Barking vs. Growling — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Barking is a sharp, loud vocalization used by dogs to communicate various messages, while growling is a low, guttural sound typically indicating discomfort or a threat.
Difference Between Barking and Growling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Barking is a common form of vocal communication in dogs, characterized by short, loud, and repetitive sounds. Dogs bark for various reasons, including alerting their owners to potential threats, expressing excitement, seeking attention, or communicating with other dogs. Growling, on the other hand, is a deeper, rumbling sound that usually signifies a dog's discomfort, fear, or aggression. It serves as a warning signal to indicate that the dog feels threatened or uneasy and may escalate to more aggressive behavior if the perceived threat persists.
In terms of human interaction, barking can be seen as a call for attention or an alert mechanism, while growling is a more serious signal that should prompt caution. Understanding the differences between these vocalizations helps in interpreting a dog's needs and emotions accurately.
Behaviorally, barking is often more frequent and can be triggered by a wide range of stimuli, from strangers approaching to a knock on the door. Growling, however, is less frequent and typically occurs in more specific situations where the dog feels a need to assert its discomfort or defend itself.
Comparison Chart
Sound
Sharp, loud, repetitive
Deep, rumbling
Primary Purpose
Communication, alerting, attention
Warning, expressing discomfort or threat
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Emotional Indicator
Excitement, alertness, seeking attention
Fear, discomfort, aggression
Frequency
More frequent
Less frequent
Human Interaction
Can indicate a need for attention or alert
Indicates need for caution
Compare with Definitions
Barking
Often used to seek attention from humans or other animals.
The dog barked persistently until someone came to play with it.
Growling
Occurs during play, but usually in a different context.
The dogs were growling and play-fighting in the yard.
Barking
Can express excitement or a desire to play.
The puppy barked excitedly when its owner returned home.
Growling
A deep, rumbling sound made by dogs.
The dog growled when a stranger approached its territory.
Barking
Used to alert owners of potential threats or changes in the environment.
The dog barked loudly when it heard a noise outside the window.
Growling
Typically indicates discomfort, fear, or a warning.
The dog growled softly when the child tried to take its toy.
Barking
Varies in tone, pitch, and volume based on the situation.
The dog's barking was high-pitched and frantic when it was scared.
Growling
Can serve as a precursor to more aggressive behavior if ignored.
The growling intensified as the intruder came closer.
Barking
The harsh sound uttered by a dog.
Growling
Growling is a low, guttural vocalization produced by animals as an aggressive warning but can also be found in other contexts such as playful behaviors or mating. Different animals will use growling in specific contexts as a form of communication.
Barking
A sound, such as a cough, that is similar to a dog's bark.
Growling
The low, guttural, menacing sound made by an animal
The growl of a dog.
Barking
The tough outer covering of the woody stems and roots of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. It includes all tissues outside the vascular cambium.
Growling
A gruff surly utterance
The desk officer answered my greeting with a growl.
Barking
A specific kind of bark used for a special purpose, as in tanning or medicine.
Growling
To emit a low guttural sound or utterance.
Barking
To utter a bark.
Growling
To speak in an angry or surly manner.
Barking
To make a sound similar to a bark
"The birds bark softly, sounding almost like young pups" (Charleston SC News and Courier).
Growling
To utter by growling
Growled the orders.
Barking
To speak sharply; snap
"a spot where you can just drop in ... without anyone's barking at you for failing to plan ahead" (Andy Birsh).
Growling
Producing a growl.
The growling dog frightened him.
Barking
To work as a barker, as at a carnival.
Growling
A sustained instance of growls or guttural noises.
The growling from her stomach told us she was hungry.
Barking
To utter in a loud, harsh voice
The quarterback barked out the signals.
Growling
(jazz) The technique of producing a low-pitched growling or rumbling sound on a wind instrument.
Barking
To remove bark from (a tree or log).
Growling
Present participle of growl
Barking
To rub off the skin of; abrade
Barked my shin on the car door.
Growling
A gruff or angry utterance (suggestive of the growling of an animal)
Barking
To tan or dye (leather or fabric) by steeping in an infusion of bark.
Growling
The sound of growling (as made by animals)
Barking
To treat (a patient) using a medicinal bark infusion.
Growling
Should prompt caution and understanding of the dog's boundaries.
The owner backed away when the dog started growling to avoid escalation.
Barking
Present participle of bark
Barking
(British slang) barking mad
He’s going to run the marathon in this hot weather dressed as Donald Duck
– he must be barking!
Barking
The action of the verb to bark.
Barking
A sharp, loud vocalization made by dogs.
The dog started barking when it saw the mail carrier approaching.
Common Curiosities
Why do dogs growl?
Dogs growl to express discomfort, fear, or as a warning signal to indicate that they feel threatened.
What does barking typically signify in dogs?
Barking can signify a variety of things, including alertness, excitement, attention-seeking, or communication.
Should I be concerned if my dog is growling?
Yes, growling is a warning sign that the dog is uncomfortable or feels threatened, and it should prompt caution.
Can dogs bark when they are happy?
Yes, dogs often bark when they are excited or happy, such as when greeting their owners or during play.
Why does my dog bark at strangers?
Dogs often bark at strangers as an alert or to protect their territory.
Is growling always a sign of aggression?
No, growling is not always a sign of aggression; it can also indicate fear or discomfort.
Can dogs bark for no reason?
Dogs might appear to bark for no reason, but there is usually a trigger, even if it is not immediately apparent to humans.
Is barking more common than growling?
Yes, barking is generally more common and can be triggered by a wide range of stimuli.
Do all dogs growl?
Most dogs growl as it is a natural form of communication, but the frequency and intensity can vary.
Can barking be a sign of boredom?
Yes, dogs can bark out of boredom or to seek attention from their owners.
How can I reduce excessive barking?
Training, exercise, and mental stimulation can help reduce excessive barking.
How should I respond to a growling dog?
Respond calmly, avoid making sudden movements, and give the dog space to feel safe.
Is growling during play normal?
Yes, some dogs growl during play, but it is usually distinguishable by their body language and the context.
Can barking indicate anxiety?
Yes, dogs may bark excessively if they are anxious or stressed, such as during separation from their owners.
What should I do if my dog growls at me?
Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and assess what might be causing the discomfort or fear.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
