Why do dogs howl?

Howling is a long-distance form of communication, and wolf howls can carry up to around 10 km across open terrain. Wolves use it to gather the pack, keep in touch when separated and warn rival packs away from their territory. Domestic dogs retain this instinct, often howling in response to sirens, music or other dogs, which their brains may interpret as a distant howl. Some dogs howl when left alone because of separation anxiety, calling out for their missing family. Breeds closely related to wolves or bred for hunting, such as huskies, malamutes and beagles, tend to howl the most.