Question(s) about barking

[tommykinns]

My family and I are in the beginning stages of researching this breed to see if the Boxer is right for us.

One of my mothers problems with dogs is barking... she plain doesn't like it. But since she is behind us getting a dog of our own, she can obviously tolerate it in situations like someone knocking on the door.

Now, I know that some breeds tend to bark more than others, how do Boxers rank? Do they generally have a tendency to bark out of boredom, being left alone, or when they want something?

Also, can the sound of their barks be compared to other breeds? If so, which ones?

Thanks to all who take the time to answer!

PS: If it means anything, we're considering a female

 

[Krikkit]

Boxers are generally one of the quieter breeds and will only bark on a 'need to ' basis (like your example, someone at the door). There are exceptions - I happen to own one :p Ruben was born a noisey dog and will stay a noisey dog, feeling he must share his every emotion with us verbally :rolleyes: We have had 7 Boxers in total over the years, and quite a few rescues stay with us, and he has been the only one who did not read the book where it says Boxers are not supposed to be overly barky.

Do they generally have a tendency to bark out of boredom, being left alone, or when they want something?

- The will bark out of boredom (as will many other breeds of dogs).
- They may bark when left alone if they are experiencing separation anxiety (as will many other breeds). This can be minimised with some 'alone' training though.
- They may 'back chat' if they want something - I actually think this is kind of cute

Many Boxers will 'sing' (not all). Most of us call it the Boxer Woo Woo - again I think that is very cute and it's something I love about the breed, but your wife may not be thrilled with it ....

When they do bark it's not too bad - nothing like a toy breed yap or a Staffy scream. Just a medium to deepish tone woof. Actually, out of all breeds, I prefer the Boxer bark - some barks can really set your teeth on edge. But then, I've probably become so conditioned to the sound I would not know if it was annoying.

Keep in mind that Boxers are one of the guarding breeds and most will alert by a bark or two.

Good luck with your decision The Basenji is one of the quietest of the dog breeds ...

Sharon

 

[Jan]

Boxers as a rule are not barky dogs. They don't usually bark for no reason. One of the reason that I got a boxer was because they don't bark much. They can learn to bark though, especially if they are left oustide.

 

[Faughtey]

Boru hardly ever barks. I have been encouraging him to bark when someone is at the door. "Who's that! WOOF! WOOF!". He looks at me as though I'm nuts. *sigh* At least he follows me to the door to see who is there. :rolleyes:

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Boxers are generally quiet. But, if encouraged they will bark, and perhaps a bit more than you might like.

As other posts have informed, they don't bark for the sake of barking. When they bark, it is because they have spotted something out of the ordinary.

It may be to alert you that someone is coming, but they may also bark at activity across the street, or nexxt door. A neighbor working in his yard for instance.

They may also bark at a trash bag or can that you have put in the driveway. They may also bark in greeting when you return home and approach the house.

They may bark at squirrels or birds in close proximity to the house if they are looking out the window. But, they don't bark incessantly, or without reason.

They can become quite vocal during play. It can range from whining, to groaning or moaning, (sounds like they're having passionate sex) to barking.

But for the most part, they are quiet.

They can also be taught the quiet command which will stop their barking.


Tom

 

[basak]

Krose will be 3 in JUly and I think I have heard him bark maybe 10 times:D

He does talk back a lot though:rolleyes: I call it the ''b@tching''

basak

 

[douma]

Avra would bark only if someone would knock or stay out of our door
But during playtime she growls and woo woo alot :D

Sophia and Avra

 

[busters mum]

Buster is 10 months and loves to bark at any noises around the house / garden. He is extremly alert and guarding is what he loves to do. Usually he will hear a noise and if he knew it was not any of the family he would bark like crazy and run the length of the house checking every thing out, then beg to be let out to 'parade' out there! Sometimes it could be a visual trigger such as a ballon or some rubbish blown over in the wind, and then he would just stand there barking at it untill I intervene.

However Buster NEVER barks for the sake of it , out of boredom, at us, at other people or on walks. And I am happy with this...But he does often tell me off and back chat me, usually in the form of a woo woo when he wants his dinner or needs to relieve himself!

 

[tommykinns]

Do they howl at sirens?

 

[jnlflip]

Boxers are usually pretty quiet. Mine is a barker, even more than my beagle and they are a noisy breed. I attribute it to raising her in an apartment sheltered from most noises. It was quiet in there and we kept the shades drawn.

I would very much suggest getting the pup used to all kinds of noises and sights while she is young. Then she will be used to it and not bark because they are a normal thing to her. Or you could adopt an older dog where you know the temperment already.