Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Barking dogs
How loud is barking dogs?
Barking dogs measures 88.4–100.3 dB, roughly as loud as a motorcycle. At 100.3 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 14 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 88.4–100.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High risk — NIOSH kennel measurement over 10 minutes — above the 85 dB line the whole time |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 14 minutes a day |
| Typical setting | work |
Figures sourced to NIOSH. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How barking dogs compares
On the decibel scale, 88.4–100.3 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Motorcycle 95 dB
- Stock car race 96 dB
- Riding a subway 90–95 dB
- Tractor with no cab 82–100 dB
Everything at this level, with safe exposure times: how loud is 95 dB? →
How loud is barking dogs?
Barking dogs measures 88.4–100.3 dB, roughly as loud as a motorcycle. At 100.3 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 14 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is barking dogs dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 100.3 dB, barking dogs is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 14 minutes a day; use hearing protection beyond that.
Measure it yourself
Decibel levels vary with distance and surroundings. Check the real level where you are with the free online decibel meter — no install, nothing recorded — or see the full decibel levels chart.