloodhound tends to bark more excessively. So, if it’s a burglary you’re trying to prevent, the Bloodhound will be more relentless in their barking and howling when intruders try to get into your home.

Remember, this is a reciprocal relationship. You take care of your dog, they’ll take care of you.

Bullmastiff vs. Rottweilers

The Bullmastiff breed was obtained by crossing the Bulldog with the Mastiff breed. This dog possesses some similar qualities to Rottweilers in terms of height, weight, and lifespan. They tend to be more affectionate and less stubborn than Rottweilers.

Despite being less aggressive, the silent watcher has a scary, thick bark that sounds like it comes from deep in its belly. They tend to bark and howl less than Rottweiler dogs.

The Rottweiler is a breed well-known for its protection and guarding instincts. They are intelligent dogs, but the pet parents are advised to start training them early and during the puppy stages, since this breed is known to be quite stubborn. They are also popular for their aggressiveness and threatening barking, which few burglars would dare to confront.

Great Dane vs. Saint Bernard

The Great Dane is the tallest dog in the world, reaching up to an impressive 39″ high and 120 lbs. The breed has a harmonious, elegant constitution, and their fur is short and glossy.

The imposing appearance of the German dog is the first and most obvious expression of character. They have a strong constitution that is specific to a guard dog, and their both loud and scary barking confirms it.

Great Danes love their parents. They are protectors of children and dislike being left alone. They are a family dog through and through. It should come as no surprise that few burglars would be willing to face a Great Dane should they find one upon entering a home.

Saint Bernard or the “Savior of the Alps” is another impressive dog in terms of both stature and barking. The Saint-Bernard is a dog with a stout, vigorous and well-defined muscular body.

Even though Saint Bernard’s are one of the largest breeds of dogs, it is also one of the most affectionate. This breed has a very developed sense of property and does not become aggressive unless their parents are in danger.

In comparison, both breeds have a similar bark that is frightening, deep and intimidating. Saint Bernard emit a more medium tendency of barking, while Great Danes are more apt to bark loud and frequently. Both breeds will help make burglars think twice once they attempt to enter your home, but Saint Bernard may be a better option if frequent barking is difficult to tolerate for you.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Great Dane

Originally from Zimbabwe, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, also known as the African Lion Hunter, is a handsome and imposing dog with a uniquely independent character.

Their heads are flat and wide with round and bright eyes that give the dog a clever expression. Their eye colour often matches the colour of their nose. If the nose is black, the eyes are dark. If the nose is brown, the eyes are more amber-coloured.

The ears are of medium size and are located at the tip of the head. The Rhodesian Ridgeback body is muscular and powerful (just try a tug of war with one to find out). They have a deep thorax which produces a loud and terrifying bark, a noise that will send burglars turning around faster than an alarm system.

When taken outside, they must be kept on a leash or in a secure yard with a high fence as some of them are not too friendly with strangers. In comparison with the Great Dane, this breed has a significantly lower barking and howling level, but their muscular appearance can be intimidating.

Tosa Inu vs. Rottweiler

The home country of the Tosa Inu breed is Japan. More specifically, they come from the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four islands of Japan. Their character reflects many of the attributes belonging to the Japanese culture and mentality.

This breed is often compared to the Rottweiler in terms of energy level, barking level, lifespan, and health. They share many of the same capacities and characteristics. They tend to have a deep, terrifying bark, similar to the Polish Tatra Sheepdog. You will very rarely, almost never, see or hear a Tosa Inu howl.

In terms of size and strength, the Tosa Inu breed is superior to Rottweilers. Regarding intelligence, friendliness and guarding, the Rottweiler is usually more recommended.

Unlike other large breeds, in the case of Tosa Inu puppies, the deep barking appears in the early stages of their life. A 7 months old dog can be convincingly frightening (a good pick if you’re needing some “security” asap).

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that, generally, a dog’s bark should not suffer modification as they get old. This is a common misconception for dogs and their bark. The truth is that a dog may not be losing their bark to age, but rather the fact that they can be experiencing something like hoarseness from over barking.

Since many of the dogs on this list tend to bark excessively as a response to boredom or lack of pet parent’s attention, keep your dog occupied with regular playing sessions and lots of dog toys.

Related Reading: How To Keep Pugs Stop From Barking